Protecting forests should be in everyone’s interest. But the EU’s deforestation rules pit member states, environmentalists and interest groups against each other. For now, those in favour of simplification and weaker rules have won out.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to follow Australia’s lead in banning social media for children below the age of 16. The EU Parliament and member states agree.
Transatlantic trade ties are strained with Washington and Brussels at odds over how to implement the July tariff deal. The US wants further concessions – and for the EU to give ground on key policy issues.
The US offers lower steel and aluminium tariffs if the EU revises its digital rules. Both Washington and Germany criticise EU tech laws. Progress was noted on the EU-US trade deal and energy purchases.
Europe and Africa seek to deepen their cooperation, von der Leyen stated at the EU-AU summit in Luanda. €120bn has already been invested, with a focus on trade, security, and infrastructure.