trade unions

The European Union is pressing the United Kingdom to raise its tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China, according to a news report. The move would align Britain more closely with EU trade policy, as Brussels has already imposed duties on Chinese EVs it says benefit from unfair subsidies. The report is drawing attention given its implications for UK-EU trade relations and the global EV market.

The European Union and the Philippines have reached a trade breakthrough, and attention is now turning to whether Brussels could pursue a broader agreement with the whole Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Analysts say the Philippine deal could serve as a stepping stone, though an Asean-wide pact would face far greater complexity given the bloc's differing economies and political systems.

A Global Times commentary argues that the European Union cannot solve its energy price crisis through domestic measures alone, and that broader international trade cooperation is needed to bring costs down. It frames high energy prices as a structural problem best addressed through open trade rather than protectionist or unilateral policies.

Trade unions are intensifying efforts to counter what they see as a growing risk from artificial intelligence to their members' jobs. The push reflects broader concerns across labour movements about automation replacing workers and eroding workplace protections, with unions seeking safeguards, negotiations and policy responses as AI adoption accelerates across industries.

The Business Secretary has cautioned Labour against any move to rejoin the EU customs union, setting out a clear position in an internal debate over the party's post-Brexit stance. The warning signals tension within Labour over how closely to align with Brussels, as the government seeks to keep its options on trade and regulation open.

Attention is turning to the likely economic consequences for Germany of a free trade agreement between the European Union and India. Commentators are weighing how reduced tariffs and closer trade ties with India could affect German exporters, manufacturers and supply chains. With negotiations advancing between Brussels and New Delhi, businesses and policymakers are assessing the opportunities and risks for Europe's largest economy.

Adam Radwanski, writing in the Toronto Star, argues that Canada's ambassador to the European Union is laying out the concrete benefits a deeper partnership with Europe could deliver for Canada. The column highlights trade, economic and diplomatic opportunities as Ottawa weighs strengthening ties with Brussels.

Attention is turning to whether the European Union is reconsidering its biofuels policy, a question trade publication Ethanol Producer Magazine poses in its latest headline. Brussels has shifted position on crop-based fuels several times over the past two decades, first encouraging them and then capping food-based ethanol and biodiesel over sustainability concerns. Any new rethink would matter for fuel producers, farmers and climate targets across Europe.

The Financial Times argues the European Union lacks a coherent strategy for engaging close partners such as Canada, calling on Brussels to define clearer priorities for ties with like-minded countries outside the bloc. The commentary comes amid ongoing debates in Europe about trade, security and how to deepen relationships with trusted allies.