European Union
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European Union

European Union
European Union
The latest breaking news and stories on the European Union (EU), an economic and political union of 27 member states mainly located in Europe, which accounts for around a sixth of global economic output. Also covering the EU’s relationship with the UK (post Brexit), China and the US, plus commentary and updates on EU legislation, the euro and trade.
Satellite imagery shows Vladimir Putin’s residential complex in Roshchino, Novgorod Region, Russia. Photo: Planet Labs PBC via Reuters
Ukraine war

US Nato envoy casts doubt on Russian claim Ukraine attacked Putin residence

Matthew Whitaker says it’s ‘unclear’ alleged attack on Putin residence happened, as Moscow vows retaliation against Ukraine for ‘terrorist act’.

France

France’s president to skip Bardot’s funeral as Le Pen confirms attendance

TikTok

Poland urges EU to probe TikTok over suspected Russian AI-generated content

Britain

Eurostar to resume services after Channel Tunnel power glitch sparks travel chaos

A power issue halted services between London and Europe, stranding travellers and causing disruption during the busy run-up to New Year.

Travelers disembark a Eurostar train at Gare du Nord after a power supply incident in part of the Channel Tunnel disrupted train and shuttle traffic on Tuesday in Paris. Photo: AP
Ukraine war

Zelensky asked Trump for ‘historic’ 50-year guarantee against Russia

The Ukrainian president is seeking extended US security guarantees, exceeding the 15-year plan under discussion as part of peace talks.

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China-EU relations

Open Questions | Political scientist Ivan Krastev on European vertigo in a post-American world

While melancholy Europe frets that the US and China will shape the future, middle powers are jostling for a place at the big table.

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Serbia

Kosovo’s ruling party wins vote after year-long political impasse

Kosovo’s premier promises the swift formation of a new government after election win.

A voter kisses a poster with an image of Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti on Sunday. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

Trump predicts end to Ukraine war will be decided within ‘weeks’

After meeting at Mar-a-Lago with Zelensky and a ‘friendly’ call with Putin, US president claims a peace deal is closer.

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Keir Starmer

Starmer under fire for activist’s return from Egypt as old posts resurface

Prime minister faces criticism from Jewish groups and Britain’s opposition over Alaa Abdel-Fattah’s return to the UK.

Electric & new energy vehicles

Chilean firms partner to form giant company to exploit lithium

Last month China approved the planned partnership between state-owned Codelco and private firm SQM, which features Chinese capital.

A mining truck loads lithium sulphate at the Atacama salt flat in Chile. Photo: Anadolu via Getty Images
Nordic nations

2 dead as Storm Johannes batters Nordic nations, thousands left without power

One person was killed after being hit by a falling tree near Sweden’s Kungsberget ski resort, police said.

People walk in heavy snow as departures are cancelled at the train station in Are, Sweden on Saturday. Photo: TT News Agency via AP
Italy

Italy arrests 9 suspected of funding Hamas via charities

Among those arrested was the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, who reportedly funnelled funds to Hamas’ military wing.

Ukraine war

Zelensky brings ‘90% ready’ peace plan to Trump in Florida

Leaders will discuss security guarantees and a 20-point plan on Sunday, even as conflicting demands over territory persist.

Open Questions series

Open Questions | Political scientist Ivan Krastev on Europe’s ‘China shock’, US snub

China’s challenge to Europe’s industrial might and the end of coalition with US has plunged continent into crisis. Can it recover, asks Bulgarian expert Ivan Krastev.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Donald Trump

Explainer | Trump vs EU: the European laws curbing big tech and irking US

The US is challenging EU digital regulations, accusing them of censorship and targeting American tech firms.

The EU’s tough tech laws clash with Trump’s stance as fines reshape Big Tech’s future in Europe. Photo: AFP
Ukraine war

Zelensky details US-backed 20-point peace plan for Russia and Putin

Zelensky weighs land concessions to Putin in a US-backed deal, seeking a ceasefire and a demilitarised zone in Donetsk to end Russia’s war.

Social media

US hits 5 Europeans with visa bans in ‘censorship’ row

Former EU commissioner is among those barred as the US targets individuals it says are involved in censoring US social media platforms.

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China-Latin America relations

China, Russia clash with US at UN over Venezuela oil seizures and naval pressure

Venezuela turns to UN as Trump’s oil crackdown intensifies and Caracas advances a law targeting those in support of naval blockades.

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Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, speaks during a Security Council briefing on threats to international peace and security in New York on Tuesday. Venezuela requested a Security Council meeting, citing escalating tensions resulting from “US aggression” against the country. Photo: EPA
Belarus

Opinion | Can Belarus balance relations with Russia, China and the US?

Minsk aims to rebalance its foreign policy towards Beijing and Washington but geopolitical realities prevent a full break from Russia.

Ukraine war

Opinion | How the West’s sanctions against Russia are fuelling a protracted war

For hubs of transit trade from Armenia to the UAE, economic self-interest is best served by having sanctions on Russia in place indefinitely.

China trade

As Germany’s trade deficit with China nears new high, analysts warn of backlash

The widening gap, fuelled by a localisation push in China and fierce EV competition, is fuelling fears of political upheaval and rising protectionist sentiment in Berlin.

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Factory workers assemble cars at a Volkswagen plant in Qingdao, in China’s eastern Shandong province, last week. Photo: AFP
China-Russia relations

Russian LNG shipments to China surge 143% in November, overtaking Australia

Russian LNG accounted for 23.5 per cent of China’s total shipments, cementing Russia as its top energy partner after President Xi pledged deeper ties.

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A liquified natural gas storage tank is seen at a receiving terminal in China’s Jiangsu province. Photo: Reuters
China trade

China’s record trade surplus could prompt protectionist response in 2026: report

American researchers say restrictions on Chinese imports could help create complications for Beijing’s economic growth target next year.

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Education

Opinion | As UK universities lose prestige, Asian institutions stand to benefit

The decline of Britain’s universities and the challenges facing Western academia in general stem from education no longer being treated as a national investment.

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China-EU relations

China slaps tariffs on EU cheese and cream amid trade row

Alleging that European subsidies are hurting Chinese producers, Beijing has imposed fees that look to hit French exporters the hardest.

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China has slapped provisional anti-subsidy fees of up to 42.7 per cent on European producers of certain dairy products, including various types of cheese and cream. Photo: AFP
China exports

China’s rare earth magnet exports to EU jump nearly 60% as approvals take effect

Shipments of permanent magnets to Europe saw a large increase in November, as Beijing begins granting general licences for rare earth exports.

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A rare-earth magnetic bar at NEO magnetic plant in Narva, Estonia. Photo: Xinhua
United States

Trump tariffs push Swiss pharma CEO to urge price alignment with US

Switzerland and the United States are locked in negotiations on the details of a deal slashing a whopping 39 per cent levy to 15 per cent.

India

Why India to Europe trade corridor is stalling even as talks continue

A key hurdle hampering the progress of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor is the lingering uncertainty over Gaza.

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