EUR News
LAST UPDATE: August 28, 2025
Italy urges US to stick to EU trade deal on cheese tariffs
Italy warned that some U.S. customs officials are imposing higher tariffs than agreed under a recent EU-US trade deal affecting cheeses like Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano, and is seeking assurances of compliance.
Insight
The insistence underscores ongoing friction over implementation of trade agreements, with symbolic goods like cheese amplifying broader tensions.
Whitehall hands out AI contracts worth £573 mn in efficiency push
The UK government has awarded £573 million in AI contracts by mid-July, surpassing total 2024 awards. Major contracts include a £234 mn deal with LGC Group; the initiative aims to improve public service efficiency and reduce waste.
Insight
This marks a clear prioritization of AI in public sector reform, aiming at delivering significant savings while raising debates on data ethics and transparency.
UK long-term borrowing costs near highest level since 1998
Long-term UK government borrowing costs have climbed sharply, with 30-year gilt yields nearing levels last seen in 1998, driven by surging issuance and inflationary pressures.
Insight
Rising yields strain public finances and reflect investor concerns over fiscal sustainability amid weak economic signals and structural risks.
German, Polish, French leaders visit Moldova in pre-election show of support for pro-EU president
President Macron, Chancellor Merz, and Prime Minister Tusk visited Moldova to support pro-EU President Maia Sandu ahead of a critical parliamentary election, offering financial and technical aid against Russian influence.
Insight
The visit reinforces the EU’s strategic backing and aims to bolster democracy in a region vulnerable to geopolitical shifts.
Denmark summons US diplomat over Greenland ‘interference’
Denmark summoned the U.S. chargé d’affaires over reports that individuals with ties to Donald Trump engaged in influence operations in Greenland, targeting public opinion and independence dynamics.
Insight
The diplomatic rebuke highlights the sensitivity of Arctic geopolitics and reflects Denmark’s resolve to safeguard its territorial interests.
Italy urges US to stick to EU trade deal on cheese tariffs
Italy pressed the U.S. to uphold tariff commitments under an EU trade deal affecting export cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano.
Insight
The appeal underscores enduring trade tensions over symbolic goods and faith in treaty compliance.
Whitehall hands out AI contracts worth £573 mn in efficiency push
The UK government awarded £573 million in AI contracts by mid-July to improve public sector efficiency.
Insight
The heavy investment signals a strategic prioritization of AI in public services, with implications for effectiveness and ethics.
UK long-term borrowing costs near highest level since 1998
Long-term interest rates on UK government debt surged to levels not seen since 1998.
Insight
The rise highlights growing fiscal strain and uncertainty over long-term economic stability.
German, Polish, French leaders visit Moldova in pre-election show of support for pro-EU president
Leaders from Germany, Poland, and France visited Moldova to back its pro-European president ahead of elections.
Insight
The visit reflects EU efforts to reinforce democratic resilience in vulnerable border states.
Denmark summons US diplomat over Greenland ‘interference’
Denmark summoned the U.S. chargé d’affaires over reported influence activities in Greenland linked to figures associated with Trump.
Insight
The diplomatic move underscores sensitivity over Arctic geopolitical dynamics and national sovereignty.
