Thursday, May 21Thursday, May 21The European Parliament has approved stricter steel import tariffs to protect the EU steel market from global overcapacity. Under the new regulations, duty-free steel import quotas will be nearly halved, with tariffs on imports exceeding these quotas rising from 25% to 50%. The measures, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, apply to all third countries except those in the European Economic Area (EEA). Switzerland, which lobbied for an exemption, was unsuccessful in securing one, though the European Commission is negotiating new quotas with over 20 partners, including Switzerland. The changes align with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and aim to address the EU steel industry’s vulnerability to global oversupply .
The new steel tariff regulations replace expiring measures and are part of broader efforts to shield the EU steel sector from external pressures. The European Commission has emphasized that the updated rules are designed to balance protection with compliance under WTO frameworks . Meanwhile, trade dynamics between the EU and key partners have shifted, with Eurostat data showing a sharp decline in the EU’s trade surplus with the U.S. and a widening deficit with China, particularly in the chemical and automotive sectors . Negotiations on EU-U.S. trade relations are ongoing, with a press conference scheduled following recent discussions .
Yes to digestate, targeted support, and organic products: the measures (announced) in the EU fertiliser plan The European Commission has outlined measures to reduce prices and support European production, but these have been postponed. The response in the chamber was lukewarm
eunews.it · 1 day ago
EU vows support for farmers hit by Iran war fertiliser price spikes
gdeltproject.org · 1 day ago
EU lawmakers adopt stricter steel tariffs The European Parliament has approved stricter steel import regulations to protect the market from global steel overcapacity. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox The measure, which also applies to Switzerland, would almost halve the current duty-free quotas for steel imports. Duties of 50 would be levied on steel outside the quotas. These duties currently amount to 25. + Read about the Swiss steel industry in crisis The protective measure would apply to all third countries with the exception of the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA). Switzerland had lobbied unsuccessfully in Brussels for an exemption. According to the European Commission, the new measures are in line with the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The Commission is currently holding talks with over 20 partners to negotiate new quotas. This also includes Switzerland. The new rules are due to come into force on July 1, 2026. This still requires the formal approval of the ...
swissinfo · 1 day ago
EU and eurozone trade surpluses plummet as US trade flows shrink According to Eurostat data, the sectors that have seen the sharpest declines compared with March 2025 are the chemical and automotive industries. In addition to the narrowing of the trade surplus with the US, the trade deficit with China is also widening
eunews.it · 1 day ago
Press release - Advancement on EU-US Trade agreement: press conference by Chair The Chair of the International Trade committee will hold a press conference after tonights negotiations between Members and Council on the work on the deal around EU-US trade relationsCommittee on International Trade Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP
european parlament · 1 day ago
EU Parliament votes to raise steel tariffs in bid to protect industry
news.yahoo.com · 1 day ago
Lithuania backs Armenias EU bid, foreign minister says in Yerevan Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said on Tuesday that Lithuania supported Armenia in its European Union integration goals.
lrt · 1 day ago
Press release - Steel overcapacity: MEPs approve new measures to protect EU steel market The new regulation replaces measures due to expire on 30 June 2026 and will help protect the EU steel industry from the negative effects of a global steel surplus.Committee on International Trade Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP
european parlament · 1 day ago
Press release - Protecting EU strategic sectors from risky foreign investments On Tuesday, Parliament approved new EU rules for the screening of foreign investments to prevent security risks.Committee on International Trade Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP
european parlament · 1 day ago
EU looks to tackle fertiliser price spike due to Iran war
gdeltproject.org · 1 day ago
Middle East war risks slowing Swiss economy The Middle East conflict, along with soaring oil and gas prices, are likely to slow the Swiss economy and accelerate inflation, according to projections from UBS bank economists. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox If the war between the United States and Iran drags on, oil prices are likely to soar above $150 a barrel, reviving fears of recession. The increase in the price of petroleum products (such as petrol and heating oil) is currently costing Swiss consumers around CHF170 million a month. This corresponds to less than 0.5 of their expenditure, stated Alessandro Bee and Matteo Mosimann in a study published on Tuesday. + Read about our coverage of the Middle East conflict Faced with soaring prices at the pump, consumer morale suffered in March and April, falling to its lowest level for almost two and a half years. On the other hand, the rise in oil prices has so far had little impact on industrial morale, they added. With the prospect of an imminent ...
swissinfo · 1 day ago
Fertilisers price went up 8.0 in Q4 2025 In the fourth quarter of 2025, the average price of fertilisers and soil improvers in the EU rose by 8.0 compared with the same quarter of 2024. Fertiliser prices surged in 2021 and 2022 before declining in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, prices increased again for 4 consecutive quarters. In the final ...
eurostat · 1 day ago
Netherlands planning €1 billion economic relief package; Wont cut petrol or diesel tax The Dutch Cabinet is planning a billion-euro package of measures to provide relief for skyrocketing costs with ongoing tensions between the United States, Iran, Israel, and the Middle East driving
nltimes.nl · about 1 month ago
EU auditors question new fund backed by EU carbon border tax for polluting industries EU auditors argue the Temporary Decarbonisation Fund, designed to channel revenues from the EUs carbon border tax to help heavy industries cope with the energy transition, may do little to drive new green investment.
euronews · about 1 month ago
EU agrees to double tariffs on foreign steel
gdeltproject.org · about 1 month ago
EU Prepares €90B Loan Package for Ukraine, First Funds Expected in Second Quarter of 2026 The European Union has prepared key elements of a €90 billion (around $97 billion) loan support package for Ukraine, with the first tranche expected to be disbursed in the second quarter of 2026.This was reported by the European Commission spokesperson on April 14, according to the Ukrinform correspondent.Speaking at a briefing in Brussels, Commission spokesperson Balázs Ujvári said that the Ukraine Support Loan mechanism has been established, alongside updates to the broader Ukraine Facility program covering 2024–2027.He noted that technical work is ongoing to finalize the necessary framework for releasing the funds, including several core documents required to launch the disbursement process.We will have to finalize the memorandum of understanding, which will form the basis of the macro-financial assistance channel, we will have to update the plan for Ukraine, which underpins the Ukraine Facility, an important channel through which we intend to provide budgetary support to Ukraine, and, given that the package is based on a loan, we will have to develop a loan agreement, Ujvári said.Read moreWorldHow Orbáns Obsession With Ukraine Is Taking Over Election Campaign Apr 11, 2026 15:06 He added that, once these steps are completed, the European Commission expects to deliver the first tranche of funding to Ukraine in the second quarter of 2026.The progress on the loan package comes as Hungarys incoming leadership signals it will not obstruct the initiative. Prime minister-designate Péter Magyar said Budapest would not block the EUs €90 billion support mechanism for Ukraine, while confirming that Hungary itself would remain outside the program.Speaking at a press conference in Budapest, Magyar addressed the issue of the loan, which had previously faced opposition under outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.Read moreWorldA Timeline of Hungarys Moves Against Ukraine Under Orbáns Rule Apr 09, 2026 16:47 I am not sure what we are even talking about. Because in December, at the European Council meeting, Orbán voted for Hungary not to participate in this loan, and the European Council approved it. Hungary, Czechia, and Slovakia are not participating in the €90 billion loan, so it does not concern our country. That is how it was approved, he said.Magyar added that although he plans to discuss the matter with European partners, his position remains unchanged.Personally, I agree that Hungary should not participate in this mechanism. Hungary is in a very difficult financial situation, and our task is to bring back EU funds that belong to us. We cannot take on more loans. But the decision has already been made by the European Council in December, so I do not understand why this issue should be raised again, he stated.Read moreLatest newsEU Freezes €16B To Rearm Hungary After Orbán Blocks Ukraine Funding Mar 26, 2026 13:59 The loan initiative has also drawn attention in the United States, where lawmakers are considering measures in response to earlier delays linked to Hungarys position. Two US senators are preparing legislation that would introduce sanctions against senior Hungarian officials over the obstruction of assistance to Ukraine.The proposed bill, titled Block Putin, would reportedly target officials involved in facilitating Russian oil and gas purchases, as well as those seen as hindering Ukraines access to financial support.The initiative is being led by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis, who head the Senates NATO Observer Group and have repeatedly criticized Europes reliance on Russian energy. Related articles German Chancellor Urges EU to Bypass Hungary and Release Stalled 90 Billion Euro Ukraine Loan Latest news Mar 18, 2026 18:07 Leaked Emails Reveal UAE Network Moving $90B in Russian Oil Amid Sanctions Crackdown Latest news Feb 20, 2026 19:50 EU Leaders Agree on $97 Billion Support Package for Ukraine in 2026-2027 Latest news Dec 19, 2025 10:59
united24media · about 1 month ago
UK steel exports to EU at risk as bloc doubles tariffs and halves quotas Decision to reduce duty-free quotas by 47 aimed at curbing Chinese importsBusiness live – latest updatesThe EU is to go ahead with plans to double tariffs and halve quotas on imports of steel from July, in a move designed to curb Chinese imports but which could damage UK exports to the bloc.The decision by EU lawmakers and member states after late night talks on Monday, will reduce duty-free quotas by 47. Exact country allocations have yet to be determined. Continue reading...
theguardian · about 1 month ago
European Union agrees to double steel import tariffs to 50 to curb cheap inflows from China
gdeltproject.org · about 1 month ago
European Parliament fuels EU budget debate as it calls for an additional 200 billion euros Siegfried Muresan (EPP): Our position is a 10 percent increase on the Commissions proposal. Loan repayments for the post-pandemic recovery program are outside the budget
eunews.it · about 1 month ago
EU Agrees to Double Steel Tariffs The European parliament struck a deal late Monday to cut the amount of tariff-free steel imports to 18.3 million metric tons a year and raise tariffs on imports above that quota to 50.
wsj · about 1 month ago
Switzerland hit by stricter EU steel import rules The Swiss steel industry is facing tougher European tariffs after the European Union tightened import rules to protect the industry. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox EU member states and parliament have agrred that in future the duty-free import volume for steel will be limited to 18.3 million tonnes per year, EU legislators communicated on Tuesday. This is around 47 less than before. + Read about the Swiss steel industry in crisis According to the communication from the EU states, further imports will then be subject to a punitive tariff of 50, twice as much as before. According to the European Commissions communiqué, only the European Economic Area (EEA) states of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are exempt from the measure. Switzerland was therefore not exempted. The various EU institutions had already agreed on this issue beforehand. Bern to negotiate quotas The EC now wants to negotiate a solution with its trading partners that is compatible with ...
swissinfo · about 1 month ago
Russian Pavilion Reopening Sparks EU Threat to Cut $2,2M Funding to Venice Biennale The European Commission has threatened to freeze €2 million ($2.2 million) in funding to the Venice Biennale over the planned reopening of the Russian pavilion, escalating tensions between Brussels and Italian authorities ahead of the 2026 exhibition.According to Euronews on April 13, citing Italian media reports, the Commissions Education and Culture Executive Agency sent a letter to Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco initiating a procedure that could suspend or revoke financial support allocated to the institution through 2028. The Biennale has been given 30 days to clarify its position or risk losing the grant.The controversy centers on Russias planned participation in the 61st International Art Exhibition, set to open on May 9, the outlet reported. The Russian pavilion has remained closed since 2022 following the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The European Commission has previously voiced strong opposition. In a note published on March 10, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen and Culture Commissioner Glenn Micallef condemned the decision by Biennale management.Vice-Premier Matteo Salvini, however, sharply criticized the Commissions position. In the last few hours I have been reading about the vulgar blackmail that is allegedly being carried out by the European bureaucracy against one of the most important and free cultural bodies in the world, the Venice Art Biennale: I will take away your funds because you dare invite Russian artists. We are truly at madness, he said during an event in Milan, according to Euronews. Read moreLatest newsRussias Restoration of Khans Palace in Crimea Causes Irreparable Damage to Cultural Heritage Mar 20, 2026 15:49 Regional officials in Italy have also pushed back. Veneto region president Alberto Stefani called the EUs stance unacceptable, arguing that art should foster moments of cultural confrontation that can become opportunities for building bridges, especially when official diplomacy struggles to find solutions.Furthermore, on March 20, the Venice Biennale Foundation stated that Russias participation in the exhibition does not breach European Union sanctions imposed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.The Biennale, led by Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, submitted all requested documentation to the Italian Ministry of Culture after Minister Alessandro Giuli requested urgent clarification on the matter. The review was intended to assess whether any logistical, financial, or material aspects of the Russian pavilion could conflict with EU restrictions introduced in 2022.Read moreLatest newsRussian Shelling Damages Kyiv WWII Museum at Foot of Motherland Monument Feb 03, 2026 13:04 Italian news agency Adnkronos reported that current sanctions do not explicitly ban Russian artists from taking part in international cultural events. In its response, the Biennale stated that no rules were violated, and sanctions against the Russian Federation were fully respected.However, Ukrainain Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Minister of Culture Tetyana Berezha underline, there can be no place in the cultural sphere for those responsible for destruction, as Russia continues to target Ukrainian cultural sites. With numerous cultural sites damaged, artifacts at risk, and losses among artists and media professionals since the start of the full-scale invasion, they argue that any admission of russian representatives to international art events is unacceptable.During the latest attack on Lviv on March 24, Russian forces carried out a drone strike targeting the historic center of the city, damaging a residential building and impacting sites protected under UNESCO heritage status.Read moreLatest newsUNESCO Speaks Out After Russian Drone Strike Hits Lviv World Heritage Site Mar 25, 2026 17:58 According to the reports, damaged site is the Bernardine Monastery Complex, located within the historical area of Lviv, a site listed in the International Register of Cultural Heritage under enhanced protection.Since the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 100 UNESCO-listed sites have sustained damage, including 44 in Odesa, 59 in Lviv, and the Hryhorii Skovoroda National Literary and Memorial Museum in the Kharkiv region.The damage to Ukraines cultural heritage continued to escalate. According to the Ministry of Culture, in 2025, 307 heritage sites and 261 cultural infrastructure facilities were either destroyed or heavily damaged over the course of the year.Overall, the number of affected cultural landmarks has now reached 1,640, alongside 2,446 impacted cultural infrastructure sites. Among them, 153 are classified as nationally significant, 1,333 as locally significant, and 154 are newly identified heritage objects. The destruction has been recorded across 18 regions of the country. Related articles UNESCO Representatives Assess Damage to Lvivs Cultural Heritage, Destroyed Following Russian Attacks Latest news Mar 31, 2026 14:01 UNESCO Launches First-Ever Special Monitoring for Kharkivs Damaged Derzhprom Building Latest news Dec 12, 2024 16:25 Russias Systematic Cultural Genocide, Destroying Ukrainian Identity War in Ukraine Jan 30, 2025 14:56
united24media · about 1 month ago
EU hikes tariffs, curbs steel imports to protect EU industry In recent years, the steel industry has suffered greatly as a result of international competition and low prices caused by global overproduction: since 2008, an estimated 100,000 jobs have been lost in the sector
eunews.it · about 1 month ago
Lithuania temporarily cuts diesel tax to ease fuel price surge Lithuanias parliament on Tuesday approved a temporary reduction in the excise tax on diesel in an effort to curb rising fuel prices driven by conflict in the Middle East, a move expected to lower costs by about 6 cents per litre.
lrt · about 1 month ago