Eurotopics.net

A storm is brewing between Washington and Beijing again: China has tightened its restrictions on exports of rare earth metals and related technologies. Exports to third countries now require approval from Beijing. US President Donald Trump has responded by threatening to impose a 100 percent punitive tariff on Chinese goods as of 1 November. Is the world facing a new trade war between the two economic giants?

Following last Thursday's approval by Israel and Hamas on an agreement which includes the release of Israeli hostages and a ceasefire, the mediating states signed an accord on Gaza in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday, after more than two years of war. Further steps towards peace are now to be negotiated. Commentators voice a mixture of scepticism and hope.

Last Friday, Estonian border guards reported sightings of several heavily armed soldiers without insignia in the Saatse Boot area, where the road to the village of Saatse runs through Russian territory for one kilometre. The Estonian authorities closed the road as a precautionary measure. The incident has reignited the debate over whether the Baltic states are under threat.

After resigning, Sébastien Lecornu has been appointed French prime minister for a second time. However, several key portfolios in his cabinet remain in the hands of the previous incumbents. The government policy statement and 2026 draft budget due to be presented today will now be decisive, as both the far left and far right opposition groups in parliament have already tabled motions of no confidence which will likely be put to vote on Wednesday.