In brief | 14 July '25

Bloomberg: Merz says 30% US tariffs would hit German industry to ‘core’

German chancellor Friedrich Merz said US president Donald Trump’s threat of 30 percent tariffs would hit exporters in Europe’s largest economy “to the core,” if a negotiated solution in the trade conflict can’t be found in the coming weeks.

Bloomberg: EU official says bloc to explore Asia pacts as US tariffs loom

The European Union is looking to deepen trade agreements with India and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region as the bloc braces for US tariffs, a top official said.

Reuters: EU wants to see China take more ambitious climate action

The world needs China to show more leadership on climate action, EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said on Sunday (13 July), highlighting the importance of cutting planet-heating emissions and reducing the Chinese economy's reliance on coal.

FT: Thousands of businesses and households waiting to connect to Dutch grid

Dutch officials and companies said lengthy waits for connections were holding up economic growth and could force businesses to rethink their investment plans.