Alcaraz claims U.S. Open crown and reclaims world No. 1
In a historic showdown, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz defeated Italy’s Jannik Sinner at the U.S. Open final on Sunday, earning his second Grand Slam tit...
European leaders are planning high-level visits to Vietnam in the coming months as part of a concerted effort to deepen ties with the Southeast Asian nation amid rising trade tensions with the United States.
The planned visits come at a time when uncertainties over U.S. trade policies could impact exports to America, prompting European nations to seek alternative economic partnerships.
Strengthening Ties in a Shifting Global Landscape
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron are among the leaders expected to visit Vietnam, with discussions reportedly focusing on expanding trade, investment, and cooperation in key sectors. Von der Leyen recently addressed ASEAN officials in Hanoi via video message, emphasizing the need to create new opportunities for trade and investment with trusted partners as global trade dynamics shift. While details of the visits have yet to be finalized, EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic may travel to Vietnam as early as April.
Responding to U.S. Trade Risks
The planned European outreach coincides with growing concerns that a potential imposition of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump could weaken bilateral relations between the United States and Vietnam. Former U.S. President Joe Biden had earlier pushed for a stronger U.S. influence in Vietnam, viewing the country as a strategic partner in efforts to counterbalance China’s rising power. However, the prospect of reciprocal tariffs, aimed at addressing Vietnam’s significant trade surplus with the United States, has introduced an element of uncertainty. As a result, European nations are seizing the opportunity to strengthen their economic and political engagement with Hanoi.
Expanding economic and infrastructural cooperation
In 2024, the EU imported goods worth $52 billion from Vietnam, making it the nation’s third-largest export market. Analysts suggest that any reduction in U.S. imports due to tariff measures could open additional opportunities for European companies. This shift may also support increased investments in Vietnam, particularly as the country looks to diversify its military supplies and enhance public spending on infrastructure. Among major projects is an ambitious railway development plan, with European firms competing for contracts that could further cement economic ties.
A broader development Agenda
Beyond trade and infrastructure, Europe is positioning itself to take on a larger role in Vietnam’s development policy. Following a freeze in U.S. foreign aid under President Trump, European countries are exploring new avenues for cooperation. For instance, Belgium is establishing a fund aimed at revitalizing areas affected by the historical use of agent orange during the Vietnam War, with plans to transform reclaimed land into profitable industrial zones.
As global trade patterns continue to evolve, the forthcoming visits by European leaders to Vietnam underscore a strategic effort to build long-term partnerships that could mitigate risks from U.S. policy shifts while fostering sustainable economic growth in the region.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
Max Verstappen secured a commanding victory at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, taking his first win since May and the third of his season.
India has warned Pakistan of “high floods” along the Sutlej River as northeastern regions prepare for another intense monsoon spell, with nearly 2 million people already displaced, officials said on Sunday.
In a historic showdown, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz defeated Italy’s Jannik Sinner at the U.S. Open final on Sunday, earning his second Grand Slam title of 2025 and a record $5 million first prize.
Hamas said Sunday it received a new U.S. ceasefire proposal through mediators and is ready to resume negotiations.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he may visit Kazakhstan following an “excellent conversation” with the country’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment