Finance & Trade

EU Deal Gives China Advantage in Media War

March 16, 2021

As concerns grow about Chinese disinformation and propaganda in Europe, the EU’s trade deal with Beijing gives China the advantage in media, allowing China to set extreme restrictions on foreign investment in news media and the entertainment industry while in Europe, Chinese investors continue to be largely free to buy news services, broadcasters, cinemas and film-making ventures.
Politico: EU’s Green Finance Agenda May Backfire

March 16, 2021

The EU’s effort to drive more money into green finance risks backfiring as the political agenda turns into a legislative muddle, making it extremely complicated for companies to follow guidelines.
German Employers Upset at Supply Chain Act

March 08, 2021

In a decision German employers decry as unfair, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Supply Chain Act obliges companies to take action against human rights violations at their foreign suppliers and will force large companies to pay fines of up to 2% of their annual global turnover if they violate the rules.
U.S. and EU Need Eachother as China Moves on AI

March 03, 2021

Politico reports that China’s move to dominate artificial intelligence and authoritarian behavior has politicians in the U.S. and EU deeply concerned, but the two powers must find a way to work together to counterbalance Beijing’s technological ambitions.
China’s Eastern Europe Strategy Takes a Hit

February 24, 2021

Politico reports that the “17+1” platform created by Beijing in 2012 to build ties with 17 Central and Eastern European countries took a hit when half of the 12 EU national leaders invited did not show.
Johnson: EU ‘undermined’ Northern Ireland Protocol

February 03, 2021

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accused Brussels of having "undermined" the Northern Ireland protocol following the move by the European Commission to invoke Article 16 of the Protocol, triggering an emergency override provision in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement as part of efforts to control vaccine exports.
Politico: Europe’s China Deal May Cloud Transatlantic Relations

January 20, 2021

According to Politico, U.S. officials and European diplomats warn that the EU’s signing of an investment deal with Beijing dampens prospects for a much anticipated transatlantic alliance to regulate the digital realm.
Trade Deal Allows Chinese Staff to Work in EU for 3 Years

January 14, 2021

According to Politico, The EU-China investment agreement that Brussels agreed upon with Beijing, if ratified by the European Parliament, will make it easier to bring Chinese staff into the European Union, where they will be able to work for up to three years in subsidiaries of Chinese companies.
Lawfare: China and EU Finalize Investment Agreement

January 08, 2021

Lawfareblog.com examines the possible consequences should the European Parliament ratify a new agreement on direct investment between China and the European Union.
Council on Foreign Relations Explains the Brexit Deal

December 30, 2020

The United Kingdom and European Union finalized negotiations for the Brexit Trade and Cooperation Agreement on Christmas Eve, respecting the major lines for both parties but still leaving much uncertainty to be addressed in the future.