TOPIC

/ people

Ursula von der Leyen

Ursula von der Leyen is a prominent German politician currently serving as President of the European Commission, a role she has held since 2019. She was re-elected for a second term in July 2024. Prior to this influential European position, she had a distinguished career in German federal politics, notably as Minister for Family Affairs and Youth (2005-2009), Minister for Labour and Social Affairs (2009-2013) and the first female Minister for Defence (2013-2019). A medical doctor by training, her leadership at the Commission has focused on initiatives like the European Green Deal and coordinating the EU’s response to global challenges.

Ursula von der Leyen

EU sets China October deadline for ‘tangible results’ after key trade talks

Marathon session in Brussels sees Beijing agreeing to establish a ‘joint monitoring mechanism of trade flows’ to help ease economic tensions.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | China isn’t Europe’s real problem

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

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.

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.

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.

Germany backs EU’s tough China line with call for ‘Plaza Accord’ talks on yuan

European Commission on a mission to craft tools to tackle what the bloc sees as China’s industrial excesses.

EU nations ready to battle ‘China Shock 2.0’ with tough new strategy

Broad coalition of EU members support new trade strategy to prevent China causing European deindustrialisation as key Brussels summit looms.

EU bows to Trump pressure on tariffs but warns of future chaos

Trump has threatened ‘much higher’ levies if the EU does not remove import duties on US industrial goods by July 4.

Trump urges Russia to make deal with Ukraine after meeting Zelensky at G7

US president says ‘gonna do whatever I can’ as Europe presses Trump for more support.

EU says China trained Russian troops as bloc weighs tougher stance on Beijing

Kallas cites verified reports of Chinese training for Russian forces as Brussels weighs sanctions and new trade measures.

EU needs a ‘dedicated instrument’ to unwind China dependencies, trade chief says

The bloc may force companies to diversify their suppliers, after Beijing’s use of export controls put pressure on EU industry.

EU, China hold talks as trade war looms

China trade envoy Li Chenggang is to meet EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic to set up a platform for discussing trade and investment as Europe considers a tougher approach to stem a flood of low-cost Chinese imports.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | EU and China set for Paris talks this week as trade war fears mount

Bloc puts ‘carrot-and-stick’ approach to test in high-stakes meeting with Beijing’s international trade envoy on sidelines of OECD meeting.

As EU mulls trade tools, China vows to take steps against any new restrictions

While warning of retaliation against ‘new trade instruments’, Beijing says China-EU communication channels remain open.

Brussels agrees on tougher China trade policy, as Beijing vows retaliation

Trade chief details why bloc needs to take stronger steps to defend itself from what is described as a new ‘China shock’ to its industries.

Nato and Romania accuse Russia after drone hits block of flats

Drone strikes a 10-storey building in Galati, causing an explosion and civilian injuries in an apparent spillover of the Ukraine conflict.

European leaders get ready to ‘act now’ amid rising fears of ‘China shock 2.0’

Ahead of a key debate on Friday, most commissioners said to support a more robust stance and broader use of safeguard measures.

‘Extremely violent’: 2 students among 4 dead in Belgium after train hits school bus

Belgium, ⁠where a dense railway network criss-crosses towns and villages, has a history of accidents at level crossings.

India links up with UAE, Europe on Modi’s grand tour

Seizing on the UAE’s Opec exit and a new EU trade pact, India’s PM looks to lock-in long-term energy supply and economic dividends.

EU won’t ban LGBTQ ‘conversion therapy’ but will push states to act

Such bans already exist in eight of the EU’s 27 nations.

Could Spain’s ‘compliment sandwich’ approach to China work for the EU?

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s recent visit to Beijing illustrates ‘delicate equilibrium’, analyst says as others voice scepticism.

Trump gives EU until July 4 to ratify deal or face tariff hike

US president said he gave EU chief Ursula von der Leyen ‘until our Country’s 250th Birthday’ or tariffs would jump to ‘much higher levels’.

Europe readies trade war weapon amid China export deluge

The EU is devising a new tool to help fight a trade war with China even as it contends with increasing hostility from US President Donald Trump.

Exclusive | EU sounds out industry over new trade weapon against China’s overcapacity

Brussels is polling business groups ahead of commissioners’ meeting but few details of the proposed instrument have been revealed.

UK eyes joining EU’s €90 billion loan to Ukraine

Discussions at a summit in Armenia are a further sign of deepening European defence ties under rising US pressure.

Opinion | ‘Made in Europe’ law sets stage for an economic showdown with China

The proposed legislation is seen as discriminatory to China and could also hurt Chinese interests in non-EU European states.

Trump to put 25% tariffs on EU cars, says bloc not complying with trade deal

The status of the pact was first put in doubt after the Supreme Court ruled the president lacked legal authority for his duties on EU goods.

Opinion | China isn’t Europe’s real problem

Exclusive | EU and China set for Paris talks this week as trade war fears mount