Shameful. And dangerous. And this is not about a few tonnes of wheat. This is dangerous for the European Union as a polity. This is dangerous for its standing as a global trading power.
Internal EU politics
Autumn 2023: Economic security, climate policy to dominate EU trade agenda
As autumn lurks around the corner in Europe, the EU will be aiming to finalise major remaining legislative files before the institutions break for European elections during the spring 2024. Economic security and finalising an ambitious von der Leyen commission ‘sustainable’ trade agenda will be at the top of Brussels’ …
Corporate sustainability due diligence: MEPs make it harder to sue directors
The European Parliament voted on the high-profile Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence directive. The voting contest involved extra last-minute centre-right amendments in plenary. The single one adopted in the end could, if it survives inter-institutional negotiations, make it harder to sue company directors.
Week in Brussels: China and sovereignty on Europe Day, hazardous chemicals
Europe is becoming a new geopolitical battleground in the US China rivalry. Is it mere coincidence that China’s foreign minister Qin Gang was touring the European Union as the EU celebrated ‘Europe Day’ on Tuesday?
Opinion: Stop obsessing about Washington, make better climate, China policies
The European Commission obtained very little from Washington in terms of concessions on the Inflation Reduction Act this week. There is in fact, little the EU can do to see the United States change course. In many ways the whole diplomatic episode around US clean tech subsidies that began in …
EU trade ministers eye export control coordination
An overview of what trade ministers discussed at their informal gathering today in Stockholm.
EU trade minister Stockholm meeting: what to expect
EU trade ministers will gather outside Stockholm at the end of this week at a time when trade appears to be rising to the top of the political agenda once again in Europe.
Week in Brussels: Swedish EU presidency, India FTA, Singapore digital deal, Chile FTA text, Russia sanctions
Below, a few key developments in EU trade this week as we await the outcome of a jumbo-trilogue on the EU’s climate package that will decide on the final shape of the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism. By Rob Francis and Iana Dreyer.
German parliament approves CETA
Germany is the first among the ‘big’ EU member states to be on track to ratify the trade agreement with Canada commonly known as CETA. The country’s parliament’s ratification approval today comes after years of domestic debate and many misgivings in Germany about the trade agreement – in particular its …
Irish supreme court ruling says CETA ratification requires referendum
The Supreme Court of Ireland today ruled that the EU’s trade agreement with Canada cannot be ratified without a referendum. But it also said that a referendum could be avoided if the Irish parliament agrees to make certain amendments to the Irish 2010 arbitration act.
