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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.
US President Donald Trump attends the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Thursday. Photo: AP
Ukraine war

Trump sends message to Putin ‘war has to end’ after ‘good’ meeting with Zelensky

Trump’s comments come after crucial Davos talks with Ukraine’s leader, as peace efforts intensify amid fresh strikes and high-stakes diplomacy.

Jimmy Lai trial

Hong Kong slams EU Parliament’s bid to sanction officials over Jimmy Lai trial

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Extreme weather

Storm unleashes half a year’s rain on Athens, leaving devastation in its wake

US-China relations

Opinion | China has Trump 2.0 to thank for emerging stronger in tech and trade

As intense US-China competition becomes the new normal, pressure has strengthened China’s capacity to adapt rather than deter it from its long-term ambitions.

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President Xi Jinping attends a high-level reception to ring in the Lunar New Year at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on January 27, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
India

India, EU ramp up push for ‘historic’ free-trade deal amid US tariff tensions

A trade pact with the EU would offer an ‘alternative market’ for Indian goods amid a fraught global environment, analysts say.

World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos

Watch Trump showcase his ‘Board of Peace’ in Davos

Donald Trump has extended invitations to dozens of nations and hinted at the board’s future role as conflict mediator - with him as chairman.

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Donald Trump

Macroscope | Why Europe struggles to stand up to Trump

Despite being equipped with powerful tools in its economic arsenal, Brussels lacks the leverage needed to keep Washington in check.

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Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte (left) speaks to US President Donald Trump during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21. Photo: AFP
Jimmy Lai trial

European Parliament debates moves to punish Hong Kong after Jimmy Lai conviction

Vote in European Parliament to revoke city’s special trade status and on sanctions to take place Thursday evening.

United States

Trump’s freewheeling Davos speech stirs unease among global audience

Harsh rhetoric from the US leader at forum combined threats towards allies with praise for traditional adversaries during a 70-minute talk.

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Donald Trump

Explainer | What is the ‘trade bazooka’ the EU may use against Trump’s Greenland threats?

Under pressure from the US president, the bloc is considering measures that could inflict billions of dollars of losses on American firms.

A protester holds a placard reading ‘Stop Trump’ during a rally in Zurich, Switzerland, on Monday, before the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. Photo: EPA
Donald Trump

How Asia’s economies could benefit from Trump’s global power plays

Countries such as Canada are looking to diversify their customers, particularly for oil and gas, with ‘a strong focus on Asia’, analysts say.

An illustration shows a 3D-printed miniature model of US President Donald Trump, the EU flag and the word “Tariffs”. Photo: Reuters
China exports

How China is rethinking export-led growth as global trade walls rise

Protectionism is forcing a shift towards balancing exports with outbound investment, analysts say.

Asean

As more nations block Grok for obscene content, calls for Asean-wide curbs mount

The Philippines should push the fight against deepfakes high on the Asean agenda as the bloc’s chair, analysts say.

SCMP Highlights

Chinese carmakers eye Western markets, China-EU dispute progress: 7 EV reads

From a widening gap in US-China electric vehicle markets to Xiaomi’s refreshed SU7, here are seven EV stories you may have missed.

Electric vehicles for export are seen at a port in Hangzhou, in eastern China’s Zhejiang province on April 2, 2025. Photo: AFP
World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos

Macron urges Europe to hit back against Trump’s threats

French president advocates use of the EU’s anti-coercion mechanism against US tariffs, as he warns of moving ‘towards a world without rules’.

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French President Emmanuel Macron, wearing aviator sunglasses due to an eye condition, delivers a speech during the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Photo: dpa
China-EU relations

EU moves to force Huawei out of networks, opening door to wider China tech bans

European Commission plan would make vendor removals mandatory within three years and allow broader curbs if China is deemed a cyber risk.

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United States

Opinion | Why isn’t Trump learning from past foreign policy mistakes?

From Venezuela and Iran to Greenland and Canada, US interventions and threats risk spillovers and retaliation – as history shows.

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Ukraine war

Almost half of Kyiv without heat, power after massive Russian strike

Over 5,600 buildings lose heat in sub-zero temperatures as Russia targets energy grids amid ongoing US-led peace negotiations.

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Ukrainian servicemen shoot down a missile during a Russian strike in Kyiv on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese EV makers’ outlook overseas improves as Europe levels the playing field

Europe’s 33 per cent EV sales growth outpaces the mainland in 2025, while Germany launches a US$3.5 billion subsidy programme.

World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos

China’s He Lifeng warns of ‘law of the jungle’, blasts protectionism, at Davos

Amid escalating transatlantic rifts fuelled by Donald Trump, vice-premier urges global cooperation, free trade and dialogue, pledging to boost imports and open China’s market.

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Russia

Is the Trump-Greenland dispute a win for Russia?

Russia eyes Trump’s Greenland bid straining Nato ties, and while the Kremlin mocks Europe’s dilemma, Moscow fears US unpredictability in the Arctic.

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Protesters take part in a demonstration to show support for Greenland in Copenhagen, Denmark on January 17. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

Don’t expect Greenland crisis to realign EU with China, former US diplomat says

HKU seminar hears that the core task for Brussels is to navigate US-China rivalry while seeking a balance between the two.

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US President Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire for Greenland to become part of the United States. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

Editorial | China-EU compromise over EVs bodes well for trade and overall ties

With the Trump administration turning aggressive towards allies and foes alike, Beijing and Brussels have more reasons to work together.

Donald Trump

Allies tepid on joining Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ as countries study invites

Some leaders sign on to the Trump-chaired body, but initial reaction from two key allies, France and Canada, was lukewarm.

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Greenland

Punch back or punching bag? EU weighs response to Trump Greenland tariff threat

Bloc has been reluctant to act on his various punitive moves, but many now believe that a threshold has been crossed, analysts say.

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A string of national leaders in Europe have come out against US President Donald Trump’s push to acquire Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

Top Ukrainian negotiator says talks with US to continue in Davos

Negotiators move from Florida to Switzerland for talks as Ukrainians reel from Russian attacks that have damaged energy infrastructure.

People enter a tent provided by emergency services for Kyiv residents whose homes have been left without heating during sub-zero temperatures. Photo: Reuters
Greenland

Europe prepares retaliation over Trump’s Greenland ultimatum

Eight European countries consider US$108 billion retaliation and ‘anti-coercion’ tools after Trump vows tariffs on Europe over Arctic island.

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Natural disasters

Recovery continues after 8 skiers killed in avalanches in Austria

Three avalanches across Austria on the weekend killed eight people - all during off-piste ski tours.

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