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☆ The EU is focusing its China EV probe on production-side subsidies
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailThe EU is focusing its China EV probe on production-side subsidiesValdis Dombrovskis, EU trade commissioner, says the investigation is concerned with the "risk of injury" to the EU's electric vehicle industry, among other things. CNBC's Evelyn Cheng reports.

Persons: CNBC's Evelyn Cheng Organizations: China EV Locations: China

Hong Kong/Taipei CNN —China and the European Union have agreed to exchange information on export controls as part of efforts to dial down tension over trade imbalances and geopolitical issues. I am glad that we made progress in addressing some market access issues,” Valdis Dombrovskis said in a statement. Hours before meeting He on Monday, Dombrovskis said China’s trade practices have forced the European Union to become more assertive in its dealings with the world’s second largest economy. China recently slapped export curbs on two semiconductor materials in a warning shot to Europe and the United States, after they imposed restrictions on China’s access to advanced chipmaking equipment. Moscow has become increasingly dependent on Beijing since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with trade between Russia and China soaring this year.

Persons: rebalancing, ” Valdis Dombrovskis, Dombrovskis, ”, ” Jorge Toledo, it’s, ” Dombrovskis, — Laura Organizations: Taipei CNN —, European Union, European Commission, EU, Union, Tsinghua University, China, Reuters Locations: China, Hong Kong, Taipei, Taipei CNN — China, Beijing, ”, EU, Europe, United States, Ukraine, Moscow, Russia

REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 26 (Reuters) - A look at the day ahead in Asian markets from Jamie McGeever, financial markets columnist. Goldman Sachs' financial conditions indexes for China and emerging markets at large are the highest in almost a year. In China, meanwhile, the property sector is back under the spotlight after shares of property developer Evergrande tumbled 21% on Monday on renewed uncertainty about the firm's debt restructuring. The broader property sector index fell 2.5%. Evergrande shares, but the company is systemically important - it is the world's most indebted developer and the property sector accounts for roughly a quarter of China's economy.

Persons: Aly, Jamie McGeever, Goldman Sachs, Evergrande, Valdis Dombrovskis, Fed's Neel Kashkari, Josie Kao Organizations: China Evergrande Group, REUTERS, U.S, Treasury, Global, Deutsche Bank, Barclays, Union, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Danzhou, Hainan province, China, Asia, Japan, U.S, Beijing, Singapore

☆ China-EU relationship is at a crossroads, top official says in Beijing
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Silvia Amaro | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

It is a make-or-break moment for China's relationship with the European Union, as the bloc's trade chief asks for more openness and fairness from Beijing. "Last year, the EU registered record bilateral trade with China of 865 billion euros ($921 billion). While the EU argues that Chinese support to EVs is creating distortions in the European market, Beijing authorities criticize what they described as "protectionist" views from Brussels. This means minimising our strategic dependencies for a select number of strategic products. Acting in a proportionate and targeted way to maintain our open strategic autonomy," Dombrovskis clarified in a speech in Shanghai.

Persons: Dombrovskis Organizations: European Union, European Commission, Tsinghua University, EU Locations: Beijing, China, Shanghai, Brussels, Dombrovskis

☆ Trade ties between China and the EU are 'at a crossroads' over Russia's war in Ukraine, senior official warns
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Phil Rosen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

China's relations with the EU are "at a crossroads," a senior official said. The FT reported comments from Valdis Dombrovskis on China's support for Russia's war in Ukraine. "We can choose a path towards mutually beneficial relations...or we can choose a path that slowly moves us apart." Given Beijing's support of states' territories, he said "it's very difficult for us to understand China's stance on Russia's war against Ukraine, as it breaches China's own fundamental principles." China, for its part, has deepened its trade ties to Russia over the last year.

Persons: Valdis, Valdis Dombrovskis, Dombrovskis, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld Organizations: Service, European Union, European Commission, Financial, Ukraine, Yale Locations: Ukraine, Wall, Silicon, Beijing, China, Russia

☆ EU trade chief promises more 'assertive' approach to China as deficit soars
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

And we will be more assertive in tackling unfairness.”The trade chief’s visit comes as tensions flare between the bloc and China over trade imbalances and geopolitical issues. The bloc’s trade deficit with China hit 396 billion euros ($421 billion) last year, which was “the highest in the history of mankind,” Jorge Toledo, the EU ambassador to China, was quoted by Reuters as saying. Dombrovskis said China’s new foreign relations law and its newly broadened counter-espionage law, in particular, were of “great concern” to European business. Two months later, it unveiled a sweeping foreign relations law enshrining its right to impose “countermeasures” against actions that it deems a threat. Russia has become increasingly dependent on China since the Kremlin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Persons: Hong Kong CNN —, Valdis Dombrovskis, “, ” Dombrovskis, ” Jorge Toledo, Dombrovskis, ”, enshrining, Vladimir Putin, — Lucas Liliholm, Manveena Suri Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Union, Tsinghua University, EU, China, Reuters, European Union, West, EU Chamber of Commerce, Kremlin Locations: China, Hong Kong, Beijing, Europe, EU, United States, Ukraine, Russia

“The strongest, yet not the only, headwind is Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and how China positions itself on this issue,” he said. Dombrovskis spoke before high-level economic and trade talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. EU leaders have expressed concern about the bloc's growing trade deficit with China, which reached 396 billion euros last year. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that China provides a market-oriented, law-based business environment for foreign companies. “So it’s very difficult for us to understand China’s stance on Russia’s war against Ukraine, as it breaches China’s own fundamental principles.”

Persons: Valdis Dombrovskis, ”, Dombrovskis, Ursula von der Leyen, Wang Wenbin, “ Organizations: BEIJING, Tsinghua University, EU, Ukraine, Lifeng, Tsinghua, Foreign Ministry, United Locations: China, Ukraine, Europe, EU, United States, Russian, Latvian

☆ China could do 'a lot' to reduce EU perception of risk - EU trade chief
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

BEIJING, Sept 25 (Reuters) - The European Union has no intention of cutting ties with China even as the bloc takes steps to lower economic dependencies and de-risk, but China "could do a lot" to help reduce the perception of risk, the EU trade chief said on Monday. The EU has long complained about a lack of level playing field in China and the politicisation of the business environment. Europe's economic ties with China are deep, but China "could do a lot to help reduce our perception of risk," Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said in a speech delivered at the Tsinghua University in Beijing. Dombrovskis is expected to share his concerns with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at a high-level economic and trade dialogue in Beijing on Monday. The EU's trade deficit with China widened to $276.6 billion in 2022 from $208.4 billion a year earlier, Chinese customs data show.

Persons: Valdis Dombrovskis, Dombrovskis, Ryan Woo, Bernard Orr, Yew, Himani Sarkar, Jacqueline Wong Organizations: European Union, EU, Tsinghua University, European Commission, Global Times, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, China, Moscow, Ukraine, Beijing, Europe, EU

Dombrovskis, who is also the bloc's trade commissioner, is on a four-day visit to China seeking more balanced economic ties with the EU. Citing the bloc's trade deficit as an example, he added "the EU also needs to protect itself in situations when its openness is abused." LITMUS TESTThe EU blames its 400 billion euro trade deficit partly on Chinese restrictions on European companies. A "thousand" barriers to market access have propelled the trade deficit to its "highest in the history of mankind", EU Ambassador to China Jorge Toledo lamented at a forum in Beijing on Thursday. One with whom the EU wishes to work towards a more balanced trade and investment relationship."

Persons: Valdis Dombrovskis, Jason Xue, Dombrovskis, China Jorge Toledo, Lifeng, Moscow, Brenda Goh, Albee Zhang, Shri Navaratnam, William Mallard Organizations: European Commission, Reuters, REUTERS, Rights, European Union, Bund Summit, EU, Global Times, Thomson Locations: Shanghai, China, Moscow, Russian, Ukraine, Beijing, Dombrovskis

☆ EU trade chief seeks more balanced economic ties on China visit
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis will take part in a joint economic and trade dialogue, meet Chinese officials and European companies active in China and deliver two speeches during his Sept. 23-26 trip to Shanghai and Beijing. For the European Union, the visit is designed to renew dialogue with China after its COVID-19 closure and as EU wariness grows over Beijing's closer ties with Moscow following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The EU blames its 400 billion euro ($426.32 billion) trade deficit partly on Chinese restrictions on European companies and says the EU market is largely open. The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said in a report on Wednesday that Chinese authorities were sending contradictory messages to foreign businesses. The EU is also expected to be asked during the visit to clarify what it means by "de-risk" in the context of China.

Persons: Valdis, Francisco Seco, Valdis Dombrovskis, Dombrovskis, Philip Blenkinsop, Barbara Lewis Organizations: European Commission, Rights, Beijing, Trade, European Union, EU, European Union Chamber of Commerce, Thomson Locations: Brussels, Belgium, Rights BRUSSELS, China, Shanghai, Beijing, Moscow, Ukraine, EU

☆ China, EU to hold high-level economic and trade dialogue in Beijing
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

An attendant walks past EU and China flags ahead of the EU-China High-level Economic Dialogue at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China June 25, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Sept 21 (Reuters) - The 10th China-European Union High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue will be held in Beijing on Sept. 25, the Chinese commerce ministry said on Thursday. Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng will co-chair the meeting with European Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis. Reporting by Joe Cash, Albee Zhang and Ethan Wang; Editing by Neil Fullick and Himani SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Jason Lee, Lifeng, Joe Cash, Albee Zhang, Ethan Wang, Neil Fullick, Himani Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, European, Trade Valdis, Thomson Locations: China, EU, Beijing, Rights BEIJING

EU fiscal rules underpin the value of the euro used by 20 countries and set a limit on budget deficits of 3% of GDP and a public debt limit of 60% of GDP. However, most EU countries exceed these limits as two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy price crisis have both required massive government spending. The main clash is between Germany, which wants annual debt reduction benchmarks that are the same for all, and France, which believes individually negotiated debt reduction paths are the way to go and that one-size-fits-all policies do not work. She said 70% of the text of the new rules has been agreed in technical work over the summer. Reporting by Maria Martinez, Belen Carreno and Jan Strupczewski, writing by Jan Strupczewski; editing by Jason NeelyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Valdis Dombrovskis, Dombrovskis, James, Nadia Calvino, Calvino, Maria Martinez, Belen Carreno, Jan Strupczewski, Jason Neely Organizations: SANTIAGO DE, Union, Saturday, Spanish, Thomson Locations: SANTIAGO, SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, Spain, Spanish, Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Germany, France, Ukraine

☆ Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to defy EU and extend ban on Ukrainian grain imports
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-16 | by ( Niamh Kennedy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia will defy the European Union and extend a temporary ban placed on Ukrainian grain imports, in a move likely to anger the bloc’s leadership. On Friday, the EU announced plans to suspend a temporary ban placed on the export of Ukrainian grain to a select number of countries in Eastern Europe. The temporary measure adopted in May saw a ban placed on the imports of Ukrainian wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seed to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia to counter the risk of farmers in these countries being undercut by a bottleneck of cheap Ukrainian grain. “We will extend this ban despite the European Union’s disagreement,” Prime Minister Morawiecki said, according to Polish state news agency PAP. Earlier Friday, European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis called on countries to “work along the lines” of the new agreement and “refrain from unilateral measures” on Ukrainian grain imports.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelensky, Mateusz Morawiecki, “, Morawiecki, der Leyen, Tusk, Weber, ” Morawiecki, Alexander Ermochenko, Piotr Muller, Viktor Orban, ”, ” Orban, Valdis Dombrovskis Organizations: CNN —, European Union, EU, ”, country’s, Twitter, Slovakia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Facebook Locations: CNN — Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Eastern Europe, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Berlin, Zaporizhzhia, Russian, Africa, Brussels

☆ Poland, Hungary, Slovakia to introduce own bans on Ukraine grains
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-16 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Poland, Slovakia and Hungary announced their own restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports on Friday after the European Commission decided not to extend its ban on imports into Ukraine's five EU neighbors. The European Union in May stepped in to prevent individual countries imposing unilateral bans and imposed its own ban on imports into neighboring countries. Under the EU ban, Ukraine was allowed to export through those countries on condition the produce was sold elsewhere. The EU allowed that ban to expire on Friday after Ukraine pledged to take measures to tighten control of exports to neighboring countries. EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said on Friday countries should refrain from unilateral measures against imports of Ukrainian grain, but Poland, Slovakia and Hungary immediately responded by reimposing their own restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports.

Persons: Valdis Dombrovskis, reimposing, Terry Reilly Organizations: European Commission, European Union, EU, Ukraine Locations: Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Black

Hungary imposed a national import ban on 24 Ukrainian agricultural products, including grains, vegetables, several meat products and honey, according to a government decree published on Friday. Slovakia's agriculture minister followed suit announcing its own grain ban. EU PLEAEU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said on Friday countries should refrain from unilateral measures against imports of Ukrainian grain. Poland, Hungary and Slovakia previously said they may extend the restrictions unilaterally while Bulgaria on Thursday voted to scrap the curbs. In August, about 4 million tonnes of Ukraine grains passed through the Solidarity Lanes of which close to 2.7 million tonnes were through the Danube.

Persons: Cernat, Mateusz Morawiecki, Waldemar Buda, Valdis Dombrovskis, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Julia Payne, Alan Charlish, Jan Lopatka, Karol Badohal, Boldizsar, Luiza Ilie, Nina Chestney, David Evans, Alistair Bell, Grant McCool Organizations: REUTERS, European Commission, European Union, EU, EU Commission, Ukraine, Farmers, Solidarity, Thomson Locations: Black, Constanta, Romania, Ukraine, BRUSSELS, WARSAW, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Elk, Russia, EU, Russian, Romanian, Prague, Warsaw, Budapest, Bucharest

But the flood of grains and oilseeds into neighbouring countries reduced prices there, impacting the income of local farmers and resulting in governments banning agricultural imports from Ukraine. The European Union in May stepped in to prevent individual countries imposing unilateral bans and imposed its own ban on imports into neighbouring countries. Under the EU ban, Ukraine was allowed to export through those countries on condition the produce was sold elsewhere. EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said on Friday countries should refrain from unilateral measures against imports of Ukrainian grain, but Poland, Slovakia and Hungary immediately responded by reimposing their own restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports. Farmers in the five countries neighbouring Ukraine have repeatedly complained about a product glut hitting their domestic prices and pushing them towards bankruptcy.

Persons: Cernat, Valdis Dombrovskis, reimposing, Terry Reilly, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Robert Telus, Julia Payne, Alan Charlish, Jan Lopatka, Karol Badohal, Boldizsar, Pavel Polityuk, Luiza Ilie, Tom Polansek, Nina Chestney, Simon Webb, David Evans, Alistair Bell, Grant McCool Organizations: REUTERS, European Commission, European Union, EU, Ukraine, Facebook, EU Commission, Farmers, Solidarity, Thomson Locations: Black, Constanta, Romania, Ukraine, BRUSSELS, WARSAW, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Russia, EU, Bulgaria, Russian, Romanian, Prague, Warsaw, Budapest, Kyiv, Bucharest, Chicago

☆ EU Trade Commissioner: Russia is using food as a 'weapon of war'
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailEU Trade Commissioner Dombrovskis: Russia is using food as a 'weapon of war'Russia is using food as a weapon of war, EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis told CNBC, adding that the EU was supporting diplomatic efforts to restore the Black Sea trade deal as well as provide alternative export routes for Ukrainian grain.

Persons: Valdis Dombrovskis Organizations: EU, CNBC Locations: Russia

SYDNEY, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Australia's Trade Minister Don Farrell has dangled easier access to the country's vast critical minerals sector as part of negotiations over a free trade agreement with the European Union ahead of possible further talks as soon as next week. Farrell told Reuters in an interview on Thursday that a free trade agreement would simplify European investment in the country's burgeoning critical minerals sector, in part by smoothing access through mandatory Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) screening. "One of the big advantages we've got in this relationship is our access to critical minerals, rare earths, hydrogen and ammonia," Farrell said. "Other countries are looking to invest in our critical minerals and other renewables. Australia was an especially attractive place for critical minerals investment from the United States under U.S. Inflation Reduction Act rules because it was one of the few countries to have both mineral deposits and a free trade agreement with the U.S., said Farrell.

Persons: Don Farrell, Farrell, China, we've, they've, Annalena Baerbock, teleconference, Dombrovskis, Lewis Jackson, Kirsty Needham, Michael Perry Organizations: SYDNEY, Australia's Trade, European Union, Reuters, Investment, Board, Foreign, U.S, EU, Trade, Thomson Locations: Australia, Germany, China, Sydney, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, United States

[1/2] Pedestrians walk on an overpass near skyscrapers at the Central Business District (CBD) in Beijing, China August 21, 2023. China's prolonged economic slowdown this year comes amid weakening demand both at home and globally, a property crisis and rising unemployment. "China will continue to expand market access, comprehensively optimise the business environment ... and protect the rights and interests of entrepreneurs in accordance with the law." Eskelund, who is also Chief Representative for Danish shipping giant Maersk in Greater China and Northeast Asia, said: "I think China is evolving. This has come as European leaders have also emphasised derisking their economic ties with China.

Persons: Florence Lo, Jens Eskelund, crackdowns, Eskelund, Valdis, Laurie Chen, Shri Navaratnam Organizations: Central Business, REUTERS, European Chamber of Commerce, Reuters, China ., China . European Union, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, BEIJING, Greater China, Northeast Asia, Danish, China . European

☆ SSAB profit hit flags EU steel's parlous state
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, July 21 (Reuters Breakingviews) - SSAB (SSABa.ST) has kicked off European steelmakers' quarterly earnings season with a profit drama. Poor demand in Europe, declining steel prices and severe rises in energy and production costs are to blame. With steel consumption expected to decrease further in the second half of the year, investors sent SSAB stock down more than 15%. Without a deal, trade tariffs, which have been temporarily frozen, would return in December along with retaliatory measures from the EU. For SSAB, whose heavy plate business in North America was relatively stable during the second quarter, that would take things from bad to worse.

Persons: SSAB, steelmakers, Valdis Dombrovskis, Pamela Barbaglia, whir, George Hay, Streisand Neto Organizations: Reuters, SSAB, European Central Bank, Union, Twitter, Thomson Locations: Europe, U.S, North America

☆ New Zealand, EU ink trade deal that likely goes into effect in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WELLINGTON, July 10 (Reuters) - New Zealand and the European Union signed a free trade agreement overnight Sunday after negotiations were completed in 2022, with expectations it will come into force in the first half of 2024. New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor said the trade deal will cut costs and support exporters to grow and diversify their trade. The agreement was signed in Brussels by O’Connor and the EU Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis. The statement added it is anticipated that the NZ-EU FTA will enter into force in the first half of 2024, once both parties complete the final required legal steps. ($1 = 1.6108 New Zealand dollars)Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Lisa ShumakerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Damien O’Connor, Cyclone Gabrielle, ”, Valdis Dombrovskis, Lucy Craymer, Lisa Shumaker Organizations: WELLINGTON, European Union, New, Trade, Export, O’Connor, EU, NZ, Zealand, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Brussels

☆ Australia PM's Germany, NATO trip to focus on trade, security
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SYDNEY, July 9 (Reuters) - Trade and security will be priorities for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on a trip this week to meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and attend a NATO summit in Lithuania, Albanese's office said. Australia is not a member of NATO but has a decades-long relationship with the Western alliance and attended last year's summit in Madrid as a non-member participant. "Alongside our NATO allies, Australia continues to demonstrate our unwavering support for Ukraine, and our condemnation of Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion," Albanese said in the statement. Last month, Australia promised a new A$110 million ($74 million) package to Ukraine, including 70 military vehicles to defend against Russia's invasion, taking Australia's total contribution for Ukraine to A$790 million ($530 million). Also this week, Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell will travel to Brussels, seeking to advance stalled talks for a free trade agreement between Australia and the EU.

Persons: Anthony Albanese, Olaf Scholz, Scholz, " Albanese, Don Farrell, Valdis, Janusz Wojciechowski, Farrell, Sam McKeith, William Mallard Organizations: SYDNEY, Australian, NATO, Labor, Atlantic, Organization, Ukraine, Australian Trade, EU, European Union, Reuters, Trade, Agriculture, Thomson Locations: Lithuania, Australia, Germany, Lithuanian, Vilnius, Madrid, Russia, Ukraine, Brussels, Sydney

☆ EU’s digital euro plan reflects defensive crouch
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A digital euro, he argues, is essential so that the EU does not fall “behind the curve” in global payments, private-label digital currencies and electronic versions of central bank money. Under the proposal, the European Central Bank would have control over who can use the digital euro, how it will be used internationally, and how much people can hold at one time. At the same time, the plan calls for a digital European currency to have an international role, part of efforts to shore up the euro as a global reserve currency. The EU plan calls for the digital euro to be accepted as legal tender almost everywhere, at no cost to ordinary consumers. If there is going to be a digital euro, Europe’s governments and institutions are clear that they, not the private sector, will be in charge.

Persons: Valdis Dombrovskis, Rebecca Christie, Eli Lilly, Aston Martin, George Hay, Oliver Taslic Organizations: Reuters, European Central Bank, U.S . Federal Reserve, Bank of England, EU, ECB, Twitter, Thomson Locations: BRUSSELS

☆ EU, US to weigh China, AI, trade strains at high-level Sweden talks
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-30 | by ( Philip Blenkinsop | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Trade Representative Katherine Tai and European Commission vice president and trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis will also take part. China will be a major focus of the meeting, even if the word "China" only features twice in the draft joint statement - on non-market practices and disinformation. The gathering in northern Sweden comes just as the European Commission presents its "Economic Security Strategy", expected to contain measures to prevent rivals such as China gaining access to its most sensitive technology. Brussels wants to see cooperation to boost green trade, such as mutual recognition of products, even though the U.S. and EU do not have and do not plan to forge a free-trade agreement. The EU is seeking progress with the U.S. towards an accord on critical minerals used for electric vehicles.

☆ Deal reached in principle to resume Ukraine grain transit with 5 EU countries
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/IllustrationBRUSSELS, April 28 (Reuters) - The European Commission said on Friday it had reached a deal in principle to allow the transit of Ukrainian grain to resume through five European Union countries that had imposed restrictions. European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis tweeted that the EU executive had reached "an agreement in principle" with the five countries "to address concerns of both farmers in neighbouring EU countries and Ukraine". The deal also includes a support package worth 100 million euros ($110.25 million) for local farmers, Dombrovskis said. The five countries became transit routes for Ukrainian grain that could not be exported through the country's Black Sea ports because of Russia's February 2022 invasion. Bottlenecks then trapped millions of tons of grains in countries bordering Ukraine, forcing local farmers to compete with an influx of cheap Ukrainian imports that they said distorted prices and demand.

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