Analysis: Europeans start to rebel against the prospect of conscription
Blunt warnings that Europeans may not be able to avoid conscription have begun to trigger the first signs of open resistance across the continent.
Trade
Latest reporting and analysis on trade.
EU-Mercosur deal postponement gets mixed reaction after farmers’ protests
The signing of a trade deal between the European Union and South American bloc Mercosur will be postponed to January, officials said, after farmers staged a show…
Farmers cause chaos in Brussels again
Smoke and the sound of horns filled Brussels’ European quarter today.
Cost of European goods for US consumers up 30% in a year
European goods have become around 30 per cent more expensive for US consumers over the past year.
Farmers set to descend on Brussels in Mercosur protest
Thousands of farmers are to take to the streets of Brussels to protest European Union plans for a trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur and reforming agricultural…
EU Finance Ministers seal deal on €3 duty on cheap Chinese parcels.
European Union Finance Ministers today struck an agreement to impose a flat €3 customs duty on small e-commerce parcels valued under €150 entering the bloc,…
As Europe roars against Russia, India doubles down on Moscow
Vladimir Putin lands in Delhi. Narendra Modi greets him with full honours.
German economy will continue to struggle with minimal growth, say leading institutes
Germany’s economy is expected to expand only modestly over the next three years, as structural obstacles, global trade pressures, and cautious private investment…
Industry leaders warn EU over sweeping tobacco tax hikes
A coalition of international tobacco sector companies, including packaging, transport and agriculture, has issued a strong warning to the European Commission.
ECB says EU has ‘adapted faster’ than expected to US tariffs
The European Union has “adapted quicker” than expected to the US tariffs shock, according to European Central Bank (ECB) executive board member Isabel Schnabel.
Allied military support for Ukraine at lowest level since war started
Europe’s military assistance to Ukraine is losing momentum, with new allocations in 2025 on track to fall to their lowest level since Russia’s full-scale invasion…
Flood of EU money headed for Bosnia ahead of bloc membership
Bosnia and Herzegovina has moved a step closer to receiving almost €1 billion in European Union funds after the European Commission approved its programme of reforms…
China-Spain trade deal saves EU country from pork export collapse
New trade protocols including regional tracing, with help from China, are helping Spain’s pork industry survive the economic fallout of a recent outbreak of African…
A new tripolar world order is emerging without Europe
Europe has had a good run.
Danish EU Council’s presidency pushes for sweeping tobacco tax hikes
The Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, pressured by hard-line NGOs, is making a bold, last-minute push to significantly increase taxes on most…
German cities pull plug on ‘too costly’ Christmas lights
Several German cities have scaled back or scrapped traditional Christmas illuminations this year, citing soaring costs and strained municipal budgets as the festive…
‘Don’t worry, we won’t poison you,’ Brazil tells EU
Brazil has told the European Union not to fear Mercosur imports, dismissing claims its products will “poison” the bloc's markets.
India’s Bajaj Auto takes over KTM, Europe’s biggest motorcycle maker
Indian automotive group Bajaj Auto has gained control of KTM, Europe’s biggest producer of motorcycles.
EU struggling to renew its ageing farming workforce
Europe’s farms are facing a growing generational crunch.
Airbus scores major contract with Dubai low-cost carrier for 150 jets
European aircraft producer Airbus has announced the signing of a major contract with Flydubai, a low-cost airline headquartered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Austrian Government to outlaw ‘shrinkflation’ but inflation stays high
The Austrian government said it will introduce measures to curb so-called "shrinkflation".
China clamps down on exports of non-restricted materials, analysts warn
China is tightening its grip on materials Europe needs for sensitive technologies such as defence, despite those materials not being officially restricted.
With the bridge, Salvini seeks to revive Italy’s Lega party
When Italy’s prosecutors temporarily blocked construction of the bridge connecting Sicily with the mainland on October 29, the decision immediately shook the government.
Hungary to sue EU over ban on Russian gas imports
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said today that his government would take the European Union to court over its decision last month to phase out Russian gas…
German exports to US rebound after tariff-driven declines
German exports to the United States rebounded in September after months of decline following the introduction of US tariffs, helping drive a bigger-than-expected…
Too big to fail? Saving Ukraine would cost Europe almost $400 billion
In the history of ideas around war and strategic confrontation, there are strokes of genius, grave mistakes, and everything in between.
Two in five German industrial companies plan job cuts in 2026
Sentiment in Germany’s industrial sector is at rock bottom with more than 40 per cent of companies planning to reduce their workforce in the coming year.
Volkswagen Group posts €1 billion loss for third quarter
Volkswagen Group, Germany’s biggest vehicle manufacturer, lost €1.07 billion between July and September, according to an earnings release.
EU softens tone on smoking products
Brussels has circulated a revised, less combative, compromise proposal for a unified EU position on the World Health Organisation's Framework Convention on Tobacco…
Mercedes tries to reassure investors amid fears of chip shortages
The Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius has sought to calm growing concerns over chip shortages, saying the German carmaker is “covered for now” regarding the essential…