The designated Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz is filling key positions for the European policy of a black-red coalition. Michael Clauß, previously EU ambassador in Brussels, is to become head of the European Department and thus European policy advisor to the Chancellor. Corresponding information from the FAZ has been confirmed in informed circles. CDU member of […]
The latest talks held by Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in Washington did not result in any major progress. The EU side had once again put forward its proposals, for example for an industrial tariff agreement, said Commission spokesman Olof Gill. However, the US representatives had not presented any offers of their own. “We need to […]
Mr. Asmussen, US President Donald Trump’s tariff policy has triggered turmoil on the US financial markets, with many investors withdrawing their capital from shares, US government bonds and the dollar. Do you see large inflows of capital to Europe?European bonds are currently benefiting from the growing uncertainty surrounding US fiscal policy. Since last year, we […]
The EU Commission wants to remain firm in the negotiations with Beijing on countervailing duties on EVs. “Our concerns about Chinese overcapacity are becoming even more serious at the moment,” it was said in Commission circles, adding that China will have to reach out to the EU if it wants a deal.The EU imposed countervailing […]
The EU is suspending its recently agreed response to the US steel and aluminum tariffs for 90 days. “We want to give negotiations a chance,” explained Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. If negotiations were not satisfactory, the EU’s countermeasures would come into force, she warned.US President Donald Trump had previously announced that he would […]
The CDU/CSU and SPD had already sent the most important signal to Europe in advance: The EU partners also hope that releasing the debt brake will boost growth. The coalition agreement, however, contains little real impetus: The probable new federal government is also decidedly pro-European but rarely gets specific or creative. Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz only […]
The USA and China are embroiled in a trade conflict with potentially far-reaching consequences for Europe too. As threatened, US President Donald Trump imposed additional tariffs of 104% on Chinese products. Beijing had previously refused to withdraw its counter-tariffs of 34%. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced that it was “prepared to fight to the […]
French President Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz apparently want to revive the Franco-German tandem immediately after the latter takes office as German Chancellor. As our colleagues from Contexte reported, a joint work program could be presented during Merz’s inaugural visit to Paris. In Berlin, it was said that such ideas were not yet ready for […]
US President Donald Trump had made no secret of his intentions, but the force of his tariff plans triggered shocks around the globe. Share prices plummeted, as did the US dollar. The EU Commission and member states had their hands full the following day, analyzing the consequences of Trump’s sweeping move. “We don’t yet know […]
The member states are struggling with their position in the negotiations with the European Parliament on the so-called plastic pellet regulation. During a discussion between the deputy ambassadors before the second trilogue on April 8, Germany and the EU Commission in particular expressed concerns about the Polish Council Presidency’s proposal, it was reported in Brussels […]