French farmers slam Mercosur safeguards as just ‘crumbs’
French farmers and political voices are criticising the European Union’s proposed safeguards for the Mercosur trade deal, calling them insufficient to protect…
Trade
Latest reporting and analysis on trade.
US defence stocks jump after Trump calls for 50 per cent boost in military spending
The shares of US defence contractors have risen to multi-year highs following an announcement by US President Donald Trump that he was demanding a 50 per cent increase…
Farmers in Paris on tractors in protest at Mercosur trade deal
French farmers rolled into Paris on tractors today early in the morning to show of dissent against an EU trade deal with the South American bloc Mercosur they fear…
Greenlandic MP says there is ‘no risk’ of annexation by US
There is no risk of the US annexing Greenland, but the island needs the US to monitor possible Chinese and Russian incursions, Kuno Fencker, a pro-independence…
France says it will not support EU agriculture policy reform
France will not support a proposed reform of the European Union’s agricultural policy, with its farmers facing a worsening cattle disease outbreak and renewed…
Eurostar suspends ‘all trains’ to and from London
Eurostar suspended all trains between London, Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels today after a power supply issue in the Channel tunnel, a spokesperson said.
Danish postal service stops delivering letters after 400 years
PostNord, Denmark's state-run postal service, will deliver its last ordinary letters on December 30, ending more than 400 years of traditional letter delivery in…
Brussels sanctions, fertiliser wars and European farmers paying the price
The tractors returned to Brussels before Christmas. Farmers once again blocked streets, surrounded EU buildings, and made their anger impossible to ignore.
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.
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.