07:00
Nigeria floods kill 21 in Niger state after heavy rains
At least 21 people, including children, have died in floods triggered by heavy rains in Nigeria’s Niger state, officials said.
EU pauses countermeasures following Trump's tariff reprieve
Reuters
The European Union has decided to delay its planned countermeasures against U.S. tariffs for 90 days, following President Donald Trump’s temporary suspension of new duties on dozens of countries.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Thursday that the EU will pause its planned counter-tariffs targeting €21 billion ($23.25 billion) worth of U.S. imports. The move follows President Donald Trump’s decision on Wednesday to ease some of the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, temporarily reducing trade tensions.
"We want to give negotiations a chance," von der Leyen stated on X. “While finalizing the adoption of the EU countermeasures that saw strong support from our Member States, we will put them on hold for 90 days.”
The EU had been preparing to impose the tariffs starting next Tuesday in response to the U.S. measures. It is still evaluating its position on Trump’s 10% tariffs and proposed levies on automobiles.
Trump’s unexpected shift in trade policy came shortly after the new tariffs were implemented, sending a wave of relief through financial markets already unsettled by a growing trade war with China. The move helped ease what had been the worst bout of market volatility since the early COVID-19 crisis.
EU spokesperson Olof Gill confirmed the 90-day delay but did not offer specifics on the suspension's terms. “We are satisfied that our strategy from day one has been the right one,” Gill said during a press briefing. “We are ready to make deals, let's talk.”
The EU’s decision signals a willingness to de-escalate tensions and engage in talks, while keeping its countermeasures ready should negotiations stall.
06:00
Turkic world think tanks gather in northern Cyprus for strategic forum
Think tanks from across the Turkic world gathered in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for the second edition of a major forum focused on regional cooperation, culture, and strategy.
05:00
Morocco fights Tangier wildfires as heat, winds fuel spread
Moroccan firefighters are battling wildfires for a fourth straight day in the Houara Forest near Tangier, as high temperatures and strong winds complicate efforts to contain the flames.
04:00
Macron visits Singapore for defense, AI and trade talks
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Singapore Thursday for the final stop of his Southeast Asia tour.
03:30
Bessent: Big trade deals near, Trump-Xi call could happen soon
U.S. Treasury official Scott Bessent said several large trade deals are nearing completion and that a potential call between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may be needed to resolve complex issues in ongoing talks.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment