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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.
The Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is seen on Thursday in China’s Zhejiang province. The nation’s trade resilience has been attributed to its fastest-growing sectors having limited exposure to the United States. Photo: Xinhua
China trade

As China’s US exports plunge, Beijing banks on diversification for 2026 growth

Shipments to Asean and Africa surged to drive a record US$1.19 trillion surplus for China, offsetting headwinds as leaders push to boost local demand.

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China energy security

Can China’s cheap, renewable energy help it outrun the US in the AI race?

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India

Germany’s Merz backs India-EU trade deal during first official visit to Asia

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China-EU relations

China-EU deal on EVs marks rare agreement in frosty relations

The EU will waive tariffs on China-made battery electric vehicles if carmakers set a minimum price that offsets the effect of subsidies.

Photo: AFP
China-EU relations

Opinion | EU-China ties are stuck between interdependence and rivalry

To break the pattern of trade escalations with Beijing, Brussels must move beyond tariffs and invest in its own competitiveness.

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China-EU relations

EU pricing guidelines for China-made EVs

The European Commission published guidance for carmakers that want to set a minimum price for China-made battery electric vehicles instead of paying tariffs.

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Greenland

Greenland says it should be defended by Nato, rejects any US takeover

The Arctic island’s government insists that security must happen through the Western alliance, not via US ownership.

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A member of the French armed forces trains as part of a combined nations military drill in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, in September. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

‘Soft landing’: China, EU see progress in EV dispute with price floor option

Breakthrough follows duties levied by Brussels in October 2024 as part of investigation into industry subsidies.

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Iran

Trump says Iran wants to negotiate after reports of hundreds killed in unrest

Amidst unrest, Trump claims Iran seeks talks, but warns of strong action. Tehran blames the US and Israel, but signals openness to diplomacy.

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India

India’s Modi to host German leader to bolster trade, defence ties

Merz’s visit is his first to an Asian country since he took office, ahead of a planned EU-India summit and as they work on a free-trade agreement.

A poster featuring German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (right) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Ahmedabad, India, on Sunday. Photo: EPA-EFE
My Take

My Take | The days of EU and Nato may be numbered under von der Leyen and Kallas

Europe’s leaders continue to play supplicants to Trump, who may be an even bigger existential threat than Putin with his undisguised US imperialism.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks with the media as she arrives for the EU Summit in Brussels, December 18, 2025. Photo: AP
Greenland

Britain in talks with Nato allies over Arctic security as US eyes Greenland

UK minister says talks on the Arctic ‘business as usual’, while Trump posits having Greenland ‘one way or the other’.

Artificial intelligence

Opinion | The global AI race: 3 scenarios the world must prepare for

From US-China dominance to regulatory reset or systemic disruption, the AI race is heading towards three very different outcomes.

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Trade

‘Sell out’: Irish farmers out in force against EU-Mercosur trade deal

Farmers fear the deal will result in an influx of an extra 99,000 tonnes of cheap beef from South America, disrupting Irish agriculture.

Farmers take part in a protest against the EU-Mercosur trade deal, in the town of Athlone, Ireland, on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Britain

1 dead in UK, 100,000 French homes without power as storms batter Europe

The man died on Friday after a tree fell onto a caravan in Cornwall, while some rail services in Germany remain affected by the storms.

A fallen tree is cleared from a road in St Stephen, Cornwall, England, on Friday as Storm Goretti continues to batter the United Kingdom. Photo: PA via AP
China exports

Goodwill or necessity? Why is China slashing solar and battery subsidies?

Analysts expect policy will signal to Europe that Beijing is interested in serious trade relations and is a good partner.

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China-EU relations

EU agrees to ‘world’s largest’ free-trade zone with Mercosur pact after 25 years

The EU sealed the historic deal with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay to form a 700 million strong bloc, defying fierce farmer opposition.

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US-China relations

US will end China’s dominance of rare earths, Trump adviser Navarro predicts

The president’s trade aide says American innovation will ‘quickly wipe away’ Beijing’s ‘weaponisation’ of critical minerals.

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White House trade adviser Peter Navarro speaks to reporters in Washington in August. Photo: TNS
France

France’s Macron slams US over Venezuela, Greenland actions

The French President condemned Washington’s isolationism after the capture of Venezuela’s leader and designs to take over the Danish territory.

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Ukraine war

Russia slams West’s ‘axis of war’ as Kyiv says US guarantees ‘essentially ready’

Moscow warns ‘axis of war’ peacekeepers potentially being deployed to Ukraine are targets, overshadowing Zelensky’s claim a US pact is almost ready.

Malaysia

Ankara anchor: Malaysia finds Turkey ‘reliable friend’ in stormy global waters

Trump’s tariffs and actions in Venezuela are causing the Global South to look for less mercurial partners, analysts say.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (right) and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim exchange a signed agreement in Ankara on Wednesday. Photo: Turkish Presidency/Xinhua
China-EU relations

Will Trump’s threats to Greenland help bring China and Europe closer together?

The US president has said control of the Danish territory is a national security issue, causing increased alarm among Copenhagen’s allies.

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Donald Trump has said the US needs Greenland “right now”. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

Ukraine’s allies agree to ‘robust’ security guarantees in push to end war

UK and France could deploy troops on Ukrainian territory after a ceasefire, but a big question mark hangs over Russia’s response.

Greenland

Use of US military to acquire Greenland ‘always an option’, White House says

Trump’s preferred option might be to buy Greenland from Denmark, but the White House says military action is being considered.

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Greenland

‘End of Nato’: Denmark warns US against taking Greenland by force

Denmark’s prime minister says a ‘military attack’ would destroy the transatlantic alliance, while Greenland’s leader urges against panic.

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Danish troops during a military drill in Greenland in September. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

Zelensky replaces security chief and hires Canada’s former deputy PM

Ukraine’s president taps elite ‘Alpha’ commander to lead the SBU and recruits Chrystia Freeland to drive economic development.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Chrystia Freeland. Photo: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service via Reuters
US-Venezuela conflict

Who wins – and who loses – if the US seizes control of Venezuela’s oil?

Impact on China may be limited thanks to diversified import markets – but Canada, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the EU could face setbacks.

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Britain

UK begins ‘world-leading’ junk food ad ban to curb childhood obesity

Restrictions on daytime television and paid online advertisements are part of a US$2.7 billion preventive health strategy.

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