Our Scans · Brussels · Weekly Summary

• [New] Supported by the European Commission's BREEZE programme, Brussels Airport is well on its way to becoming a global leader in airport electrification, and its efforts will undoubtedly serve as a model for other airports looking to embrace sustainability in the future. Travel And Tour World
• Brussels hits back hard as the European Union plans a massive €400 billion counterstrike against Trump's aggressive tariffs on EU goods. The Economic Times
• Brussels Airport, Brussels Airlines, and TUI fly have all expressed concern over the repeated disruptions caused by national strikes and are calling on unions to reconsider their tactics. Travel And Tour World
• The White House has stated that the United States is negotiating in good faith and hopes to reach an agreement with Brussels to prevent further tariff increases. Khaama Press
• The European Commission will propose a new EU climate target in July that includes flexibilities for how countries meet it, as Brussels attempts to fend off mounting criticism of Europe's environmental aims. Insurance Journal
• Rather than allowing the accession process to stagnate indefinitely, Brussels should seize the opportunity to build a stronger, mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey. EU Reporter
• Donald Trump has threatened to impose an eye-watering 50% tariffs on goods from the European Union as of next month, claiming negotiation with Brussels have ground to a halt. UNILAD
• An agreement on closer security and defence co-operation between London and Brussels will be struck, with the UK giving the French greater access to British fishing waters in return. HuffPost UK
• Brussels has already twice delayed the upcoming plan's release due to geopolitical considerations, including fears that cutting off Russian supplies could mean losing leverage in talks for a potential trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump for gas imports. Politico
• Brussels hopes to decrease Europe's dependence on Russian supply chains by boosting cooperation in trade, energy security, and infrastructure development. SpecialEurasia
• Following the signing of a 2022 agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan aimed at doubling gas imports from the South Caucasus by 2027, relations between Baku and Brussels have strengthened. Aze.Media
• The Ministry of Finance will ask Brussels to activate the national derogation clause so that it can spend on Defence without jeopardising compliance with budgetary rules. ECO News
• In Brussels, the European Commission is expected to unveil plans for retaliatory tariffs on a range of US goods, fuelling fears that a full-scale trade war could erupt. Business Matters
• The European Central Bank will print an additional €500 billion to lend to Brussels to buy munitions from Germany to give to Ukraine, via Azerbaijan through Montenegro, to bolster ongoing war efforts, that focus on bringing peace through more war. Strategic Culture Foundation
• Although the aggressive anti-European trade policy of the Trump administration has led to a certain warming of Brussels' economic relations with China, the EU's de-risking approach toward Beijing is still in force and will remain in force for the foreseeable future. Wilson Center
• The Spanish government is coordinating efforts with the European Union, as any retaliation against U.S. tariffs will likely come from Brussels rather than individual member states. The International Reporter- Spanish news in English
• Trump further threatened a 200% tariff on wine, champagne and other alcoholic beverages from the EU unless Brussels removes its announced tariffs, most of them expected to enter into force in mid-April. gCaptain
• The sense in Brussels now is that Georgia will be in a similar position as Turkey - officially an EU candidate but with its path to membership essentially frozen. RFE/RL
• EU pushes forward with enforcing AI Act despite Donald Trump's warnings Brussels set to issue guidance on banned uses of AI, even as US president threatens retaliation over treatment of Big Tech. Radiocentre
• The outgoing Biden administration in the US has just placed additional sanctions on the Russian oil and gas industry, which could make things awkward for Brussels. UCL News
• The ideological and strategic rifts between Brussels and Washington could encourage a return to a purely economic approach by Europeans toward the Indo-Pacific. The Diplomat

Last updated: 26 June 2025