In brief | 8 August ‘25

The Energy Mix: ‘Delusional’, ‘Pie in the Sky’: US-EU energy deal shows Trump losing in global trade talks

“Delusional”, “ridiculous”, and “pie in the sky” are the adjectives coming from analysts after Donald Trump put fossil fuel exports at the centre of a framework trade agreement with the European Union.

Reuters: US startup Lyten to buy bankrupt European battery maker Northvolt

US battery startup Lyten has agreed to buy most of bankrupt Swedish battery maker Northvolt, potentially offering a way back for the European company that was once seen as the region's answer to rivals in Asia.

BBC: How Europe is vying for rare earth independence from China

Europe, like many other parts of the world, is trying to reduce its dependence on importing these key metals from China.

Belga: Belgian winegrowers expect record harvest thanks to warmer climate

Belgium’s wine sector has grown rapidly, with vineyard area increasing tenfold in the past 15 years to nearly 1,000 hectares. The key driver is climate change, writes news agency Belga.