The European Union Parliament has decided not to finalize its trade agreement with the United States at this time, citing uncertainty created by former President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. The decision follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent annulment of Trump’s earlier tariff measures, after which Trump imposed a new 15 percent export tariff on all goods. This move has led to renewed instability in transatlantic trade relations.

A vote on U.S. industrial export tariffs was expected in the EU Parliament’s trade committee on Tuesday, but it has now been postponed. European Commission spokesperson Olof Zill stated that Brussels cannot make any decision until Washington clarifies its position. He added that the EU expects a proper explanation from the United States regarding the current developments.

The delay underscores the EU’s cautious approach to trade negotiations with the U.S. as both sides navigate the implications of shifting American trade policies and their impact on global commerce.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas responded to recent US criticism of Europe during the final day of the Munich Security Conference. She stated that ending the Russia-Ukraine war requires forcing Moscow to make concessions at the negotiation table. Rejecting claims of a declining Europe, Kallas asserted that European civilization is not facing extinction.

Her remarks followed comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reassured allies that the United States and Europe remain united but urged Europe to strengthen defenses against mass migration to protect its civilization. Kallas acknowledged that while transatlantic unity remains important, the two sides may not always agree on every issue.

European leaders at the conference emphasized the need for Europe to take charge of its own defense amid Russia’s aggression and policy shifts under President Donald Trump. Kallas called for restoring European capabilities, stressing that Europe’s security begins with Ukraine. She described Russia as fragile rather than a superpower and warned that Moscow must not gain more at the negotiating table than on the battlefield.

Political groups in the European Parliament reached an agreement on Tuesday on the EU-US trade deal, originally struck in July 2025 by US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The deal, which still requires ratification, sets US tariffs at 15% on EU exports, while the EU will cut its tariffs on US goods to zero. The Parliament’s International Partnership Committee will vote on February 24, followed by a plenary session as early as March.

The approval process had been frozen in January after Trump announced plans to impose a 10% tariff on eight European countries involved in an Arctic military mission. Work resumed weeks later, leading to a compromise that includes a sunset clause expiring in March 2028 unless renewed, and a suspension clause triggered if the US violates the deal. Socialist MEP Bernd Lange said the Greenland issue prompted the inclusion of a sovereignty criterion for possible suspension.

The Parliament’s version also adds safeguards to protect the EU market and an automatic reintroduction of tariffs if the US fails to reduce its own tariffs to 15% on over 400 steel-related products. After the plenary vote, negotiations with EU member states will determine the final terms.

The European Union has declared that TikTok is violating online content regulations and must modify its “addictive” design features to safeguard minors from compulsive use. The European Commission released preliminary findings from its probe on Friday, identifying infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and a personalized recommendation algorithm as elements that encourage addiction. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen said TikTok must redesign its service in Europe to protect young users, while Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier noted that the company’s current measures are insufficient.

The Commission stated that these features contribute to compulsive use, posing major risks to children’s mental health and wellbeing, and cited a breach of the Digital Services Act. Regulators warned that TikTok could face a fine of up to 6 percent of ByteDance’s global turnover. TikTok rejected the findings, calling them false and meritless, and vowed to challenge them. The investigation, launched in February 2024, was based on data showing high late-night usage among teens and significant daily screen time among younger users.

The probe reflects the EU’s broader push to impose stricter oversight on major tech and social media platforms to better protect minors online.

A total of 404 former ministers, ambassadors, and senior officials from the European Union and its member states have called for firm and effective measures against Israel. In a joint statement released on Monday, they urged the EU to move beyond symbolic condemnations and take concrete steps to stop ongoing violations of international law in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. The proposed actions include suspending the EU–Israel Association Agreement and halting all forms of military assistance to Israel.

The statement emphasized that the EU must act in line with its founding values and principles to restore its credibility as a force for peace and welfare. The signatories warned that despite international peace efforts, the humanitarian and security situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. They accused Israel of obstructing humanitarian aid and targeting civilians and aid workers.

The statement also condemned Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian access and called for the Rafah border crossing to be fully and permanently opened. It demanded an end to the misuse of the so-called “dual-use” policy that blocks relief supplies.

Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s new film “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” centered on the Palestinian crisis, has secured a place in the final nominations for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September last year to record-breaking standing ovations, will compete in the Best International Feature Film category. The Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in California, with the final nominations announced on January 22.

Alongside Tunisia’s entry, the category includes films from Brazil, France, Norway, and Spain. Despite submissions from seven African countries, Tunisia is the only one to reach the final list. This marks Ben Hania’s third Oscar nomination, following previous recognition for “The Man Who Sold His Skin” (2020) and “Four Daughters” (2023). She remains the only Tunisian filmmaker to receive multiple Oscar nominations.

“The Voice of Hind Rajab” depicts the January 2024 Gaza attack that killed five-year-old Hind Rajab, her relatives, and paramedics. The film’s executive producers include Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuarón, and Jonathan Glazer.

France has moved toward restricting children’s use of social media, with its lower house of parliament passing a bill to ban access for those under 15. The measure still requires approval from the Senate before becoming law. In response, the European Union is considering similar action, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supporting the idea of setting a minimum age limit. The Commission plans to form an expert panel early this year to advise on possible steps for all 27 member states.

The EU already enforces the Digital Services Act, which bans advertising targeted at children and allows regulators to require structural changes to online platforms. France, Denmark, and three other countries are testing an age verification app designed to protect minors from harmful online content, with the Commission expecting a full rollout by the end of the year.

Although no EU-wide ban is yet in place, regulators anticipate initial decisions on child protection measures during the first half of 2026.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the world is entering a new era dominated by economic, military, and geopolitical power. Speaking before the World Economic Forum in Davos, she said the 27-member European Union must rapidly strengthen its economy and defense to maintain global influence. Von der Leyen cautioned the United States that disputes among allies over Greenland would only empower rivals of the Western world.

She described U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on European allies as a mistake and said escalating conflicts and retaliatory actions would harm both Europe and the United States strategically. Addressing the European Parliament, she emphasized that current global shifts are permanent, citing tensions over Greenland, Russia’s continued attacks in Ukraine, and instability from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific.

Von der Leyen urged Europe to move beyond its traditionally cautious stance, asserting that the EU must act decisively to protect its interests. Her remarks came ahead of an EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels to form a unified response to Trump’s statements.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has warned that the European Union will take retaliatory action if the United States enforces its threatened tariffs against European allies over the Greenland issue. Speaking to Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ on Sunday, Martin said the situation has escalated dramatically and rapidly, and that any tariff imposition could lead to a very serious global scenario. He emphasized that while the EU has a strong protective law known as the Anti-Coercion Instrument, it would be premature to invoke it at this stage.

Martin stressed that dialogue should remain the main path to avoid a trade war, noting that discussions are essential to prevent escalation and that no concrete steps have yet been taken. He added that although applying the Anti-Coercion Instrument now would be early, it could remain on the table for future consideration.

Analysts cited in the report expressed concern that the growing tension between Europe and Washington over the Greenland-related tariff threat could negatively affect the global trade system.

A group of European Parliament lawmakers has called for the immediate suspension of the approval process for a proposed US trade deal following comments by US President Donald Trump about taking control of Greenland. In a letter sent to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the Conference of Presidents, the lawmakers urged a halt to the deal, which involves several EU countries. The letter was made public by Danish lawmaker Per Clausen, who expressed hope that the Parliament’s leadership would respond swiftly.

According to Anadolu Agency, the lawmakers also asked the European Parliament to clearly inform the European Commission, EU Council, and Washington that the EU would not consider agreements with partners posing threats to its territorial integrity. The letter referenced recent statements by Trump and his administration expressing intent to “take” Greenland, describing such remarks as a threat to the international rules-based order. The lawmakers warned that rewarding such behavior would be worse than remaining silent.

The trade deal, which includes tariff adjustments and quotas for US goods, was agreed last summer between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump and is scheduled for full approval in February.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned that the right to protest in the United Kingdom has been severely restricted in recent years, with state control over peaceful demonstrators intensifying. The warning came through HRW’s report titled “Silencing the Streets: The Right to Protest Under Attack in the UK,” released in London and reported by AFP. The report noted that the UK is adopting strategies similar to countries where democratic safeguards and civil liberties are gradually eroding. Shortly after the report’s release, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was detained and later released during a protest supporting the banned Palestine Action group.

Based on research from 2024 and 2025, HRW found that increasing numbers of people are being arrested, prosecuted, and even imprisoned for participating in peaceful demonstrations or attending planning meetings. The organization criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government for failing to repeal restrictive protest laws introduced by the previous Conservative administration in 2023. HRW’s UK director Yasmin Ahmed said the government’s tough stance on law and order was alarming and warned that such laws could be used against anyone in the future.

HRW urged the government to lift certain restrictions on protests and revoke the ban on Palestine Action, noting that at least 2,300 people have been arrested since the group was outlawed in July.

The UK Met Office has issued a nationwide red alert warning for extreme weather conditions, citing the risk of severe storms, heavy rainfall, and widespread snowfall. The alert, effective from Wednesday afternoon, warns that the situation poses a serious threat to public safety. Forecasts indicate wind speeds could reach 90 to 100 miles per hour, with up to one foot of snow expected in hilly and elevated areas. The most affected regions are expected to include southwest England, Wales, the Midlands, and parts of northern England.

Coastal areas face the possibility of storm surges and large waves, while strong winds could cause trees to fall and damage power lines and roofs, leading to potential power outages. Heavy rain may trigger flash floods and waterlogging, and icy roads could severely disrupt rail, bus, and air transport.

Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, urging coastal communities to remain alert for tidal surges and to take extra care of the elderly and children.

The United Kingdom has assisted the United States in seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker named ‘Bela-1’ in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Britain and Iceland. The British Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force supported the US operation at Washington’s request. The tanker, recently renamed ‘Marinera,’ was reportedly under US sanctions and had previously evaded capture near Venezuela. Russia has strongly protested the seizure.

According to the British Defence Ministry, the operation was conducted in accordance with international law. The ministry stated that the vessel had used a false flag and was linked to international terrorism and criminal networks, including alleged ties to the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah. The tanker had turned off its tracking systems and attempted to change its flag during the pursuit.

Defence Secretary John Healey said the UK would continue to act against “shadow fleets” that threaten global stability. He clarified that no British troops boarded the vessel and praised US forces for their professionalism despite adverse weather. Britain also allowed the US to use its military bases for the operation.

The United Kingdom has asked for clarification from the United States after President Donald Trump said Washington would oversee Venezuela’s government following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro. Trump made the remarks on Saturday during a press conference in Florida, where he stated that the U.S. would manage the country until a safe and fair transfer of power could be ensured. Senior U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were present at the event.

Speaking to Sky News, UK Treasury Chief Secretary Darren Jones said it was unclear what Trump meant by saying Washington would “run” Venezuela’s government. Jones emphasized that Britain does not support colonialism and that determining Venezuela’s political future is not the role of any third country. He declined to comment on whether U.S. actions violated international law, saying that was a matter for international courts.

The UK’s request for clarity highlights growing international concern over the implications of U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s transitional governance following Maduro’s detention.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on all nations to abide by international law following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that American forces had conducted a large-scale operation to detain Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Speaking from London, Starmer described the situation as rapidly evolving and clarified that the United Kingdom had no involvement in the operation. He urged patience until the full facts of the incident are verified.

The report noted that the UK has not yet recognized the results of Venezuela’s disputed 2024 election, in which Maduro secured a third term. London has consistently supported a peaceful and negotiated transfer of power in the country, maintaining its stance on democratic processes and stability in Venezuela.

Starmer’s remarks reflect the UK’s cautious diplomatic approach as global attention turns to the unfolding developments in Venezuela and their potential implications for international relations.