ursula von der leyen

China said on Tuesday it would welcome EU chiefs Antonio Costa and ursula von der leyen for visits as part of events marking 50 years of ties between Beijing and the bloc. Chinese President Xi Jinping also exchanged congratulatory messages with Costa and von der Leyen on Tuesday to mark 50 years of formal relations with the EU, state broadcaster CCTV said.

The European Union and France have announced a €500 million incentive package to attract researchers, capitalizing on funding cuts and clashes between the Trump administration and US universities. President Macron and Commission President von der Leyen urged global researchers to join them in Europe. The initiative aims to fund research projects and support universities in recruiting foreign scientists.

EU lawmakers on Thursday gave the green light to downgrading wolf protections in the bloc, which will allow hunting to resume under strict criteria. "Downgrading wolf protection... panders to fear, not facts," he charged.

EU lawmakers on Thursday gave the green light to a delay for European carmakers to meet new emission targets, as the bloc seeks to balance climate goals with supporting the struggling industry. Criticizing the move, Green EU lawmaker Saskia Bricmont said loosening emissions rules would "delay the marketing of affordable electric vehicles, which are vital" for European consumers.

European leaders are actively courting American researchers with substantial financial incentives, viewing U.S. cuts to research funding as a critical mistake. France and the European Commission have pledged significant investments, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, to attract talent and bolster their own research programs.

ursula von der leyen warns of escalating trade tensions with the US under Donald Trump, potentially imposing levies on tech giants like Meta and Google. The EU grants a 90-day pause on retaliatory tariffs but prepares stronger measures, including a digital advertising tax, if negotiations fail.

ursula von der leyen acknowledged Trump's temporary tariff pause as a positive step for global economic stability, though the EU's response remains uncertain. Despite the halt, approved retaliatory tariffs on $23 billion in goods are still slated to proceed in stages, commencing in April. The EU emphasizes negotiated solutions and trade diversification, reaffirming its commitment to free and open exchange.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has strongly criticized the European Union's plan to ban Russian gas imports by 2027, deeming it unacceptable and harmful to Slovakia and the EU due to anticipated price increases. Fico, known for his pro-Russia stance, also opposes halting Russian oil and nuclear fuel imports, threatening to veto the gas plan and seek compensation.

The European Union has decided to halt its tariffs on goods from the United States for 90 days. This follows a similar move by US President Donald Trump. ursula von der leyen, European Commission President, confirmed this suspension to allow trade negotiations. However, she warned that countermeasures will be taken if talks fail.

The world mourned Pope Francis at a historic funeral on April 26, drawing over 400,000 to the Vatican and Rome. World leaders, including Zelenskyy and Trump, attended, with an impromptu mini-summit sparking discussions. Key moments included an American reporter's reading, Trump's interactions with Macron and von der Leyen, and a homily perceived as a subtle critique.

Indian ambassador Akhilesh Mishra strongly criticized The Irish Times for its editorial on the Pahalgam terror attack, accusing it of downplaying terrorism and echoing narratives that support its perpetrators. Mishra highlighted the editorial's failure to condemn the attack unequivocally and its criticism of PM Modi.

The EU is preparing retaliatory trade measures, including levies on US digital companies like Google and Facebook, if negotiations with the US fail to resolve the tariff dispute. ursula von der leyen emphasized the EU's commitment to a balanced agreement but is ready to broaden the conflict to services, potentially taxing digital advertising revenues.

Mark Carney secured Canada's Prime Minister position, warning against Donald Trump's alleged ambition to annex Canada. Carney highlighted the need for Canadian self-reliance following perceived American betrayal. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre conceded defeat, losing his seat after two decades. International reactions were swift, with the EU expressing support and China signaling diplomatic interest.

The European Union is ready with a list of US goods for tariffs. This is in response to Donald Trump's trade actions. Boeing could be affected. The European Union is also starting a case at the World Trade Organisation. This challenges Trump's tariffs. ursula von der leyen wants a deal with the US. But the EU is ready for any outcome.

World leaders and dignitaries have converged on St Peter's Square to honor Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 from heart failure. The funeral ceremony, attended by figures like Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and President Murmu of India, marks a significant moment of global mourning. Notable absences include Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu due to international arrest warrants.

The EU on Tuesday is due to unveil a keenly anticipated plan to phase out its remaining gas ties to Moscow, a challenge given Europe's longstanding dependence on Russian fossil fuels. The commission has highlighted its efforts to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

India is optimistic about finalizing the free trade agreement with the European Union by the end of this year. Comprehensive negotiations led by Prime Minister Modi and European Commission President ursula von der leyen aim for a balanced and mutually beneficial deal, addressing market access and trade barriers.