Competition and Industrial Policy

EU’s zero-for-zero tariff bid stalls amid US pushback
A renewed offer to scrap tariffs on industrial goods “won’t fly” with Washington, says an official from one EU country.

German auto lobby proposal sparks renewed debate on EU combustion engine ban

Trump’s steel tariff raise misses real target, says EU

EU proposes junking strict self-driving car rules in Trump trade talk gambit

EU slaps mega fine on Delivery Hero in first no-poach labor cartel probe

Trump court turmoil strengthens EU hand in tariff talks

Berlin drafts bill to tax digital platforms
Countries face losing out on billions with EU set to reject Covid recovery fund extension
Italy, Spain and Poland among those at risk as European Commission prepares to say €650 billion scheme’s 2026 deadline is here to stay.
EU launches major Black Sea plan with eye on defense as Putin hovers
Brussels announces strategy to invest in upgrading infrastructure for military use.
Brazil farm lobby to EU: French retailers are illegally disparaging our meat
Brussels finalized a trade deal with the South American Mercosur trade pact in December.
Germany’s power subsidy plans are probably illegal. That’s unlikely to matter.
The EU is increasingly bending its own rules, giving Germany space to negotiate despite fears that Berlin is disadvantaging others.
Trump threatens EU with 50 percent tariff from June 1
Ultimatum comes hours before crunch call between U.S. and EU trade negotiators.
EU, US to discuss tariff offers on Friday
EU stands by its approach in the talks with Washington, Commission spokesperson says.
Arnault rejects Macron’s call to freeze investment in US
LVMH boss says the government should not “meddle” in his business decisions.
Commission exempts 38,000 companies from 8 EU laws
The EU executive is creating a new category of “small mid-cap” companies as it continues a deregulation push.
EU ambassadors agree on €150B defense lending scheme
European Council President António Costa calls the agreement, “an important step toward a stronger Europe.”
Brussels tries (again) to build its elusive single market
We’ve been here before. Will a Commission plan to tear down internal trade barriers work this time?
Berlin braces for clash with Brussels over power subsidies plan
A leaked memo reveals unease in Germany’s economy ministry.
EU to charge €2 fee for Temu, Shein packages
Handling fee would tackle packages pushed towards Europe by U.S. tariffs.
Brussels wants AI chips made in Europe, tech chief says
Europe is now heavily reliant on supply from U.S.-based manufacturers such as Nvidia.
EU tweaks list of trade offerings to Trump administration
Brussels highlights potential for cooperation in energy, telecoms, steel, semiconductors and cars.
Sex toy vendor complains to EU about Google search rules
British sexual wellness firm alleges drop in sales due to function that unfairly suppresses links to legally sold, age-unrestricted products.
Can defense become Europe’s economic growth machine?
If the continent plays its cards right, the necessity of defense could turn out to be the mother of invention.
Romania must reclaim prize energy assets from foreign investors, presidential favorite says
George Simion wants to tap into deep voter frustration with post-communist privatizations.
Replacing US military support in Europe would cost $1T
European NATO countries would face a short-term “window of vulnerability” against Russian aggression.
‘Pfizergate’ verdict: EU Commission wrong to block access to von der Leyen’s secret texts
General Court judgment could have huge repercussions for Commission president. It’s a “slam dunk” for transparency, says MEP.
Trump’s tariff deals send Europe to the back of the line
Trump calls the European Union “nastier” than China. The EU is taking a deep breath.
EU looks to ease the path for industrial champions to take on America
A revamp of merger guidelines will allow tech, defense firms to argue that tie-ups can help them win on the global stage.
Merz to Trump: Give us ‘zero’ tariffs
German chancellor says as a first step existing levies should be lowered.
Chinese companies bought up European ports — and now Brussels is starting to worry
Chinese firms own stakes in about 30 European ports, and that’s raising security concerns.
EU takes aim at US planes, autos in €100B counterstrike against Trump tariffs
Brussels moves ahead with its retaliation, conceding its transatlantic ties with Washington may be beyond repair.