European Union

With US attendance in doubt, South Africa and EU seal critical minerals deal, vow to defend multilateralism

South Africa and the European Union vowed to defend multilateralism ahead of the G20 summit, as they signed a partnership on critical minerals. Analysts see a US absence or any obstructive move as an opportunity for South Africa to build closer ties to the European Union and China, its two largest trading partners.

EU prepares major rollback of AI and data rules, sparking backlash over privacy risks

The EU is set to propose easing AI and data protection rules to boost competitiveness, prompting strong criticism from rights groups who warn it threatens Europeans’ privacy.

Economy struggling, European Union decides to gut green rules, cut red tape for businesses

European lawmakers voted Thursday to back the weakening of landmark EU environmental and human rights rules, as part of a business-friendly drive to slash red tape pushed through with far-right support.

Europe’s green rules stir row, draws international flak: India opposes, Qatar warns

Qatar has warned it would stop supplying gas to Europe if the EU would not dilute or cancel its green rules. Previously, India has publicly expressed opposition to some aspects of the EU carbon tax, which has emerged as one of the contentious issues in India-EU trade talks.

India, EU begin talks to resolve FTA issues as trade deal deadline nears

Negotiators of India and the EU on Monday commenced talks to resolve outstanding issues in the proposed free trade agreement, as the deadline to conclude the talks nears.

Belgium Defence Minister suspects unidentified spy drones near Nato Air Base

Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken warned of a possible espionage plot after unidentified drones infiltrated airspace near the Kleine Brogel Air Base, a site hosting US nuclear weapons, exposing major security and surveillance concerns.

As Netherlands waits for a stable coalition, European Union watches on – with baited breath

As the Netherlands struggles to form a stable government, the European Union watches closely, aware that the outcome could reshape Dutch influence in Brussels.

Eurozone beats expectations to grow at 0.2% in third quarter

The Eurozone has beaten expectations to grow at 0.2% in the July-September quarter against the forecast of 0.1% growth.

Jaishankar pushes for early India-EU FTA to ‘stabilise global economy, strengthen democratic forces’

An early conclusion of the proposed free trade agreement between India and the European Union can make a "big difference" in terms of stabilising the global economy and strengthening democratic forces, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday.

'Intense but very productive': Piyush Goyal concludes Brussels visit for India-EU FTA talks

Piyush Goyal concluded his two-day Brussels visit after productive meetings with EU officials, marking progress in advancing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement