The European Union and the Philippines have announced the creation of a new Security and Defence Dialogue, deepening their strategic cooperation as tensions mount in the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative underscores Europe’s growing role in global security and its resolve to counter the threats posed by China and Russia. The dialogue, agreed during a joint […]
EU and Philippines Forge New “Security & Defence Dialogue” Read More »
The European Commission has announced simplifications to the implementation of its Deforestation Regulation in response to complaints about the cost of it for businesses. The initiative is part of its more general ongoing focus on streamlining regulatory processes while continuing to apply the overall ambitions of the Green Deal. Regarding EUDR simplification, the Commission published
Doubts raised on effectiveness on newly proposed EUDR simplification Read More »
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Friday that the European Union and India are committed to finalizing a free-trade agreement by the end of the year. Speaking in New Delhi during her two-day visit, von der Leyen emphasized that strengthening ties with India is a strategic priority for Europe. She described the
EU and India aim to seal free trade agreement by the end of the year Read More »
The European Commission has announced it will release 1 million euros on Wednesday to fight bird flu in Vietnam. European Commissioner for Health David Byrne announced this in the European Parliament. The bird flu is already raging through nine Asian countries, where a total of some 6.6 billion chickens live/lived. The number of infections in wild
Bird flu: EU donates 1 million euros to Vietnam Read More »
After securing European Parliamentary support for a second term, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has suggested that EU deforestation rules (EUDR) have complicated the EU’s relationship with trading partners. The EU rules, which impose new bureaucratic requirements on products seen to be linked to deforestation, have led to protest from both the United
Von der Leyen suggests EUDR has strained relations with trading partners Read More »
The recent European Parliament election results have renewed speculation that the implementation of new EU deforestation regulations will be delayed, amid significant opposition to the European Green Deal. A postponement of the EUDR implementation would be favorable for those involved in the palm oil supply chain, from small-scale farmers in Suuth East Asia to manufacturers
A new special report concludes that Western countries could see their influence in Asia rapidly decline without a new approach to the region based on partnership and free trade. Although targeted at European policymakers, the report highlights major risks to national security from third party litigation funding that American policymakers have so far neglected. The
In a speech for the the Institute of International and European Affairs, Sabine Weyand (picture), the European Commission’s Director General for Trade, has remarked that trading partners are increasingly questioning EU’s use of trade policy to act as a “global regulator”. She thereby also questioned the EU’s handling of its deforestation directive, stating: “We should
Revealed: Trading partners ask EU: “Who has appointed you world regulator?” Read More »
India, South Africa, Taiwan and several other emerging economies are looking at challenging the EU’s “Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism” (CBAM) at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had previously warned that India will take “retaliatory measures” against what he considers to be unfair customs tariffs. According to estimates, these would hit
Emerging economies to challenge EU climate levy at WTO Read More »
On 5 March, a World Trade Organisation (WTO) panel has ruled that the EU’s policies of employing indirect land use change (ILUC) methodology to ban palm oil biofuels needs to be changed. A so-called Delegated Act was found to be discriminating against palm oil produced in Malaysia. In response, Malaysian Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk
WTO panel orders EU to change biofuels policy Read More »