EUR News
LAST UPDATE: July 18, 2025
EU needs to solve problems without joint debt, German minister says
A senior German minister said the EU can address shared challenges without issuing joint Eurozone debt, emphasizing seniority of national responsibility over fiscal integration.
Insight
Germany resists deeper fiscal union. This stance matters for post-COVID recovery, defense funding, and green transition where shared borrowing could have helped.
EU prepares list of potential tariffs on US services
The EU is drafting a list of services sectors (digital, financial, telecoms, transport) where it could impose reciprocal tariffs on the U.S. in response to threats or actual tariffs on European goods.
Insight
The move reflects growing willingness to escalate trade defense into services. It signals the transatlantic trade relationship is entering a more confrontational phase.
EU Must Be ‘Frank, Quick’ in Trade Talks With US, Sweden Says
Sweden’s trade minister urged that the EU must approach U.S. trade talks with frankness and speed to resolve ongoing tensions over trade issues and tariff threats.
Insight
Sweden’s call underscores a growing impatience in EU states for concrete outcomes. It highlights the push to prevent bilateral disputes from morphing into broader fragmentation.
White House: EU continues to be very eager in trade negotiations
The White House stated that the EU remains very eager in trade negotiations ahead of impending U.S. tariffs planned for August 1.
Insight
The EU’s proactive stance contrasts with continued U.S. firmness, increasing pressure for a trade deal before tariffs take effect.
Nordic Finance Heads Urge EU to Stand Firm in US Trade Talks
Nordic finance ministers urge the EU to remain firm and act swiftly in U.S. tariff negotiations, including readiness to deploy all available tools.
Insight
This reflects a growing consensus among Northern EU states for a tougher posture, signaling unified internal support against U.S. trade pressure.
UK, Germany sign friendship treaty, deepening ties in face of threats
The UK and Germany signed the “Kensington Treaty” to deepen defence, transport, trade, migration, and security cooperation.
Insight
This marks a post-Brexit strategic pivot, reinforcing E3 European relations amid global uncertainty and reduced U.S. predictability.
EU Climate Chief Expects Pension Funds to Help Revamp Grids
EU Climate Commissioner expects pension funds to finance grid infrastructure upgrades as part of the Green Deal’s investment push.
Insight
Involving pension funds aligns private capital with green policy goals, but requires regulatory changes and risk management.
Bank of England scrutinizes lenders for dollar risk amid Trump worries, sources say
The BoE asked banks to assess their resilience to a potential dollar-liquidity shock amid concerns about U.S. policy under Trump.
Insight
Reflects growing unease over dollar dependence and highlights systemic vulnerability in cross-border banking exposures.
Poland lowers 2025 GDP growth and inflation forecasts
Poland’s central bank has downgraded its GDP growth projection to 3.2% and inflation to 6.0% for 2025, citing weaker demand and external risks.
Insight
This suggests a cooling economy, easing the need for aggressive tightening but limiting fiscal and monetary flexibility.
Iceland to launch negotiations on security, defence partnership with EU
Iceland will begin formal talks this autumn on a security and defence partnership with the EU, potentially covering fisheries and cybersecurity cooperation.
Insight
Following Brexit, this signals Reykjavik’s move to solidify post-EU security ties in Northern Europe.
