  Europe - US

In the trade dispute between the US and the EU, President Donald Trump has delayed the introduction of higher tariffs from 9 July to 1 August. A spokesperson for EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that negotiations on a tariff deal were "entering the final phase". Numerous other countries have already received letters from Trump announcing tariffs of 25 to 40 percent on their export goods as of August.

The UK and the US have agreed on a trade pact that reduces tariffs between the two countries. According to UK sources, tariffs on car imports to the US are to be lowered, those on steel and aluminium abolished entirely and import duties on US goods cut. Prior to signing this deal, the UK had finalised a free-trade agreement with India this week. Europe's press is divided in its assessment of the plans.

The EU has imposed massive fines on two US IT companies, with Apple being to pay 500 million euros and Facebook parent company Meta 200 million euros for violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This is the first time fines have been imposed under the DMA, which was introduced in 2022. Among other things, it obliges internet giants to open up their platforms to competitors. Europe's media back the ruling.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington today for talks that will presumably focus on defusing the tariff dispute between the US and Europe. The two leaders enjoy a good personal relationship. Europe's press discusses whether the EU will benefit from this encounter - or whether the post-fascist politician only has Italy's interests in mind.