Trade
![Hungary facing fuel crisis as Ukraine turns up heat on Russian oil supplies](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=319,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19/GettyImages-1239355869-scaled.jpg)
Hungary facing fuel crisis as Ukraine turns up heat on Russian oil supplies
Sky-high prices and electricity shortages could hit Hungarians within “weeks” after Kyiv imposed a partial ban on Russian oil passing through its territory.
![Berlin inks lithium deal with Belgrade despite environmental concerns](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/19/12379199.jpg)
Berlin inks lithium deal with Belgrade despite environmental concerns
![‘Drill, baby, drill’: America’s fossil fuel boom risks bust in Europe](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/18/12376598-scaled.jpg)
‘Drill, baby, drill’: America’s fossil fuel boom risks bust in Europe
![Polish company under investigation for supplying parts used in Iranian killer drones](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/18/GettyImages-2147784914-scaled.jpg)
Polish company under investigation for supplying parts used in Iranian killer drones
![Von der Leyen is in! Let the fighting over the next European Commission begin.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/18/GettyImages-2161916311-scaled.jpg)
Von der Leyen is in! Let the fighting over the next European Commission begin.
![ECB leaves rates unchanged, keeps door open to September cut](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/18/GettyImages-2161909079.jpg)
ECB leaves rates unchanged, keeps door open to September cut
![UK ‘nowhere near’ renegotiating trade deal with EU, says David Lammy](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/18/GettyImages-2160012973-scaled.jpg)
UK ‘nowhere near’ renegotiating trade deal with EU, says David Lammy
It’s Christmas in July (for Commissioners)! Von der Leyen hands out policy gifts ahead of key vote.
Ursula von der Leyen presents herself as a beacon of stability to secure another five years at the head of the EU’s executive.
The MEPs who actually matter
Here are 11 EU lawmakers to keep your eye on in the new term.
Keir Starmer’s Brexit reboot
Thursday’s European leaders’ summit in Oxfordshire is a well-timed opportunity for the new UK prime minister to reset relations.
Germany isolated as EU countries tilt toward duties on Chinese EVs
Ten countries voted in favor, four against and 11 abstained in non-binding vote, diplomats say.
How Alexander Lukashenko’s tyranny ends
As the Belarusian dictator marks three decades in power, his enabling of Russia’s war in Ukraine and reliance on Kremlin money make him vulnerable, say regime insiders.
Germany’s Scholz set for rare meeting with Serbia’s isolated Vučić to finalize lithium deal
European Commission to also attend signature in Belgrade on Friday
French government resigns, ushering in indefinite transition period
The Attal administration will now serve as a caretaker government until a new prime minister is appointed.
EU opens new front with China over car chips
Officials are concerned subsidized Chinese firms are going after the bloc’s champions.
The never-ending job of depriving Putin of the means to kill Ukrainians
Vietnam and Malaysia are the next destinations on EU envoy David O’Sullivan’s mission to stop Russia from beating EU sanctions.
Fake parts for Russia’s stolen airliners
Western sanctions are blocking Russia’s access to key spare parts, so it’s making its own.
Ukraine seizes cargo ship, alleging grain shipments via Crimea
The vessel under flag of Cameroon is suspected of visiting Sevastopol in November 2023 and May of this year.
Germany goes soft on China, dragging out Huawei ban until 2029
Berlin’s Western partners will be pleased it is cutting ties with the Chinese 5G equipment maker, even if the terms of the deal suggest a capitulation.
Post-Brexit security pact with EU ‘will complement’ NATO, Starmer says
The new U.K. PM is seeking to recalibrate Britain’s relationship with Europe.
EU parliament centrists circle wagons to keep far right out of top jobs
Liberals are incensed over a backdoor deal between the EPP and ECR.
Isolated, Hungary calls for open competition with Chinese electric cars
Only seven ministers and no commissioner attended the first gathering of Budapest’s six-month presidency of the Council of the EU.
Keir Starmer meets the world
New U.K. prime minister heads to NATO with a message of support on Ukraine.
Viktor Orbán goes rogue
Brussels now plotting to restrain self-declared president of Europe.
Keir Starmer says he wants a better Brexit trade deal
The new U.K. prime minister told Northern Ireland’s government in Belfast existing rules must be enforced before he could seek further changes.
Starmer government rejects calls to ditch deal with firm linked to Russian gas
The call by Ukrainian campaigners is an early test of the new Labour government’s promises to Kyiv.
Irish prime minister: EU open to Keir Starmer’s Brexit plan
The Labour government is seeking a ‘reset’ of the U.K.’s relationship with Europe.
EU, UK eye new era of green ties as Britain’s Labour takes power
Increased appetite for cooperation could save costs and boost climate action on both sides, experts say.
David Lammy appointed as UK foreign secretary
He will need to grapple with the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza.
Macron loses clout to European free traders as he does battle at home
As Emmanuel Macron faces another election defeat, France’s hold over EU trade policy is about to loosen. Some EU countries sense an opportunity.
EU firms up duties on Chinese EVs, skirting Berlin’s pressure
By cementing the duties, Brussels is holding its ground against Chinese — and German — opposition.