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European Union
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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.
Illustration: Craig Stephens
European Council

Opinion | China isn’t Europe’s real problem

Europe’s future depends less on finding new ways to constrain China than on fixing the limitations Chinese competition has exposed.

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China exports

As Europe sizzles amid extreme heat, the hunt for China’s aircon remains elusive

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Serbia

Serbia’s President Vucic says he’ll resign within weeks, amid student protests

France

French heatwave packs hotels as city dwellers struggle to sleep

French people struggling to beat the heat have booked up hotel rooms for pool and air conditioner access as temperatures hit a record 40.9 degrees celsius.

People cool off in the Trocadero Fountain next to the Eiffel Tower as temperatures rise during a heatwave affecting a large part of the country, in Paris, France, on Monday. Photo: Reuters
Donald Trump

Trump threatens 100% tariff on countries that impose digital services tax

The US president singled out European nations in a push against foreign efforts to tax or regulate American tech giants.

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China-EU relations

As I see it | Europe wants a new Plaza Accord for China – seriously?

Instead of hoping for Beijing to commit economic suicide, it would be more realistic for the EU to strike a mutually acceptable trade deal.

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China airliners

China Eastern buys 25 A330neo widebody jets as interest rises in Airbus’ wings

Multibillion-dollar deal marks first Chinese widebody win for the planemaker since 2025, following high-level visits from Paris and Berlin.

An Airbus A330 aircraft operated by China Eastern Airlines is seen on final approach into London. Photo: Getty Images
Britain

‘New normal’: European hospitals overwhelmed by heatwave

Extreme London heat led to the highest ever number of life-threatening emergency calls in a day. French hospitals were also inundated.

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United States

Outside In | US the ultimate loser as Iran war ushers in global power upheaval

Defeated by asymmetric warfare and spurned by allies, the US has ended up boosting China’s economy and standing instead.

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Singapore

Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew seen as cool guy amid Europe’s deadly heatwave

In the midst of record-breaking temperatures, social media users are praising the late statesman’s foresight in embracing air conditioning.

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People cool down near water misters in Cologne, Germany, on Thursday. Photo: AFP
Electric & new energy vehicles

Banking on it: Chinese EVs expand their global footprint

With a boost in global exports offsetting domestic dips, banks forecast significant growth in overseas markets – especially western Europe.

Chinese-made MG Cyberster electric vehicles wait to be loaded onto a ship for export at a car yard in Yantai, China's eastern Shandong province on Thursday. Photo: AFP
China-Latin America relations

EU pitches Brazil a ‘more beneficial’ rare earths deal than US or China

EU’s Jozef Sikela promises refining investment and technology transfer, in a race for Brazilian minerals that the US and China already lead.

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China-India relations

Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

New Delhi says Washington pledged AI access would continue after Anthropic restrictions as the US-led initiative adds new members.

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European Council

Swedish minister brings baby to EU meeting, a first for the bloc

She did so to highlight the benefits of parental leave policies that do not force women to choose between work and family.

Swedish Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari, carrying her baby Adam, speaks to journalists before a meeting of EU environment and climate ministers, in Luxembourg on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

EU releases €3 billion loan for Ukraine’s recovery

The EU has provided €200 billion in support to Ukraine so far, and approved €90 billion more over the next two years.

The hall in which the Ukraine Recovery Conference is held in Gdansk, Poland. The event is both a fundraising forum and a message to Russia that Ukraine’s Western supporters are in it for a long haul. Photo: AFP
US-China trade war

Exclusive | Dutch semiconductor giants join delegation to China as US pushes curbs: source

The Netherlands has protested Washington’s proposed Match Act, which would further curtail its semiconductor firms’ business in China.

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China-EU relations

Opinion | EU and China need a grand bargain to avoid a trade war

A mutually beneficial pact must acknowledge a new economic reality and more fully tap the potential for two-way investment.

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Extreme weather

‘Health impacts likely’ as Europe bakes in early heatwave

France hits record-breaking June heat as soaring temperatures put the UK and other nations under red alert. Tens of millions are affected.

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A woman walks past shops during a heatwave in England’s northern city of York on Wednesday. Britain’s meteorological office has issued a very rare red heat warning - only issued once before - for Wednesday and Thursday, as temperatures could soar to 40 degrees. Photo: AFP
Taiwan

Does Lithuania’s Taiwan pause signal a wider European shift towards pragmatism?

Analysts say economic pressures could force the Baltic nation to recalibrate relations with Beijing.

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Artificial intelligence

Milestones for China’s medical AI as robot wins EU nod and model tops benchmark

Medbot’s teleoperated robot gains EU clearance as Baichuan-M4 clinical AI outshines global rivals in OpenAI’s HealthBench.

China-EU relations

Opinion | Europe was happy with the trade rules – until China’s industrial rise

Beijing should not be accused of trade unfairness simply because Chinese companies have become efficient, innovative and globally competitive.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Fifa World Cup 2026

12 of the World Cup 2026’s oldest players, from Ronaldo to Messi

Should Ronaldo still be playing? Is this Messi’s last World Cup? But neither are the oldest this tournament – Scotland’s Craig Gordon is 43.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are among the oldest players this World Cup. Photos: @cristiano, @leomessi/Instagram
Hong Kong economy

EU and Hong Kong in talks on new financial services dialogue, envoy says

Ambassador Harvey Rouse highlights scope for cooperation on green finance, innovation as European firms explore opportunities in Northern Metropolis.

Britain

‘Sort of a friend’: Trump takes parting shot at UK’s Starmer

US leader offers his thoughts after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces resignation.

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Extreme weather

Heatwave hits Europe: 40 drown in France trying to cool down in ‘climate chaos’

Europe swelters through record-high temperatures with governments having to take measures to try to reduce the impact.

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The temperature in Rennes, western France, on Monday. Photo: AP
China-EU relations

China rejects trade criticism after Merz backs global yuan action

Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang defended China’s exports after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a Plaza Accord-style intervention to strengthen the yuan.

Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang. Photo: Reuters
Renewable energy

Why a Chinese renewables giant is pondering a majority localisation in Europe

Europe has prohibited Chinese renewable power inverters from being used in EU-funded projects, citing cybersecurity and dependency risks.

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My Take

My Take | The end of history has come and gone for Europe

EU bureaucrats thought they had left power politics behind. Now it is coming back to bite them.

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