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 […]
This week, the European Commission has announced that the EU and Australia have signed a new partnership in critical raw materials. According to the Commission, “This MoU is a leap forward in securing more sustainable critical raw materials for the EU, while boosting investment in Australia.” https://x.com/VDombrovskis/status/1795346837161050442?t=g_ukPNjpRCl7PEupMWxD7g&s=19 It further notes that “this partnership aims to
EU and Australia sign new partnership in critical raw materials Read More »
The prospect of the external carbon tariff or “carbon border adjustment mechanism.” (CBAM) which the European Union will be introducing in October is causing ever more debate. The measure is designed to prevent polluting companies from relocating to countries with less stringent environmental regulations, but opponents point at the disproportionate cost to emerging economies. Le
Emerging economies take aim at EU external climate tariff CBAM Read More »
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 »
According to a new report, Niger and China have entered a new oil partnership worth $400 million that will allow Niamey to bolster security measures to face the growing Islamic threats. At the same time, Beijing deepens its regional influence amid shifting balances in global energy geopolitics Italian researcher Francesco Sassi specifies that “Senegal’s new
China enters new oil partnership with Niger 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 »
By Thomas Matussek, Germany’s Former Ambassador to the UK, the UN and India This week, the World Bank announced it would expand the Resilient and Inclusive Supply-chain Enhancement initiative in Central Asia, with the aim of further improving the region’s capacity to produce, refine and transport key resources and minerals. This news has once again
Germany and Kazakhstan: A win-win relationship Read More »
The United Kingdom’s Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) has officially confirmed that Malaysia’s standards to prevent deforestation – called the MSPO – are equivalent to the UK’s. The MSPO scheme, shorthand for “Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO)” Certification Scheme is the national scheme in Malaysia for palm oil plantations, independent and organised smallholdings, and palm
UK officially recognises Malaysia’s environmental standards as equivalent Read More »
A European Union naval mission to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea from missile attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen is expected to be launched on February 19, EU High Representative Josep Borrell announced today, according to Euronews. Borrell stated: “Maritime security in the Red Sea has significantly deteriorated over the last weeks and we
EU launches mission in Red Sea as European energy security hit by Houthi attacks Read More »