Erosion of EU Sanctions Policy

Chinese Erosion of EU Sanctions

Despite the imposition of the most stringent sanctions on Russia since 2014, aimed at crippling its military-industrial complex, the resilience of Russia’s defence sector remains evident, largely due to ongoing support from Chinese companies. These sanctions, designed to restrict high-tech product supplies, have not succeeded in stifling the production of military equipment and armaments in…

Kyrgyzstan Cooperation

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  Photo by Irene Strong on Unsplash   The EU and the Kyrgyz Republic signed an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA). This, say both sides, represents an “important milestone” in the strengthening bilateral relations. The Agreement will provide a new legal basis for reinforced political dialogue and deepening cooperation in “many mutually beneficial areas.”…

Ban on Seal Products

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  Photo by Diana Parkhouse on Unsplash   A new survey indicates broad support among EU citizens for maintaining the ban on seal products derived from commercial hunting.    The survey, which assessed public opinion on the EU Seal Trade Regulation, was published on 2 August. Its authors say it underscores the continued importance of protecting…

ATMs Renewed for One Year for Ukraine Trade

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Photo by Viktor Hesse on Unsplash The suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports to the European Union will be extended for another year, it has been announced. The EU said the move shows  it is “delivering once again on its commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.” These so-called Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs) have been in…

EU-New Zealand Trade Deal

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Photo by Phill Brown on Unsplash European Council President Charles Michel’s Chief Diplomatic Adviser, Simon Mordue has been selected as Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS). He will take up his duties on 1 July.  Prior to that he will complete a short term assignment on Ukraine for the Commission.  Magdalena Grono, Senior Foreign…

Ambassador Hails Belgium-China Co-operation

Chinese Ambassador to Belgium

China will seek to “embrace the world in its opening-up process,” says the country’s ambassador to Belgium. Ambassador Cao Zhongming was speaking in Brussels at an event hosted by the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (BCECC). The outgoing diplomat said he “appreciates” the long-time optimism about China of the Belgian business community and the “great efforts”…

EU-Ukraine Transport Dialogue

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Photo by Viktor Bystrov on Unsplash The third high-level meeting of the EU-Ukraine Transport Dialogue has taken place in Kyiv. The meeting on 21 March focused on efforts to keep Ukraine’s exports and imports moving via the Solidarity Lanes, improving connectivity, safety and security as well as sustainability. Reaction to the meeting came from the  EU Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean. The…

Support for Trans-regional Corridors

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Photo by Rhys Moult on Unsplash In a speech at an event entitled ‘The Future via Carpathia-Caucasian Road Corridor,’ held on March 19th in the European Parliament in Brussels, Ryszard Czarnecki, a Member of the European Parliament, emphasised the critical importance of prioritising trans-regional trade corridors for the economic development and security of the European Union (EU) and…