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European Union
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European Union

European Union
European Union
The latest breaking news and stories on the European Union (EU), an economic and political union of 27 member states mainly located in Europe, which accounts for around a sixth of global economic output. Also covering the EU’s relationship with the UK (post Brexit), China and the US, plus commentary and updates on EU legislation, the euro and trade.
A BYD Sealion 7 on display at the Baltic Motor Show in Riga, Latvia, on April 24. Photo: EPA
Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese EV makers hunt for idled plants in Europe as they expand global influence

BYD, the world’s largest electric car maker, says it is in talks with Stellantis about using European marques’ idled assembly facilities.

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Ukraine war

‘Stay inside’: Finland warns of drone scare near capital Helsinki

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Britain

Turning over a new leaf: why UK’s green mandate is a win for Asia

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US-China trade war

The US-China trade war is entering a worrying new phase

The US and China are racing to roll out competing sanctions, rules and regulations, leaving firms trapped in a legal Catch-22.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Britain

UK health minister quits, calls for leadership contest to oust PM Starmer

Health Minister Wes Streeting is the first senior minister to quit after days of calls by Labour lawmakers for Starmer to step down.

The Netherlands

France, Netherlands say all hantavirus contact cases negative

Globally three people have died, six are confirmed to have hantavirus, and there is one probable case.

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Ukraine war

Ukraine arrests Zelensky’s ex-top aide as corruption probe widens

Andriy Yermak was named as an official suspect in a sprawling, multi-episode money-laundering case that has gripped Ukraine for months.

Former head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak appears at court in Kyiv for a hearing on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
Ursula von der Leyen

EU won’t ban LGBTQ ‘conversion therapy’ but will push states to act

Such bans already exist in eight of the EU’s 27 nations.

China-EU relations

Global shocks push European firms in China to rethink supply chains

Supply disruptions and rising costs linked to Middle East instability are forcing companies to adjust sourcing, production and investment plans.

2026 Xi-Trump summit

After nearly 9 years, Trump is landing in a totally changed China. Is he ready?

China has strengthened its position since the US president’s last visit, analysts said, predicting more equitable results from any potential agreement.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
China-EU relations

‘Frogs in a well’: Chinese diplomat slams Europe’s ‘outdated’ approach to China

Foreign ministry’s European Affairs chief warns about pitfalls of protectionism, says Beijing ready to address Brussels’ concerns.

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Li Jian has urged Europe to develop greater “confidence” in China and to see the whole picture when trying to understand Chinese development. Photo: Weibo
China-EU relations

German firms in China more optimistic despite Iran war, trade headwinds: survey

Expectations for growth, profits and investment are all up, despite geopolitical turbulence.

Ukraine war

Zelensky’s ex-chief of staff named as suspect in money-laundering probe

Andriy Yermak was Ukraine’s lead negotiator in talks with the US and left during the scandal.

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Vladimir Putin

EU rejects Putin’s idea of role for ex-German leader in future security talks

EU ministers dismiss proposed role for Gerhard Schroeder, who has cultivated a close relationship with Russia’s president.

Former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in 2023. Photo: AFP
Britain

UK targets Russian ‘information warfare’ with new sanctions

Sanctions package hits 85 people and entities, two-thirds of them related to alleged Russian propaganda operations.

Russian honour guards adjust their uniforms in a mirror at the Kremlin. The UK has sanctioned 85 individuals and entities accused of Kremlin-funded 'information warfare'. Photo: AFP
Hungary

Poland’s ex-minister facing prosecution at home travels from Hungary to US

Former Justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro faces prosecution for alleged abuse of power.

Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese smart cars set to control 20% of western European market by 2028: JPMorgan

Amid surging demand for electrification and a worldwide energy crisis, domestic carmakers can benefit from the stepped-up ‘go-global’ drive.

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Britain

UK’s Starmer under renewed pressure to quit as revolt grows

Home secretary and deputy PM reportedly join calls for a leadership transition as several aides resign.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday. Photo: PA via AP
My Take

My Take | The path to the future is renewables, but not in Donald Trump’s America

China is leading the world to make the transition but Washington is stalling under a president whose energy motto is ‘drill, baby, drill’.

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US-China relations

Opinion | China shouldn’t view a tired US as signifying a Europe ready to pivot

As fractures within the US’ network of alliances deepen, China’s strategic window opens a little wider, with some key caveats.

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China-EU relations

Could Spain’s ‘compliment sandwich’ approach to China work for the EU?

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s recent visit to Beijing illustrates ‘delicate equilibrium’, analyst says as others voice scepticism.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (left) arrive at the Diaoyutai Guest House in Beijing on April 11. Photo: Reuters
China airliners

China’s Comac looking to boost C919’s overhead luggage capacity: source

Aircraft maker reviewing new designs to challenge Boeing and Airbus and take better advantage of plane’s slightly wider fuselage.

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A flight attendant welcomes passengers on board a China Eastern Airlines C919 at Hong Kong International Airport last year. Photo: Nora Tam
Japan

Divorced from reality? Japan’s joint custody reform divides parents

Critics call the legal change a ‘cosmetic’ fix for a system that still allows one parent to simply disappear.

Ukraine war

Putin says he thinks Ukraine conflict is coming to an end

The Russian leader added that a meeting with Ukraine’s Zelensky was possible only once a lasting peace deal was reached.

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Hungary

‘Wonderful’: new Hungarian PM Magyar sworn in ending Orban’s 16-year rule

Magyar’s centre-right party defeated authoritarian Orban last month, which will allow it to roll back many of his policies.

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Hungary’s Peter Magyar is sworn in as the new prime minister at parliament in Budapest on Saturday. Photo: AFP
China-France relations

Beijing urges France to respect one-China principle during high-level talks

Top diplomat Wang Yi tells visiting French senior adviser the countries should strengthen a partnership ‘free from external interference’.

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China’s top diplomat Wang Yi (right) shakes hands with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French president, in Beijing on May 8, 2026. Photo: Xinhua
United States

Opinion | Thanks to Trump, the gloves are off. There may be no new global order

With the UN, IMF and World Bank mired in old power structures, universities could be the platform to shape how the global future unfolds.

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Ukraine war

Beginning of the end? Trump announces 3-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire deal

US president says ceasefire will include suspension of all ‘kinetic activity’ and an exchange of prisoners.

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