Topic
eu
Trade India-EU FTA Includes Dedicated CBAM Annexure Framework, Says Commerce Official Darpan Jain
India's Additional Secretary of Commerce Darpan Jain announced that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement includes a separate annexure on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The framework outlines a work plan to assist Indian SMEs with compliance, including provisions for future flexibility. The commerce ministry plans a nationwide outreach to help businesses leverage the agreement, which covers nearly USD 33 trillion in combined trade.
Trade EU Grants Dynagas 12-Month Reprieve in Latest Russia Sanctions Package
The European Union has added 41 vessels to its shadow fleet blacklist while granting Greek shipowner Dynagas a temporary 12-month reprieve from restrictions on carrying Russian LNG to non-EU countries. The exemption limits volumes to 2025 levels and is part of the EU's 21st sanctions package.
Technology EU Fines Google $1 Billion for Prioritizing Its Own Services in Search Rankings
The European Commission has fined Google $1 billion for violating the Digital Markets Act by giving preferential treatment to its own services in search results and restricting app developers from communicating with users outside the Play Store. Google stated it will consider appealing, while industry groups argue that heavy-handed enforcement harms European consumers. The fine adds to a series of multi-billion-dollar EU antitrust penalties against Google.
Regulations & Compliance AliExpress Fined Record €550m by EU for Allowing Sale of Illegal Products Under Digital Services Act
The European Commission fined AliExpress a record €550m (£467m) for allowing the sale of illegal products such as unsafe toys and counterfeit clothes, the highest penalty under the Digital Services Act. The two-year investigation found detection systems failed, illegal products remained online for weeks, and compliance checks were easily circumvented. AliExpress must pay the fine and submit a remediation plan by October 20.
Logistics FedEx Expands Surcharges to EU Destinations and Reclassifies US Zip Codes for Higher Fees
FedEx is rolling out new surcharges and fee expansions that will affect shippers worldwide, including reclassifying 239 US zip codes for delivery and pickup area surcharges and extending its inbound processing fee to all 27 EU nations on August 3. Over the past 18 months, FedEx has implemented more than 50 pricing changes, according to parcel spend management firm LJM, with accessorial charges now accounting for 30% to 50% of some shippers' spend. The moves come amid rising fuel surcharges and EU regulatory changes targeting cheap e-commerce imports from China.
Logistics New EU Entry Exit System Triples Border Wait Times, Rome Airport Chief Says
The EU's new digital border system, the Entry Exit System (EES), has nearly tripled the time UK nationals spend at passport control at Rome's Fiumicino Airport, according to chief aviation officer Ivan Bassato. Ryanair has warned passengers to expect extended waits this summer, while border police at Portugal's Faro airport report software bugs but say queues should clear quickly.
Trade India-EU Investment Protection Pact, GI Agreements Work in Progress: Piyush Goyal
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the India-EU investment protection pact and geographical indications agreements are work in progress. Speaking at the India-Estonia Business Forum, he highlighted that trade pacts with the UK, EFTA, and the EU now effectively connect India to the entire European market, opening huge opportunities for businesses on both sides.
Trade Piyush Goyal Holds Key Meetings with EU, Belgian Leaders to Deepen Trade, Clean Energy, Agriculture Cooperation
India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held meetings with European Commissioners Christophe Hansen and Wopke Hoekstra, and Belgian Deputy PM David Clarinval to advance cooperation in trade, clean energy, and agriculture. The discussions built on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and included plans for CEO-level talks and participation in the India-EU Trade and Technology Council.
Trade India, EU Hopeful of Investment Protection Pact Before Year-End After TTC Meeting
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic expressed hope that India and the European Union will conclude an investment protection agreement before the end of the year, following the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting. Goyal also addressed EU steel measures, stating they were part of a balanced free trade agreement.
Commodities EU Approves €63bn French Offshore Wind Support Scheme for 11 Farms
The European Commission has approved a €63bn ($72bn) French support scheme for offshore wind, backing the construction of 11 wind farms across the North Sea, Atlantic, and Mediterranean. The package will deliver up to 11.1GW of capacity and generate 47.8TWh annually, about 10.6% of France's power consumption.
Trade India and EU Near Completion of Legal Scrubbing of Free Trade Agreement Text, Says Minister Piyush Goyal
India and the European Union are close to completing the legal scrutiny of their free trade agreement text, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The legal scrub should be over in another week or two, with the pact operationalised a few months after the India-UK trade agreement, which takes effect July 15. Goyal also highlighted potential for 10-fold growth in India-Spain trade, currently at $9.2 billion.
Logistics Samskip's SeaShuttle Becomes Demonstrator for EU HyShip Hydrogen Project on Oslo-Rotterdam Route
Samskip’s SeaShuttle zero-emission container shipping project will serve as the demonstrator for the EU-backed HyShip initiative, providing a real vessel and route for liquid hydrogen testing. The project integrates onboard hydrogen storage with quayside bunkering, with LH2 Shipping joining to develop safe systems. The consortium includes multiple European partners working to establish a green corridor between Oslo and Rotterdam.
Trade Brexit at 10: UK Economy Still Shrinking as Trade Barriers Persist with EU
A decade after the 2016 referendum, Brexit's economic impact is measured at a 4-8% GDP loss, with businesses still grappling with customs paperwork and non-tariff barriers on EU trade. Public opinion has shifted, with 52% now supporting rejoining, but the Labour government rules out a return to the single market.
Trade India seeks EU scrap export relief as curbs threaten trade pact gains
India is seeking relief from EU scrap export restrictions that threaten to undermine gains from a planned trade pact, as the bloc tightens controls on waste shipments and considers separate measures to limit aluminium scrap exports. India's steelmakers and recyclers warn that export curbs could tighten supply, raise costs, and disrupt supplies of aluminium, copper, and other recycled metals, fuelling competition among importing nations.
Trade EU–US goods trade hits record €875 billion despite tariffs: Study
Trade in goods between the EU and US hit a record €875 billion last year, but a German Economic Institute study warns that front-loading ahead of tariff increases masked a 20.4% drop in EU auto exports to the US. Germany's automotive sector faced an 18.9% decline, while Ireland's exports surged 52.7% on tariff-exempt pharma products.
Trade EU Antitrust Law Faces Delay in Extraterritorial Enforcement on China-EU Sea Trade
The EU Commission has abstained from voluntary extraterritorial enforcement of EU antitrust law on seaborne trade between China and the EU, citing geopolitical, economic, and legal concerns. However, the European Court of Justice has ruled that EU antitrust law applies to conduct outside the EU if it has immediate, substantial, and foreseeable effects on trade between Member States. August Braakman argues that parties involved should take legal action to protect their interests.
Regulations & Compliance EU's CBAM Poses Major Compliance Challenge for Indian MSMEs; Experts Seek Urgent Government Support
The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) presents significant compliance hurdles for Indian MSMEs, who lack the financial and technical capacity to meet reporting requirements. Experts at the PHDCCI Carbon Shift India 2026 conference urged government support, including monitoring technologies and export diversification to Africa and other regions.
Technology EU Politician Investigating Pegasus Spyware Was Hacked With the Same Malware, Citizen Lab Finds
A new analysis by Citizen Lab reveals that Greek MEP Stelios Kouloglou, a member of the European Parliament's PEGA Committee investigating Pegasus spyware, had his iPhone hacked multiple times with the same spyware. The incident marks the first time a committee member has been identified as a victim and highlights the brazen targeting of European lawmakers. Researchers could not identify the attacker but warn of severe security implications for parliamentary work.
Logistics EU Border Delays 'Not Bearable' Over Summer, Warns Berlin Airport Boss as EES Causes Queues
Berlin Airport CEO Aletta von Massenbach warns that non-EU nationals face queues of up to two hours under the EU's new Entry-Exit System (EES), calling the situation 'not bearable over the summer'. Airlines and passengers report long waits, missed flights, and inconsistent rollout across member states.
Trade EU crackdown on small parcels: New customs rules and fees take effect July 1
The European Union’s new customs rules for low-value parcels took effect July 1, eliminating the duty exemption for goods under €150 and imposing a flat €3 fee per product category. A further processing fee of €2–3 is expected in November. The measures target e-commerce imports from China, with volume rising 314% since 2022 to $5.8 billion in 2025. Early data shows freighter capacity from China to Europe fell 19% in 48 hours.
Technology Top Google Security Staff Warn Search Data Could Be Hacked if EU Rules Change
Google's vice president of security engineering, Heather Adkins, warns that proposed changes under the EU Digital Markets Act could lead to search data being de-anonymized and hacked, and increase fraud on Android. The European Commission's final decisions are expected by July 27.
Trade Ten Years After Brexit, Economic Damage to UK Trade Becomes Evident
New economic studies confirm Brexit has significantly reduced UK-EU trade diversity. According to the BBC, the UK Trade Policy Observatory at Sussex University found a 26% drop in export varieties by 2023, while Aston University research shows a 54% loss in export types and 32% in imports. Start-up Eskimo highlighted how non-tariff barriers, despite zero tariffs, slashed its EU exports from 40% to 5%.
Trade Brexit cost 6% of UK economy, Bank of England company data suggests, study finds
A study using internal Bank of England data on thousands of British companies estimates Brexit has cost the UK economy 6% of GDP over a decade. Half the hit came from post-referendum uncertainty, the rest from rising trade barriers after leaving the customs union and single market in 2021. Bank Governor Andrew Bailey acknowledged the negative impact on growth and export markets.
Trade India slaps anti-dumping duty on rubber chemical imports from China, EU and US
India has imposed an anti-dumping duty on imports of rubber chemicals from China, the European Union, and the United States, according to a report from the TOI Business Desk. The duty targets rubber chemicals, though specific rates and effective dates were not detailed in the source.
Trade India Imposes Anti-Dumping Duty on Sulphenamides Accelerators from China, EU, US
India has imposed an anti-dumping duty on imports of Sulphenamides Accelerators from China, the European Union, and the United States. The duty, ranging from $75 to $1748 per tonne, will be effective for five years as per a June 19 finance ministry notification based on a DGTR recommendation. Separately, a duty on Polyethylene Terephthalate resin from China was also noted.
Trade India-EU Free Trade Agreement to Be Signed by December, Effective Early 2027: Piyush Goyal
Commerce minister Piyush Goyal announced that the India-EU FTA will be signed by December 2026 and come into force between February and March 2027. The deal will provide duty-free access to 93% of Indian exports, while EU luxury cars and wines will become cheaper in India. US trade representative Jamieson Greer will also visit India for trade talks.
Trade India-EU Free Trade Agreement to Be Signed by December, Implemented from February-March Next Year: Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the India-EU free trade agreement will be signed by December and implemented from February-March next year. The deal, described as the 'mother of all deals', will provide almost zero-duty access to the 27-nation EU bloc for Indian exports, while imports of luxury cars and wines from the EU will become less expensive. Negotiations concluded on January 27, and the second round of CEPA talks was held in May.
Trade India initiates sustainability certification framework for exports to meet EU, UK compliance norms
India is creating new sustainability certification standards for its export products to meet growing demands from developed nations, particularly the EU and UK. The commerce ministry is gathering data from export-oriented sectors to develop a credible framework that ensures global acceptance. This initiative aims to boost the competitiveness of Indian goods in international markets.
Trade India launches sustainability certification framework for exports to meet EU, UK norms
India's commerce ministry has begun developing a sustainability certification framework for exports, seeking input from export-oriented sectors to meet compliance norms in the EU and UK. The initiative aims to generate verifiable data and strengthen India's capacity to comply with trading partners' regulations, as Europe and North America account for about 40% of India's goods exports.
Trade India-EU free trade deal to be inked by year-end: Ursula von der Leyen
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement will be signed by the end of the year, with accelerated work on an investment agreement. The announcement was made at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, in a meeting also attended by European Council President Antonio Costa. The deal, described as the 'mother of all trade deals,' is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment.
Trade India Gains EU Approval to Export Aquaculture Products, Eggs, and Honey Beyond September 2026
The European Union has amended Regulation (EU) 2021/405 to address antimicrobial resistance, effective September 2026. India's inclusion in the authorised countries list ensures continuous export of aquaculture products, eggs, and honey to the EU. Fish and fishery exports from India to the EU are valued at about USD 1.59 billion.
Technology Apple Indefinitely Delays Siri AI in EU Over Digital Markets Act Conflict
Apple announced it will indefinitely delay Siri AI on iPhones and iPads in the European Union, citing irreconcilable conflicts with the Digital Markets Act. The company also confirmed the features will not launch in China. EU users can still access the overhauled Siri on macOS, visionOS, and watchOS.
Technology EU Directs Meta to Allow Rival AI Chatbots on WhatsApp
The European Union has mandated Meta to allow rival AI chatbots access to WhatsApp, reversing a previous ban. This interim measure comes amid an ongoing antitrust investigation into Meta's practices.
Trade EU Unveils Strategy to Reduce US and Chinese Tech Dependence
The European Commission has introduced a Tech Sovereignty Package to decrease reliance on US and Chinese technology. This includes the EU Chips Act 2.0, Cloud and AI Development Act, and Open Source Software Strategy. CISPE expresses concerns over potential loopholes.
Trade India Expands to 1,821 New Markets in FY26 Amid Agri Export Challenges
In FY26, India expanded its agricultural exports to 1,821 new markets, generating $202 million in additional exports. Despite a 2.8% rise in agri exports to $52.55 billion, supply chain inefficiencies remain a significant hurdle.
Trade EU Faces Setback in India Over GI Tags for Wines, Spirits
The EU's bid for exclusive marketing rights for its wines, spirits, and cheese in India faces hurdles due to geopolitical tensions involving Jammu and Kashmir. This development could impact the EU's ₹9,000 crore market in India.
Trade EU Considers Freeze on Russia Oil Price Cap Amid Iran Conflict
The European Union is contemplating a temporary freeze on its price cap for Russian oil due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The current cap is set at $44.10 per barrel, with a review scheduled for July.