EU proposes €45 billion to secure Mercosur deal
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed unlocking €45 billion from the next Common Agricultural Policy budget to secure support from Italy and France for the long-delayed Mercosur trade agreement. This funding, which represents two-thirds of the amount set aside until the mid-term review of the 2028-2034 EU budget, aims to address concerns from farmers in these countries about competition from Latin American imports. EU ambassadors are set to vote on the deal on Friday, with a potential signing in Paraguay on January 12.
EU-Mercosur trade deal negotiations advance towards January signing
The European Commission reported progress in negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Latin American trade bloc Mercosur, with a potential signing date set for January 12. This follows a December summit where France and Italy expressed opposition, although Italy is now expected to support the agreement after securing additional agricultural safeguards. EU agriculture ministers will meet on January 7 to address unrest among farmers, who are concerned about competition from Mercosur, particularly in the beef sector.
European Steel Buyers Oppose Proposed Tariff Reductions
European steel buyers have voiced strong opposition to the European Commission's proposal to reduce tariff-free steel imports by nearly half and double the duties on additional imports, warning that this could impose an annual cost of €5 to 9 billion on various industries, including automotive and technology. Ten trade associations representing these sectors argue that the proposed tariffs could lead to price increases of up to 30% for certain products, complicating steel sourcing for specialized applications. The proposal is currently under review by the European Parliament, which will negotiate with the Council of the EU.
Belgian police chief suspended amid Qatargate leak probe
Philippe Noppe, head of the federal police’s Central Office for Serious and Organised Crime in Belgium, has been suspended amid an investigation into leaks related to the Qatargate corruption scandal, according to a police source. The suspension follows allegations that confidential police documents were shared, prompting an internal probe after key suspects claimed that unidentified individuals breached the secrecy of the investigation. This incident adds to the turmoil within the Belgian police, which has faced scrutiny since the scandal emerged in late 2022.
Germany's emissions drop 1.5% in 2025 to 640 million tons
Germany's greenhouse gas emissions fell by 1.5% in 2025, according to a study by Agora Energiewende, with total emissions reaching 640 million tons of carbon dioxide. While the country met its national targets, the reductions were primarily attributed to decreased industrial output and record solar energy generation, while emissions from transport and buildings continued to lag behind.
