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U.S. President Donald Trump has denounced a €2.95 billion (~$3.5 billion) fine imposed on Google by the European Commission. He has called it an attack on American innovation and threatening retaliatory trade action under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act. Image Source: Michael Shellenberger on X The fine -- one of the largest antitrust penalties in EU history -- stems from the Commission’s conclusion that Google abused its dominant position in the advertising technology sector.  The decision follows a four-year investigation launched in 2021 into Google's ad business practices, which the EU claims have harmed competition, raised costs for advertisers and publishers, and potentially pushed up prices for consumers. “This is very unfair, and the American taxpayer will not stand for it,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.  He accused the EU of systematically targeting American technology companies through fines and regulations, citing the earlier $17 billion fine against Appl...

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint telephone conversation on Wednesday with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The leaders stated the shared commitment to conclude the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and to deepen the strategic partnership across key sectors. Image Source: Ursula von der Leyen The call comes amid intensifying geopolitical realignments and ahead of the planned India–EU Summit expected to be held in New Delhi in early 2026. Both sides agreed to work toward finalising a joint strategic agenda, with trade, technology, security, and sustainability at the core of bilateral cooperation.  “We also remain fully committed to concluding the Free Trade Agreement negotiations by the end of the year. To achieve this, progress is needed now,” von der Leyen said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Had a very good conversation with European Council President António Costa and European ...

The European Commission’s commemoration of the Europe-wide Day of Remembrance for the victims of totalitarian and authoritarian regimes has sparked sharp criticism from the Russian Mission to the European Union, reigniting longstanding historical disputes over the legacy of World War II. Image Source: Vladimir Putin News on X On 22 August, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen and Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath issued a joint statement marking the occasion.  Referencing the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact signed between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union on 23 August 1939, the Commissioners recalled it as “an alliance of blood between two of the most brutal regimes in history.” The statement framed the day as a moment to honor the victims of authoritarian regimes, underlining Europe’s collective memory of suffering and its commitment to a future free of tyranny:  “We celebra...

India and the European Union (EU) are working to conclude an early harvest trade deal by July 2025 , as part of a two-stage approach toward a broader Free Trade Agreement (FTA) . The deal would mirror India’s interim agreement with Australia , covering key areas such as tariffs, non-tariff barriers, intellectual property rights, government procurement , and sanitary and phytosanitary measures . Indian officials to arrive in Brussels today for India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Deal expected to close by the end of 2025. — Filter Coffee ☕️ (@FilterCoffeeHQ) May 21, 2025 The move is aimed at accelerating trade liberalisation while larger FTA negotiations continue. India’s Chief Negotiator, Satya Srinivas , is currently in Brussels to fast-track the talks. The two sides are pursuing a comprehensive pact that also includes a bilateral investment protection agreement and recognition of geographical indications (GIs) . India-EU FTA talks move forward, with a phased deal l...