Stories from Brussels · Belgium

The European Commission stated that the deal with the United States does not require the EU to lower safety standards. The response follows the announcement of potential tax hikes on these specific sectors. German MEP Bern Lange, chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Trade, criticized President Donald Trump's tariff announcement. The move is seen as a challenge to the German economy. The European Commission is currently reviewing the situation. The EU has agreed to erase levies on U.S. industrial goods in exchange for a 15% tariff ceiling on most EU products. Dan Schwartzman reported the development on Bloomberg Radio. This follows a US Supreme Court ruling in February that declared certain Trump tariffs illegal. The ratification process for the agreement is currently ongoing despite a temporary pause by the European Parliament.

The European Union is increasing import tariffs on automobiles from the United States. Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Cuba and suggested sending ships to its shores. He also accused German automakers of deceiving Americans and threatened 25% tariffs on EU auto imports. US Army facilities are expected to remain in Germany despite the tariff dispute. This action is part of his broader strategy concerning trade commitments and alleged abuses of human rights. He has also indicated that the US might be better off if it did not engage in certain international dialogues. Donald Trump is reportedly unhappy with Italy and Spain. This action could make sales to Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates necessary. He announced an increase in customs duties on European cars imported into the United States due to this non-compliance.

Belgian educators and scientists have denounced a new book that contests Darwin's theory of evolution. The author claims species have not changed since their appearance and were created by a divine entity.

Products from the Mercosul trade bloc will be required to comply with European safety standards. Mercosul products are required to comply with European Union safety standards under the trade agreement. The deal involves 8.5 billion euros in trade and services for 2024.

The Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission met via videoconference with Mercosul leaders this afternoon. The meeting marked the beginning of a new market involving 700 million consumers.

New European Union regulations have introduced maximum concentration limits for substances including silver and salicylate. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety data indicates these limits aim to restrict potentially harmful substances.

European Parliament Trade Committee Chair Brando Lange stated the European Union is preparing a new legislative year to address customs issues with the United States. Lange said the EU must respond with clarity and firmness based on their position.

The European Commission has promised to strengthen controls on sugar volumes and production standards in South America and major European ports. The initiative involves 180,000 tonnes of sugar at a zero percent rate. European industrial manufacturers, particularly German carmakers, hope the agreement will open new markets in Latin America without customs obstacles. The European automotive industry currently employs 13 million people. Donald Trump and the President of the European Commission have agreed to a 15 percent upper limit on most EU goods imported into the United States. In exchange, the EU committed to completely removing tariffs on US industrial goods. The EU will also facilitate market access for US agricultural products. The Chairman of the EU Parliament Trade Committee, Lange, called Trump's behavior unacceptable and stated the EU must show strength.

The European Union is considering measures to control the excessive influence of major technology companies. This initiative aims to protect the privacy of young users on social media platforms.

The Azerbaijani ambassador to the European Union expressed protest against an EU decision criticizing the detention of individuals from Nagorno-Karabakh. The ambassador described the EU decision as biased. This development follows escalating tensions between Azerbaijan and Brussels following the recent war in Ukraine. The source cited a Ukrainian statement regarding Russian actions as context for regional tensions. Azerbaijan has recalled its ambassador to Brussels following a European Parliament decision regarding Karabakh. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the EU ambassador. Azerbaijan's ambassador protested to the European External Action Service regarding criticism of detainees.