53 h. ago Europe confronts Trump’s triple threat on Ukraine, Nato and trade

Officials fear that the US president will play the big issues off against each other over five weeks of wide-ranging talks

Politics

4 d. ago Israel fears the threat of trade sanctions — but is the EU ready to follow through? | Martin Konečný

A human rights review of EU-Israel ties is under way. The results will be significant for both the war and Europe’s reputationAfter many months of inaction and complicity in the face of Israel’s destruction of Gaza, Europe is finally beginning to stir. Tens of thousands of people killed and attacks on schools and hospitals had apparently not been enough. But, along with the blocking of humanitarian aid and open calls for ethnic cleansing, Israel’s actions finally became too severe to ignore, deny or justify. In recent weeks, a cascade of unusually strong statements, diplomatic rebukes and threats of sanctions has emerged from European capitals – each move amplifying the next, as if a long-dormant herd has suddenly jolted into motion.Among these developments, the most significant may be the possible suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement, which grants Israel preferential access to the world’s largest single market. Last month, the Dutch foreign minister, Caspar Veldkamp, b...

Politics

4 d. ago The EU faces a moment of truth. Will it follow through on trade sanctions on Israel – or slide into irrelevance? | Martin Konečný

A human rights review of EU-Israel ties is under way. The results will be significant for both the war and Europe’s reputationAfter many months of inaction and complicity in the face of Israel’s destruction of Gaza, Europe is finally beginning to stir. Tens of thousands of people killed and attacks on schools and hospitals had apparently not been enough. But, along with the blocking of humanitarian aid and open calls for ethnic cleansing, Israel’s actions finally became too severe to ignore, deny or justify. In recent weeks, a cascade of unusually strong statements, diplomatic rebukes and threats of sanctions has emerged from European capitals – each move amplifying the next, as if a long-dormant herd has suddenly jolted into motion.Among these developments, the most significant may be the possible suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement, which grants Israel preferential access to the world’s largest single market. Last month, the Dutch foreign minister, Caspar Veldkamp, b...

Politics

7 d. ago The Guardian view on Trump’s tariffs: the courts have drawn a line. So must Congress | Editorial

The worst of all outcomes would be for US legislators to agree to strengthen the president’s executive powersIf one thing is more challenging to the rule of law than a genuine emergency, it is the invention of a phoney one. Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has upended global trade and international relations, wiping billions off the stock market in the process, by imposing tariffs that he claims are a necessary response to an emergency. Yet that emergency does not really exist, except in the manner that Mr Trump himself has created it.The president claimed, on 2 April, that a lack of reciprocity in US overseas trade arrangements was “an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States”. He claimed that this justified him in declaring an emergency and governing by executive decree under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Congress, which normally has the responsibility to decide U...

Politics

9 d. ago Trump accuses EU of dragging its heels on a tariff deal with the US

Fears of trade war reignited as the American president makes veiled threat on his Truth Social platformDonald Trump said the EU had been dragging its heels “to put it mildly” on sealing a tariff deal with the US, repeating his assessment that his threat of a 50% tariff on imports from the bloc was an “extremely” satisfactory move.He commended the EU for calling to “quickly establish meeting dates” but reignited fears of a trade war with the region by adding criticism of the EU to his statement on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday. Continue reading...

Economics

1 week ago How to stop your marriage ending because you've gone off sex. My lovemaking with my husband of 20 years is mindblowing, reveals HELEN MARTIN... and if you follow my guide, yours can be too

A recent study showed that one in four women over the age of 50 have no interest in sex.

Politics

1 week ago EU 'stands ready to defend its interests' in tariff war with Trump: Bloc demands 'respect' after US President announced 50 per cent charge on European imports

Trump made the threat amid trade talks between Washington and Brussels, warning they were 'going nowhere' and that he could impose the tariffs next month.

Politics

1 week ago Sir Keir warned not to cosy up to EU as President Trump now threatens Brussels with 50 per cent tariffs

The US President made the threat amid trade talks between Washington and Brussels, warning he could impose the tariffs next month.

Events

1 week ago European markets suffer losses after Trump ‘recommends’ 50% tariff on EU, and threatens Apple with 25% tariff – business live

US president Donald Trump reignites trade war with threat to impose high tariffs on European goods, and Apple iPhones made overseasTrump says he is hitting EU with 50% tariff as trade talks are ‘going nowhere’As well as cutting UK energy costs (see earlier), Donald Trump can also take credit for growing the German economy!New GDP data this morning shows that Germany’s GDP rose by 0.4% in January-March, twice as fast as the first estimate of 0.2% growth in the quarter.“The reason for the slightly higher growth compared to the initial estimate was the surprisingly positive economic development in March.”“In particular, production in the manufacturing sector and exports performed better than initially expected.The German economy had its best quarterly performance since the third quarter of 2022, and the reason for it seems to be Donald Trump. As a result of the announced tariffs and in anticipation of ‘Liberation Day,’ German industrial production and exports surged in March.Net export...

Economics

1 week ago Stock markets plunge after Trump reignites trade war risk with threat of 50% tax on EU goods

US president’s fresh plan wipes billions off shares in UK, US, France, Germany Spain and Italy

Events

1 week ago Trump ‘recommending’ 50% tariff on EU, and threatens Apple with 25% tariff – business live

US president Donald Trump reignites trade war with threat to impose high tariffs on European goods, and Apple iPhones made overseasTypical energy bill in Great Britain to fall 7% to £1,720 a year from JulyAs well as cutting UK energy costs (see earlier), Donald Trump can also take credit for growing the German economy!New GDP data this morning shows that Germany’s GDP rose by 0.4% in January-March, twice as fast as the first estimate of 0.2% growth in the quarter.“The reason for the slightly higher growth compared to the initial estimate was the surprisingly positive economic development in March.”“In particular, production in the manufacturing sector and exports performed better than initially expected.The German economy had its best quarterly performance since the third quarter of 2022, and the reason for it seems to be Donald Trump. As a result of the announced tariffs and in anticipation of ‘Liberation Day,’ German industrial production and exports surged in March.Net exports an...

Politics

2 w. ago Gaza latest: Desperate plea for Israel to prevent famine crisis as UN fears thousands more will die

Pressure is growing on Israel as the UK, Canada and France threaten ‘concrete actions’ against the Netanyahu government

Events

2 w. ago BBC 'had Sophie on Eurovision standby as they feared Dr Who star would pull out over Israel'

The allegation comes amid growing speculation over the Doctor Who star's abrupt withdrawal from his presenting duties on Thursday.

Politics

2 w. ago Eurovision fans fear Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa's shock withdrawal is over Israel act

The Eurovision Song Contest grand final will get underway on Saturday night where one country will be crowned the 2025 winner as Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa withdrew from presenting

Politics

last month Martin Lewis reveals 'sensible' phone move all bank customers should be aware of

Money-saving guru Martin Lewis has urged all Brits with a phone to follow one precaution when speaking to their bank - and it might just save you from cash-swindling criminals

Economics