Germany's energy-intensive industries see 15.2 percent production decline
Germany's energy-intensive industries have experienced a 15.2 percent decline in production since the onset of the Ukraine war in February 2022, according to data from the statistics agency Destatis. This downturn has resulted in over 53,000 job losses, reflecting a 6.3 percent decrease in employment within these sectors, which include chemicals and metal processing. The ongoing energy crisis, exacerbated by rising costs and geopolitical tensions, continues to hinder the recovery of Europe's largest economy.
EU Commission to Propose Stricter Trade Rules with China
The EU Commission is preparing to propose new measures to tighten trade regulations with China, which will be presented to European leaders at an upcoming summit. This initiative reflects ongoing concerns regarding trade practices and aims to enhance oversight of economic interactions with Beijing.
Merz Calls for EU Budget Reform Prioritizing Defense
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the need for reforming the EU budget to prioritize investments in defense and competitiveness while reducing traditional subsidies during a speech at the Charlemagne Prize ceremony. Merz, whose country is the largest contributor to the EU budget, reiterated his opposition to joint borrowing among EU nations, arguing that the current budget structure, which allocates over two-thirds of funds to redistribution and subsidies, is outdated. As negotiations for the EU's 2028-2034 budget advance, Merz called for a slimmed-down budget focused on strategic priorities, contrasting with leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who support new common borrowing.
Greece urges EU intervention in Turkey fishing dispute
Greece has called on the European Union to intervene in a fishing dispute with Turkey, asserting that Turkish fishing activities in the Aegean Sea violate maritime law and Greek sovereignty. Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikilias raised concerns about unlawful fishing practices and the Turkish government's proposed Blue Homeland Law, which aims to formalize Ankara's maritime claims. Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis emphasized that any unilateral maritime claims outside international law are destined to fail.
Pashinyan escalates conflict with Armenian church leadership
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia has intensified calls for the removal of Catholicos Karekin II, the leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church, alleging personal misconduct, which has deepened divisions in the country ahead of elections in June. The government has detained over a dozen clergymen, including influential Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and billionaire opposition figure Samvel Karapetyan, on charges of plotting against Pashinyan, which they deny. This conflict highlights the tension between Pashinyan's administration and the church, a revered institution in the predominantly Christian nation of three million.
