Le Journal

Trump's Tariff Reversal on Europe: A Greenland Negotiation Twist In a significant diplomatic turnaround, US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the withdrawal of his threat to impose tariffs on multiple European countries. This decision follows the establishment of a new security framework with NATO concerning the Arctic region, a move that appears to mitigate rising tensions over Greenland.European leaders had openly criticized Trump’s proposed tariffs, viewing them as a strategic misstep. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the tariffs, and French President Emmanuel Macron hinted at a possible strong economic retaliation from the EU.The abandonment of the tariffs has produced immediate positive effects on the US financial markets. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a 1.2% gain, partially recovering from the previous day's losses. Concerns among US officials about the potential negative impact on foreign policy also seem to have eased.

EU's Green Revolution: Solar and Wind Overtake Fossil Fuels In a monumental shift, solar and wind power overtook fossil fuels as the primary sources of electricity in the European Union in 2025, according to data from energy think tank Ember.These renewable energies accounted for a record 30% of the 27-country bloc's power, largely driven by a 20% rise in solar outputs for the fourth consecutive year, surpassing coal and hydro energy.While 14 EU countries produced more electricity through wind and solar combined than all fossil fuels, coal power reached a record low. Simultaneously, increased gas dependency raised costs to €32 billion due to low hydro output. However, battery storage advancements, particularly in Germany, Italy, and Poland, could stabilize these volatile energy prices.

Landmark Trial in Hong Kong: The Fight for Memory and Justice On Thursday, Hong Kong's High Court will commence a pivotal national security trial involving former leaders of a group that historically organized vigils for the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. This trial will examine charges levied under the stringent national security law implemented by China in 2020.The events being tried were once emblematic of Hong Kong's comparative freedom in contrast to China, where public discussion of the Tiananmen incident remains prohibited. This trial's primary focus is on whether the group's call for "ending one-party rule" was an act of illegal incitement to destabilize state power.Rights organizations and international entities have condemned these legal moves as attempts to silence dissenters. While Beijing cites the necessity of the national security law to maintain peace, critics argue it undermines democratic principles. In a noteworthy declaration, judges assured that trials would remain impartial, devoid of political motives.

Asian Defence Industry: Poised for Growth Amid Global Tensions The global defence landscape in 2025 was marked by increasing geopolitical tensions, evidenced by U.S. President Donald Trump's military maneuvers in Venezuela and Greenland. This heightened global security environment is driving up defence spending worldwide, notably benefiting Asian defence companies.Countries across the globe are ramping up their military budgets. The NATO alliance, for example, has pledged to raise their defence expenditure to 5% by 2035. Meanwhile, Japan is planning to double its defence budget by 2027, and South Korean defence firms are leading the charge in arms exports.Asian companies are not only capitalizing on European demand but are also shifting towards domestic production to reduce import dependency. Despite promising growth, these firms face challenges, particularly in advanced technology fields where American and European companies currently lead.