European Union

The Dutch elect a new parliament today, Wednesday. The snap general election became necessary after the previous government collapsed at the beginning of June. Europe's press focuses on the future role of right-wing populist Geert Wilders.

Just under three weeks after the ceasefire began, the Israeli Air Force has bombed targets in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 90 people according to local reports. Israel's government described the strikes as a response to an attack by Hamas in which a soldier was killed. The terrorist organisation ruling Gaza has denied responsibility for this incident.

Local elections will be held in Copenhagen on 18 November. The Independent Green Party, which was founded in 2020, has made waves with campaign posters that read: "Free Copenhagen from Zionism" and "Dissolve the State of Israel". For the Danish press this goes too far.

In the tariff dispute between the US and China both sides are now saying they are close to reaching a deal, and Presidents Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet in South Korea on 30 October. On Monday, however, Trump concluded rare earths deal with Japan which in view of China's recent export restrictions can be seen as a pact against Beijing.

Europe is standing at a crossroads. On the one hand, it has committed to climate neutrality and strategic autonomy. On the other, its industrial competitiveness is under unprecedented strain, eroded by high energy costs, dependence on imported raw materials, and mounting global competition. The European chemical industry’s decline in recent years is a stark example of how multifaceted pressures can remove the engine from an economic powerhouse. Europe’s ability to reinvigorate it will truly underpin its resilience.

A NATO official said the body had been informed by the Trump administration advance and also played down its significance