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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.
An information panel displays flight details on Saturday at Adolfo Suarez Madrid–Barajas Airport, as Spain’s government said it would establish border controls for flights and ships from Italy. Photo: Reuters
Spain

Spain to start Italy border controls amid Ceuta migrant row

Italy had rejected Spain’s ultimatum to lift checks imposed in response to the migration crisis. Now Spain has announced its own checks.

Ukraine war

Ukraine’s Zelensky makes first visit to Russia-friendly Serbia

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US-China relations

In Focus | Race for UN top job enters final stage: choice may ‘make or break’ bloc

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Artificial intelligence

Europe hails AI gigafactory plan, but industry fears deeper US tech reliance

Brussels’ €30b tender for up to 7 AI hubs already benefits US chipmakers and could result in EU-funded computing capacity being sold to US tech giants.

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Industry insiders have welcomed the EU’s €30 billion AI gigafactory plan, but there is nothing to stop computing capacity from being sold to US tech giants. Photo: Reuters
China exports

Beyond compliance: zero-carbon estates give China’s battery makers a global edge

With the EU’s binding carbon cap taking effect as early as 2028, the route to compliance for Chinese firms could offer a long-term advantage.

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China trade

July trade robust, fresh Chinese sanctions, Unitree IPO opens

This week: July trade growth moderates, Beijing retaliates against US sanctions and services activity growth slips. Next week: Subscriptions start for Unitree IPO, Tencent and Chinese chipmakers report interim earnings, July factory gate prices and more.

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Britain

UK clears Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros

The UK government and the antitrust watchdog both cleared the deal after initially raising concerns over media plurality and competition.

Paramount’s bid still faces hurdles across the Atlantic after a federal judge in California ordered the companies to temporarily pause their merger last month. Photo: Reuters
China economy

Editorial | China’s moves to fuel growth driven by consumption are strategic

Government subsidies for consumer goods can only go so far. Beijing’s first five-year plan to lift household consumption is part of an essential pivot.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong urged to be ‘super partner’ in businesses’ overseas expansion push

Chinese General Chamber of Commerce chief Jonathan Choi says city should invest and operate abroad, while urging annual review of first five-year plan.

China-Latin America relations

Bachelet-led panel urges Latin America not to choose sides in US-China rivalry

ECLAC commission says the region should leverage critical minerals but recognises limits imposed by US security dominance.

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From left, former Colombian president Ivan Duque, former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and ECLAC executive secretary Jose Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs present the commission’s report in Santiago. Photo: ECLAC
Spain

Deadly migrant rush to Spain’s Ceuta was sparked by runaway online rumours

Convinced by social media that Europe was within reach, some 72,000 people surged across the border from Morocco.

People gather along the fence at the site of clashes near Fnideq, on the Morocco-Spain border, on Friday. Photo: AFP
Israel

US-Saudi nuclear doubt, Boko Haram’s AI terrorism: 7 global relations reads

From US arms promises to EU sanctions and USMCA troubles, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in July 2026.

US-EU relations

Is tech the core arena for EU and US disputes? One Chinese prediction says so

Washington’s fury over a US$1 billion fine for Google was cited as the latest sign of a ‘profound shift’ in the nature of the relationship.

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Artificial intelligence

China’s MiniMax curbs overseas use of new AI video model amid copyright disputes

H3 model enters the generative video battleground, but licensing carve-outs restrict use in US, EU, UK and South Korea.

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MiniMax says it will review deployment scenarios and compliance controls before it can authorise use of the H3 model in some major markets. Photo: Shutterstock
Donald Trump

Democratic-led US states sue Trump over latest round of global tariffs

Coalition of 25 states claims president exceeded legal authority in imposing duties on 60 trading partners.

An American flag hangs from a crane at Port Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey. US President Donald Trump slapped sweeping new tariffs on dozens of trading partners. Photo: AFP
Spain

Spain denies intelligence warnings before Ceuta migrant crisis

Madrid rejects claims of ignored reports after tens of thousands surged into Spanish exclave in Africa.

Britain

France condemns Farage-led plan to deploy British navy against Channel migrants

Paris warns pushback operation would breach international law as hard-right party vows to return small boats.

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Technology

Opinion | Can we govern AI in a fragmented world before it’s too late?

While the US, EU and China offer different approaches, all recognise that AI is too powerful and pervasive to be treated as ordinary tech.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Spain

Death toll from migrant rush into Spanish enclave of Ceuta reaches 72

More bodies recovered near shoreline following mass movement of 50,000 people across Moroccan border.

Climate change

2 crew members dead after firefighting helicopters collide in Greece

The crew members, from Greece, Denmark and the UK, had been battling a major wildfire west of Athens on Sunday when the crash happened.

Climate change

Climate crisis: Hungary closes nuclear power plant, Greece wildfires spread

Sustained drought is affecting the lives of many, with so-called megafires among multiple consequences of the extreme weather.

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Paks Nuclear Power Plant in Hungary on Friday with the partially dried-up Danube riverbed. Photo: Reuters
China exports

Why US, EU curbs on Chinese power inverters risk upending green supply chains

As Western governments move to end dependence on world’s top producer, analysts warn rapid decoupling could drive up costs and derail projects.

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Staff members assemble inverters at an industrial park in Tongxin county in Wuzhong, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui autonomous region, on February 20, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
Spain

France, Italy tighten borders after 60,000 migrants enter Spain’s Ceuta

France is increasing its border police presence fivefold while Italy has suspended its Schengen agreement with Spain.

China manufacturing

Letters | How China’s zero-carbon factories can shape future of manufacturing

Readers discuss the significance of turning carbon emissions into measurable assets, American expertise in China, and making Hong Kong beautiful.

China-Latin America relations

Chile’s Kast courts China day after US hits exports with forced labour tariff

Chilean president, who campaigned on aligning Chile with Trump, meets Beijing delegation as his party claims Washington cannot be trusted.

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China's ambassador to Chile, Niu Qingbao, and Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast at the La Moneda Palace in Santiago on Friday. Photo: Handout
Italy

Italy halts EU Schengen free-travel pact with Spain over Ceuta migrant crisis

Over 50,000 people had rushed into Spanish territory from Morocco, sparking concern over border security.

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Migrants return to Morocco from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Friday. Photo: AP
Climate change

Hungary braces for nuclear plant shutdown as Danube hits record lows

The power plant, producing nearly half of Hungary’s electricity, uses river water to cool reactors but heatwaves have affected water levels.

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China-EU relations

Exclusive | Top EU diplomat Kallas expected to visit Beijing amid deepest strains in years

It will be Kaja Kallas’ first solo trip to China since taking on her role in 2024.

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