featured News Trending

TikTok Cooperates with EU Probe on 2024 Romanian Election

By 80 0

TikTok is “extremely cooperative” with the European Commission’s ongoing investigation into potential interference in Romania’s 2024 elections, according to Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier. He noted that TikTok has implemented several measures and maintained open engagement with the Commission.

The European Union opened formal proceedings against TikTok in December 2024, citing concerns that the social media platform failed to sufficiently limit election interference during the Romanian presidential vote.

Regnier emphasized that TikTok’s responsiveness highlights the company’s willingness to work collaboratively with EU authorities, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing regulatory concerns about election integrity.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Western Balkans Press EU for Relief as Truck Blockades Enter Fourth Day

By 73 0

Truck drivers across the Western Balkans continued blocking cargo terminals at European Union borders for a fourth straight day, as regional governments urged Brussels to ease new rules they say are crippling trade. Drivers in Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia began protests this week against stricter enforcement of the EU’s entry-exit system, which they say risks detention or deportation for breaching Schengen stay limits.

Despite the EU saying it is working on a new visa strategy for highly mobile professions such as truck drivers, protests persisted on Thursday. At the Batrovci crossing between Serbia and EU member Croatia, long lines of trucks blocked access to cargo terminals, disrupting a key transport corridor linking the EU with Turkey and the Middle East. Truckers said they would continue demonstrations until concrete solutions are offered.

Serbia’s Chamber of Commerce said nearly all exports from the four countries were halted, causing losses of about 92 million euros a day, with EU-based companies also affected. Montenegro’s president has appealed to EU officials to consider the needs of regional transporters, while Serbia is seeking talks with the European Commission on options such as special visas or permits. Some blockades have eased, including at Montenegro’s port of Bar, but pressure remains high for a swift compromise.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

EU Lawmakers Consider Legal Challenge to Mercosur Deal

By 95 0

EU lawmakers are set to vote on Wednesday whether to refer the European Union’s free trade agreement with Mercosur—comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—to the EU Court of Justice. A legal challenge by 144 lawmakers could delay the deal by up to two years and potentially block its implementation. The agreement, the EU’s largest-ever trade pact, still requires approval from member states before taking effect.

Opponents, led by France, argue the deal will increase imports of cheap beef, sugar, and poultry, threatening domestic farmers. The legal challenge seeks a court ruling on whether the pact can be provisionally applied before full ratification and whether it limits the EU’s ability to enforce environmental and consumer health standards. Court opinions typically take around two years to be delivered.

Supporters, including Germany and Spain, stress the pact’s importance in offsetting trade disruptions caused by U.S. tariffs and reducing dependency on China by securing access to critical minerals. They also note that Mercosur governments are growing impatient after decades of negotiations, making timely EU approval crucial.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

EU Pushes for Greater Independence, von der Leyen Says

By 97 0

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday that the EU must accelerate its drive for independence to protect itself in a rapidly changing world. She emphasized that while Europe prefers dialogue, it is ready to act with unity, urgency, and determination if necessary.

Von der Leyen highlighted that Europe needs its own tools of power, including a strong economy, a robust single market, technological innovation, and the capacity to defend itself. She stressed that these elements are crucial for the EU to navigate global challenges effectively.

She also reaffirmed the EU’s focus on Ukraine, while noting plans to strengthen security partnerships with the US and other allies in the Arctic region, underlining the importance of collaboration in a complex geopolitical landscape.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

G7 and Allies Explore Reducing Dependence on Chinese Rare Earths

By 111 0

Finance ministers from the G7 countries, along with officials from Australia, Mexico, South Korea, and India, met in Washington on January 12 to discuss strategies for reducing dependence on Chinese rare earths. The meeting, convened by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, focused on securing alternative supply chains for critical minerals through measures such as price floors and new international partnerships. No joint statement was issued, but officials highlighted broad agreement on the urgency of diversifying sources.

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama emphasized short-, medium-, and long-term approaches to strengthen non-Chinese rare earth supplies. Proposed measures include promoting labor and human rights standards in mineral sourcing, deploying financial incentives, trade and tariff tools, and minimum price settings. Countries participating in the discussions, along with the EU, represent 60% of global demand for critical minerals, which are vital for defense, semiconductors, renewable energy, and battery technologies.

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil and South Korean Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol stressed the importance of proactive steps, including developing domestic supplies, recycling, and technology collaborations to create resilient supply chains. While participants warned against forming an anti-China coalition, they agreed on the need for urgent action to secure critical minerals and reduce vulnerability to export restrictions, particularly amid China’s recent curbs on materials destined for Japan’s military.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

France Pushes to Delay EU Mercosur Trade Deal Vote Amid Farmer Protests

By 142 0

France is urging the European Union to delay a vote on ratifying the EU–Mercosur free trade agreement, citing strong opposition from farmers and recent protests across the country. The deal with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, signed a year ago but not yet ratified, aims to open new markets for European exporters facing pressure from U.S. tariffs and Chinese competition. However, French farmers fear an influx of cheaper agricultural imports produced under less stringent environmental standards.

As Europe’s largest agricultural producer, France is trying to build a blocking minority of EU member states to halt or postpone the vote in Brussels. While the European Commission has proposed safeguard measures for farmers, Paris has dismissed them as insufficient. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has called for delaying the vote until after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s planned visit to Brazil later this month, arguing that farmers’ concerns have not been adequately addressed.

The debate has exposed divisions within the EU, with countries such as Poland, Hungary, Austria and Ireland expressing sympathy for France’s stance, while Germany and business groups warn against missing a strategic trade opportunity. Italy’s position could prove decisive, as its industrial sector supports the deal but its farming community opposes it. At home, resistance in France is being fuelled by political pressure, livestock disease outbreaks and broader discontent in rural areas, making the Mercosur agreement a highly sensitive issue.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Germany Faces Sharp Population Decline and Rapid Ageing, Says Statistics Office

By 199 0

Germany’s population is projected to shrink significantly over the coming decades, with the national statistics office warning that the country could lose nearly 10 million people by 2070. As the large baby boomer generation ages, Germany is expected to have one in four citizens over the age of 67 within the next decade. By 2038, around 21 million residents—27% of the population—will be of pension age.

This rapid demographic shift is worsening labour shortages across Europe’s largest economy, with businesses increasingly struggling to find workers. The trend is also fuelling political tensions, as debates over immigration intensify and support grows for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has surged in many opinion polls amid concerns about social and economic pressures.

Germany’s welfare system is expected to come under mounting strain, with the ratio of pensioners to workers projected to rise sharply. Currently, there are 33 retirees for every 100 working-age individuals, but in the worst-case scenario that figure could climb to 61 by 2070—leaving fewer than two workers contributing for each pension recipient. Only two out of 27 scenarios envision population growth, and both rely on higher immigration and increased birth rates.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Belgium Opposes EU Plan to Use Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine

By 174 0

Belgium has raised strong objections to the European Union’s plan to use frozen Russian assets to provide a “reparations loan” to Ukraine. Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot argue that tapping €140bn of Russian state assets held in Belgium could expose the country to massive legal risks and potential bankruptcy if Russia takes action. They have called for an alternative approach, suggesting the EU borrow the necessary funds from financial markets instead.

Most EU countries, including Germany, support the proposal, viewing it as an urgent way to fund Ukraine’s defense amid ongoing Russian attacks. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas argue that a reparations loan would strengthen Europe’s position against Moscow and could incentivize Russia to negotiate peace. However, legal experts and Belgium’s central securities depository, Euroclear, caution that lending these frozen assets carries significant financial and legal dangers.

The European Commission is preparing a legal framework to address the plan, but disagreements among member states have delayed progress. Belgium insists on legally binding guarantees to share risk with other EU countries, while Russia has threatened decades of litigation if the assets are used for Ukraine. With the EU summit approaching, a final decision on the contentious proposal remains uncertain.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

EU Stands Firm on Denmark’s Sovereignty Amid U.S. Greenland Interest

By 681 0

The European Union has strongly reaffirmed its support for Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland, following repeated comments from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the potential acquisition of the Arctic island. European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the importance of Denmark’s territorial integrity, calling it an “essential issue” for the EU in an interview on Wednesday. Costa’s statement aligns with the position of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who declared that the bloc would not entertain any negotiations over Greenland’s status.

Trump has expressed that Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, holds strategic significance for U.S. national security, and has even suggested the possibility of using military or economic power to secure the island. The U.S. operates a military base in northwestern Greenland, which functions as a ballistic missile early-warning system. However, both Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected Trump’s claims, with Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede stating that the island’s people should determine their own future.

In response to growing concerns about Arctic security, NATO and Denmark have agreed to bolster Arctic defense measures, with Denmark committing to an additional $2 billion in defense spending. Despite the tensions over Greenland, both Greenland and Denmark have made it clear that the island is not for sale, maintaining their position on the region’s territorial sovereignty.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Britain and EU Clash Over Post-Brexit Fishing Rights in Hague Tribunal

By 451 0

Britain and the European Union have taken their first legal dispute over post-Brexit fishing rights to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The case, which began on Tuesday, centers on whether Britain’s ban on fishing sandeels in its North Sea waters breaches the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). A three-member panel of legal experts from France, New Zealand, and South Africa will hear arguments for three days and deliver a final ruling by late April. The ban, justified by Britain as necessary for ecological balance, has sparked tensions, with the EU calling it discriminatory and disproportionate.

Though the financial impact is minor, with Britain estimating a maximum revenue loss of £45 million for non-UK vessels, the political ramifications could be significant. A ruling against the ban may lead to EU retaliation, potentially straining Britain’s efforts to “reset” relations with the bloc under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Environmental groups and Brexiteers have also urged the government to stand firm, creating further complications.

The case highlights broader tensions between the UK and EU, as both sides aim to resolve trade and regulatory disagreements post-Brexit. Britain is also exploring a veterinary agreement to ease food trade and closer defense cooperation with EU leaders. The fishing ban specifically affects Danish fleets that harvest sandeels for animal feed and oil production, while British vessels do not target the species.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright