EU

EU trade chief hints at tech transfer requirement for Chinese EV firms

EU Summit Stalls on Ukraine Ammunition Funding

EU leaders ended their Brussels summit without endorsing a proposal to raise €5 billion for Ukraine’s ammunition, despite backing from Kyiv and top EU officials.

EU leaders deplore breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza

EU leaders on Thursday condemned the collapse of the Gaza ceasefire and Hamas' refusal to release the remaining hostages, highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis in the region.

First-time asylum applications in EU fall 13% in 2024, Eurostat says

Asylum applications in the European Union fell by 13% in 2024, marking the first decline since 2020, according to Eurostat. Despite the drop, Syrians remained the largest group of applicants, with significant numbers also coming from Venezuela and Afghanistan.

EU delays first tariffs against U.S. to mid-April

The European Union has postponed its planned counter-measures against the United States over President Donald Trump's metals tariffs, now set to take effect in mid-April, allowing more time for reassessment and continued negotiations between the two sides.

Tight security as EU leaders gather in Brussels

Ahead of the European Union leaders' two-day summit in Brussels, focusing on Ukraine, defence, and the economy, security is tight outside the EU headquarters.

EU donors pledge €5.8bn to Syria as new authorities face crises

International donors at a European Union-led conference in Brussels pledged €5.8 billion ($6.3 billion) on Monday to support Syria’s new authorities, who are grappling with humanitarian and security crises following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

Sweden: EU support could help Northvolt attract new owner

Sweden’s deputy prime minister Ebba Busch has called on the European Union to amend its clean-tech funding rules to help bankrupt battery cell maker Northvolt secure a new owner.

EU approves additional $3.8B aid for Ukraine

The Council of the EU on Monday approved an extra €3.5 billion (approximately $3.8 billion) in financial support for Ukraine, consisting of non-repayable grants and loans, according to a press release from the European Council.

EU extends sanctions on those supporting Russia's aggression against Ukraine

EU Council has extended the restrictive measures targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until 15 September 2025.

Interim government in Damascus to attend international aid conference

The interim government in Damascus will attend an international conference on Monday in Brussels to seek aid pledges for Syria, which continues to face significant humanitarian challenges and an uncertain political future following the departure of Bashar al-Assad.

EU and U.S. have much work to do on trade tensions, EU trade chief says

The European Union and the United States still face significant challenges in resolving trade tensions, with EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stressing the need for further negotiations on key issues like tariffs, subsidies, and market access.

EU diplomats suggest doubling military aid for Ukraine this year

The EU is considering doubling military aid to Ukraine to €40B in 2025, with contributions based on economic weight. A proposal by the EEAS suggests an initial step of providing 2M artillery rounds and using profits from frozen Russian assets to fund aid.

EU pledges 4.7 billion euros to South Africa as Trump brings them closer

European Union leaders announced a 4.7 billion euro ($5.10 billion) investment package during a visit to South Africa on Thursday, at a time when both are on worse terms with the United States than they have been for decades.

EU Commission to suggest flagship projects for defence, draft white paper says

The EU Commission is set to propose key defense projects to boost Europe’s military capabilities, as outlined in a draft white paper, aiming to strengthen cooperation among member states.

EU urgently needs joint approach to defence procurement, Germany's Pistorius says

EU to impose counter tariffs on over $28 billion of US goods

The European Union will impose counter tariffs on 26 billion euros ($28.33 billion) worth of U.S. goods from next month in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium, the European Commission said in a statement on Wednesday.

Ukraine leads global arms imports as Europe boosts defence spending

European arms imports jumped 155% from 2020-24, with Ukraine emerging as the world’s largest arms importer, according to a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report released Monday. The surge follows Russia’s 2022 invasion, which has reshaped global defence markets.

Armenia to create defense attaché positions for EU and Belgium

The Armenian Cabinet has approved the creation of defense attaché positions for the European Union and Belgium.

EU pledges up to €15 billion in additional aid for Ukraine, says European Council president

European Council President António Costa announced at a press conference following the EU security summit that several member states have already committed to providing up to €15 billion in additional aid for Ukraine.

EU leaders pledge defence surge, support Zelenskyy after U.S. aid freeze

European leaders vow to boost defense and stand by Ukraine amid U.S. policy shifts. With fears of a growing Russian threat, the EU explores joint military funding and nuclear deterrence options.

EU expresses concern over disruption of parliamentary work in Serbia

The European Union has voiced serious concern over recent disruptions and violence in Serbia’s parliament, calling on all stakeholders to engage in an inclusive dialogue.

EU defence initiative could mobilise €800 Billion, says von der Leyen

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday that new plans to strengthen Europe’s defence industry and enhance military capabilities could mobilise close to €800 billion (approximately $841.4 billion).

Kaja Kallas will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting hosted this year by Turkmenistan, in Ashgabat, on 4 March.