European Union

Italy's interior minister praised the EU's tightening of asylum rules, viewing it as a victory for Rome's lobbying efforts to restrict migration. The European Commission's proposal to designate several countries as "safe" will make it harder for their citizens to claim asylum in the EU. This development is particularly significant for Italy, as it aims to implement migrant centers in Albania for repatriation purposes.

Ursula von der Leyen warns of escalating trade tensions with the US under Donald Trump, potentially imposing levies on tech giants like Meta and Google. The EU grants a 90-day pause on retaliatory tariffs but prepares stronger measures, including a digital advertising tax, if negotiations fail.

Trump's new tariffs, including a 104% levy on Chinese imports and 27% on Indian goods, have escalated global trade tensions. China and the EU retaliated with their own tariffs. While Trump claimed foreign leaders are eager to negotiate, his remarks have sparked criticism, especially as markets and economies suffer from the fallout.

The european union has decided to halt its tariffs on goods from the United States for 90 days. This follows a similar move by US President Donald Trump. Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, confirmed this suspension to allow trade negotiations. However, she warned that countermeasures will be taken if talks fail.

Premier Li Qiang affirmed China's capacity to manage economic challenges amidst US tariffs, assuring Ursula von der Leyen of the nation's policy reserves and confidence in sustained growth. During their call, both leaders explored ways to stabilize the global economy following disruptions caused by US trade measures.

President Trump dismissed the EU's offer to eliminate tariffs on industrial goods, including cars, deeming it insufficient to rectify the trade imbalance. He accused the EU of forming to disadvantage the US in trade, citing the influx of European cars while American cars face barriers. Last week, Trump announced a 20 per cent tariff on European goods.

Hungarian lawmakers are poised to vote on a constitutional amendment that critics say restricts LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms of assembly. The amendment, expected to pass, codifies a ban on LGBTQ+ public events, including Budapest Pride, and denies the gender identities of transgender and intersex individuals. It also allows for citizenship suspension for those deemed threats to national security.

Representative Rigzin Genkhang and EU Advocacy Officer Tenzin Phuntsok met with MEPs in Brussels, urgently addressing the worsening human rights situation in Tibet under Chinese rule. They highlighted the suspicious death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje and called for increased European advocacy. MEPs expressed concern and pledged to raise the issue, reaffirming their support for Tibetan human rights and the Central Tibetan Administration's middle way approach.

Ukraine presented captured Chinese nationals to the media, alleging their involvement in the Russian military campaign despite China's claims of neutrality. Kyiv's move, potentially violating international law, aims to highlight Beijing's role and influence global perceptions amid escalating US-China tensions and warming EU-China ties.

Amidst ongoing trade tensions, President Trump acknowledged potential "transition costs" from his tariff policies, aiming to reshape the global economy by incentivizing US-based manufacturing. Despite raising tariffs on China, including those impacting fentanyl production, Trump expressed optimism for a future agreement. China retaliated with increased tariffs on American goods, while the EU paused planned countermeasures to allow for negotiations.

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India from the US after a 15-year legal battle. The NIA will take custody, with a special public prosecutor appointed for the trial.

Serbian students cycled over 1,300 kilometers to Strasbourg, seeking EU attention to their protests against corruption and democratic backsliding in Serbia. They were greeted by supporters, highlighting their monthslong anti-graft movement triggered by a deadly train station collapse. The students aim to address the Council of Europe and European Parliament, criticizing the EU's lukewarm response to Vucic's government.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Western nations to support multilateralism and open cooperation during Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's visit, amidst escalating trade tensions with the US. Sanchez's trip aims to boost Chinese investment and foster balanced EU-China relations, as Spain seeks to diversify markets and navigate US tariffs, emphasizing the need for dialogue between China and the US.

India and the US are unlikely to adopt a 'zero-for-zero' tariff strategy in their bilateral trade agreement due to differing economic development stages. Instead, they are pursuing a comprehensive package deal covering goods, services, and non-tariff barriers, aiming to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Negotiations began in March, with sector-specific discussions planned following preliminary talks.

President Droupadi Murmu's Portugal visit was marked by cultural appreciation and strengthened ties. Rão Kyao's performance of Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajan at a state banquet highlighted the cultural connection. Murmu received Lisbon's 'City Key of Honour' and emphasized India's goal to become a developed nation by 2047.