Threads
Stories that unfold over weeks: where things stand, what has changed and what comes next.
Latest changes
Thursday 16 July
Trump advocates for Poland's permanent G20 membership
A Washington Post op-ed highlights President Trump's push for Poland to gain a permanent seat at the G20, citing its $1 trillion economy, 3.5% growth rate, and significant defense spending as key justifications.
Ukraine's Zelensky declines to renominate defense minister Fedorov
President Zelensky declined to renominate Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister, citing an irreconcilable conflict with commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky. This decision sparked protests in Kyiv calling for Fedorov's reinstatement and Syrsky's dismissal.
Ukrainian parliament approves Serhiy Koretsky as Prime Minister
Ukraine's parliament approved Serhiy Koretsky, head of state energy firm Naftogaz, as prime minister, beginning the formation of a new wartime cabinet. This follows public protests over the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Brent crude climbs to $85 per barrel amid Hormuz clashes
Brent crude prices climbed to around $85 per barrel, extending a four-day rally. The increase follows overnight US airstrikes on Iranian targets and the tightened naval blockade, with traders pricing in heightened risk to Gulf energy supplies.
Google sued in France by multiple publishers over Gemini training data
Several major book publishers, including Hachette Book Group, have filed a new lawsuit in France accusing Google of using copyrighted works without permission to train its Gemini models. The suit alleges copyright infringement and violation of moral rights.
US military conducts new airstrikes on Iranian ports and coastal infrastructure
The US military carried out two new waves of airstrikes against targets along Iran’s Gulf coast, including facilities at Sirik and the major port of Bandar Abbas, aiming to degrade Iran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping.
EU and India deepen tech cooperation at Trade and Technology Council meeting
The EU and India agreed to intensify collaboration on AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies, and clean energy at their third Trade and Technology Council meeting. This partnership aims to diversify supply chains and support the EU’s industrial and green transition goals.
US clarifies CHIPS Act guardrails on China investments
The US Department of Commerce clarified its CHIPS Act guardrails, imposing long-term restrictions on semiconductor investment in China for companies receiving incentives. These rules aim to prevent significant expansion of manufacturing capacity in China for at least ten years.
US Department of Homeland Security issues final rule on visa duration
The US Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule ending the "duration of status" framework for F-visa students, J-visa exchange visitors, and I-visa foreign journalists.
Kaczyński and Woch announce joint Senate election effort
Jarosław Kaczyński and Marek Woch, a 2025 presidential candidate, announced a joint Senate election effort, drawing criticism from other right-wing figures. This alliance signals a potential shift in conservative political strategies ahead of upcoming elections.
Nvidia pledges to build Japan's first national AI infrastructure
Nvidia announced a partnership with Noetra Corp. and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to build infrastructure dedicated to "physical AI," marking a strategic investment.
US imposes 25% tariffs on Brazilian imports
The United States will apply a 25% tariff to a wide range of imports from Brazil starting July 22, with carve-outs for key commodities, marking Brazil as the first test case in a new Section 301 tariff strategy.
Bahrain tightens night-time maritime traffic controls in territorial waters
Bahrain tightened night-time controls on maritime traffic in its territorial waters, signalling growing concern among Gulf states over spillover risks to their coastal security.
EU condemns US campaign against International Criminal Court
The European Union condemned the Trump administration's campaign to systematically disable the International Criminal Court, emphasizing its commitment to international criminal justice and rejecting attacks against the court's officials.
Commission opens first DSA sanctions procedure against platform
The European Commission initiated its first sanctions procedure under the Digital Services Act against an unnamed very large online platform. This action targets alleged systematic obstruction of data access for vetted researchers, marking a new phase in DSA enforcement.
China implements temporary export controls on helium
China's Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs announced new temporary export controls on helium, a critical input for semiconductor manufacturing. This move aligns with Beijing's strategy of using export controls to respond to Western technology restrictions.
US mandates federal agencies adopt post-quantum cryptography
President Trump issued Executive Order 14412, requiring federal agencies to transition sensitive systems to post-quantum cryptography by December 2030 and 2031. This centralizes cybersecurity planning and could affect allied data flows.
US launches two air strike waves and fires Hellfire missiles into oil tanker
American warplanes struck Iranian positions in Chabahar, Rask, Bandar Abbas, and Ahwas on Wednesday, while a fighter jet disabled the M/T Belma tanker with Hellfire rockets after it attempted to breach the renewed naval blockade of Iranian ports.
CJEU rules Spain's Catalan amnesty law within national competence
The Court of Justice of the EU ruled that Spain's amnesty law for Catalan independence figures does not violate EU law, affirming that political amnesties are a national prerogative. This judgment delineates the limits of EU authority in a high-profile sovereignty dispute.
Polish jets intercept Russian aircraft over Baltic Sea
Polish MiG-29s from Malbork intercepted two Russian Su-30 fighters and an Il-20 spy plane 30 km off the Pomeranian coast, marking the third such incident this week without airspace violation.
European gas benchmark price rises above €52/MWh
The European gas benchmark jumped above €52 per megawatt-hour, intensifying cost pressures on energy-intensive industries across the continent. This increase adds to the challenges for European industrial competitiveness.
US announces new 25% tariff on most imports from Brazil
The U.S. Trade Representative announced a 25% tariff on a wide range of Brazilian goods, including agricultural machinery and steel, effective July 22. This action follows a year-long investigation into Brazil's trade policies.
China launches World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization
China launched the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) with 29 founding member countries, establishing an intergovernmental body to coordinate AI development and regulation. This initiative positions China as a leader in shaping global AI norms.
New York imposes moratorium on large data centers
New York imposed a one-year moratorium on large new data centers, covering facilities using 50 megawatts or more, due to concerns over electricity costs and water supplies from AI infrastructure.
US adjusts AI chip export policy to China
The US Bureau of Industry and Security shifted Nvidia H200 and AMD MI325X exports to China to case-by-case license review, following a previous agreement for export licenses in exchange for revenue sharing. This aims to give regulators tighter control over volumes and end-users.
UK nationalises Chinese-owned British Steel
The UK government took Chinese-owned British Steel into full public ownership, framing the move as necessary to protect national interests, jobs, and defence-linked supply chains, marking a direct state intervention in a strategic asset.
EU competition ruling forces Google to open Android to rival AI assistants
An EU competition ruling requires Google to let Android users choose an AI assistant freely and share search data with competitors, marking a significant move in digital-market enforcement.
European Commission issues DMA specifications for Google's Android AI
The European Commission adopted binding specifications under the Digital Markets Act, requiring Google to provide interoperability for 11 AI-related features in Android to rival assistants and share anonymized search data with competitors.
EU Court of Justice backs Spain’s Catalan amnesty law
The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that Spain’s amnesty law for figures involved in Catalonia’s 2017 independence push is compatible with EU law, accepting the government’s argument for reconciliation.
EU orders Google to open Android to rival AI assistants
The European Commission adopted two binding Digital Markets Act decisions requiring Google to grant rival AI assistants access to Android's core functions. This move aims to foster competition and data sharing within the digital market.
EC Special Panel urges stricter platform design rules
The European Commission’s Special Panel on child safety online published a report calling for social media and digital service providers to prove their products are safe for minors before widespread access.
Australia establishes Office of AI, sets data center energy standards
Australia unveiled a national Office of AI, binding energy standards for large data centers, and new copyright language for creative works used in AI training. This initiative aims to regulate AI development and infrastructure while protecting intellectual property.
Germany applies media law to AI-generated content
Germany's media regulator announced that AI-generated content from systems like Google AI Overviews and Perplexity AI falls under national media regulations, following a court ruling on AI liability.
Wednesday 15 July
EU implements new steel import rules affecting Ukraine's industry
The EU's new steel import rules took effect on July 1, cutting annual tariff-free quotas by nearly half and raising the out-of-quota duty to 50%. This creates a new obstacle for Ukraine’s war-hit steel sector as it tries to maintain exports into the bloc.
Commission President outlines plans for new child social media legislation
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for new legislation to ban or tightly limit social media use for children aged 3-13, with proposals expected after the summer. This indicates a focus on children's mental health and algorithmic design.
US conducts new waves of strikes on Iranian military targets
The US Central Command announced new "wave of strikes" targeting Iranian military capabilities used against merchant shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, including sites near Bushehr and Iranshahr. Iran reported seven soldiers killed in their barracks by 13 US missiles.
Ukraine aims to produce Patriot missiles by end-2026
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine expects to gain the technical ability to produce its own interceptor missiles for US-made Patriot air defense systems by the end of 2026, using Ukrainian teams and technology.
US Treasury imposes new sanctions on Iran-linked procurement network
The US Treasury announced new sanctions against seven individuals and entities in Iran, Russia, and Nigeria tied to a network procuring weapons for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Ten EU states resist ETS2 expansion
Ten EU countries, including Italy and Poland, issued a joint statement demanding the Commission reconsider its plan for ETS2, citing concerns over energy prices and cost-of-living pressures for households.
French inquiry proposes state stake in Mistral AI
A French parliamentary inquiry recommended the state take an equity stake in Mistral AI and impose a moratorium on new foreign-owned large data centers. The proposals aim to address concerns over critical AI infrastructure control and energy consumption.