Could an EU-USA settlement be concluded to keep away from a full-blown industrial struggle?

Good morning. A scoop to begin: Brussels is putting new powers to briefly restrict fuel costs, which have just lately reached file ranges in comparison with the United States, to guard the European business from excessive power prices.

Last night time, Russia launched an American instructor from jail in a transfer the White House of Donald Trump described as a “good religion” present that may have helped the talks to finish the struggle in Ukraine.

Today, our technological and industrial correspondents report on yesterday’s assembly between Ursula von der Leyen and JD Vance in Paris. And our monetary correspondent presents step one of immediately within the lengthy -term struggle for the size of Brussels.

Face/off

The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen reported that Washington is open to agreements to keep away from the all -field industrial struggle after assembly the Vice -President of the United States JD Vance yesterday, write Barbara Moens AND Andy Bounds.

Context: thus far, the European technique with Donald Trump has favored the dedication to the conflict. But on Monday, the President of the United States confirmed that he desires to impose charges of 25 % on all metal and aluminum imports on March twelfth. The European Commission mentioned that it could be reacted in opposition to US charges with “company and proportionate countermeasures”.

The Paris assembly, along with the Diplomatic Head of the EU Kaja Kallas, was the primary face -to -face dialog between von der Leyen and senior member of the brand new American administration. An individual knowledgeable concerning the interviews mentioned he was very constructive and targeted on areas the place pursuits have aligned themselves.

After the assembly, Von der Leyen thanked Vance for a “good dialogue on our shared challenges as allies”.

In a separate declaration revealed after the assembly, “reaffirmed the EU dedication in opposition to a good commerce report (with the United States), whereas either side expressed their intention to offer precedence to the financial areas of mutual curiosity, together with power “.

Von der Leyen has beforehand said that the block is prepared to purchase extra US liquefied pure fuel, suggesting the place a possible settlement may land.

EU commerce ministers will meet for a video name this afternoon to debate the scenario, however it isn’t anticipated that they’ll enter the main points of a possible retaliation. The predominant goal is to “view the unit,” mentioned an EU diplomat.

Another subject mentioned by Von der Leyen and Vance was synthetic intelligence. The President of the United States didn’t punch on synthetic intelligence, utilizing a speech firstly of the day to lash out in opposition to EU technological regulation, for instance by calling the principles of moderation of Brussels content material for on-line platforms “censorship authoritarian “.

He additionally mentioned the United States “I’m the chief in synthetic intelligence and. . . It plans to maintain it like this. “This comes simply because the EU has introduced that it could mobilize € 200 billion to make Europe a continent of synthetic intelligence”.

They additionally spoke of the transatlantic strategy to Ukraine and China. Both Vance and Von der Leyen on the finish of this week may even take part within the Safety Conference of Munich, the place the way forward for Ukraine would be the predominant subject.

Chart du Jour: Tesa Report

Most Europeans take into account the United States as a “needed accomplice” quite than an “ally”, in line with a brand new survey of the European Council on overseas relations Published today.

Road journey

The rubber on the simplification unit of Ursula von der Leyen arrives immediately to the street, whereas the European Commission has plans on which areas he desires to chop, writing Paola Tamma.

Context: the President of the Commission von der Leyen has promised to chop forms to make life simpler for corporations. The Commission ought to suggest a so -called “Omnibus” legislation on the finish of this month simplifying 4 completely different items of laws, the primary of a number of legal guidelines of those. Next Up: enchancment of entry to investments, forms with out paper, easier chemical legal guidelines.

“The accumulation of guidelines over time at completely different ranges, their better challenges of complexity and implementation are having a big influence on Europe’s competitiveness,” writes the Commission in a draft of a communication to be offered immediately.

It undertakes to “assessment and adapt our regulatory framework to make it extra aware of the wants of individuals and corporations”, in line with the venture seen by the Financial Times.

“Companies are drained. We should present them that one thing works, “mentioned a excessive EU official knowledgeable concerning the effort.

The strain on the primary Omnibus legislation is widespread, with letters from international locations together with Germany, France and foyer within the sector circulating in Brussels. One by Italy, seen by FT, asks for a discount in reporting necessities for corporations and rejecting the implementation of the sustainability guidelines “till all excellent points have been addressed accurately”.

Brussels is raring to underline that this isn’t a push for deregulation, however “make the inexperienced settlement practicable,” mentioned the official. But environmental activists are fearful.

“If you delay one thing, that is deregulation. If you take away a big a part of the laws, that is the deregulation, “mentioned Sebastien Godinot of the WWF Europe workplace.

What to look immediately

1. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the EU Council António Costa and the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels.

2. EU commerce ministers meet on-line to debate US charges.

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