Eric Frey

2 months ago | eurotopics.net | Marcus Rubin |Michael Sauga |David Barroux |Eric Frey

04 February 2025Donald Trump imposed high tariffs on goods coming from Mexico and Canada on the weekend, only to suspend the measure for 30 days after talks with the countries' leaders. New tariffs against China came into force, to which Beijing responded with counter-tariffs. Trump has also threatened to impose tariffs on the EU "pretty soon." Commentators discuss how Europe should react to a looming trade war with the US.

Dec 9, 2024 | eurotopics.net | Francesca Sforza |Eric Frey |Philippe Gelie |Katharina Schuler

11 December 2024In the wake of Assad's fall from power, several European states have suspended asylum proceedings for Syrians and plan to rethink their policies regarding refugees from the country. Around six million people have fled Syria since the outbreak of civil war in 2011. Commentators question whether the conditions for a safe return are in place - and whether this is the debate Europe should be focusing on right now.

Nov 27, 2024 | eurotopics.net | Eric Frey |Madeleine von Holzen

Isolationist policies are a serious mistake, Le Temps explains: “Globalisation has fallen out of favour. It has increased inequalities in the world and is partly responsible for global warming. This is only a tiny part of the bigger picture, but it is precisely what Donald Trump rode on during his campaign, promising, with his favourite phrase, to make America great again by barricading it behind its borders.

Sep 24, 2024 | eurotopics.net | Hassan Haidar Diab |Pierre Haski |David Pontes |Eric Frey

The situation in Lebanon has taken a dramatic turn for the worse. Israel's intensified air strikes against Hezbollah have killed hundreds of people and forced thousands more to flee their homes. Recent statements by the Israeli military have been interpreted as indications that a ground offensive is imminent. The Hezbollah militia has continued to fire missiles into northern Israel and, for the first time, at the greater Tel Aviv area. The US and EU have called for an immediate ceasefire.

Jan 11, 2024 | eurotopics.net | Pierre Haski |Eric Frey |Rob Vreeken |Ralph Dekkers

12 January 2024Israel has defended itself before the International Court of Justice in The Hague against charges brought by South Africa that it is committing genocide against the Palestinians in its war against the radical Islamist Hamas organisation in the Gaza Strip. Israel's defence stated that the military action in the Gaza Strip constitutes self-defence against the terrorist Hamas, and that the suffering of civilians was part of their strategy.