Singapore's government has announced a Business Adaptation Grant to support local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) affected by US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs. The grant will cover two categories of businesses, including those that export or operate in overseas markets and those with manufacturing operations overseas or locally. SMEs are expected to receive a higher percentage of co-funding from the government than non-SMEs. Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Dr Tan said the grant will provide support for free trade agreements, trade compliance advisory, and supply chain optimisation, among other services. The two-year window for the grant aims to provide reassurance for businesses during a protracted period of negotiations with the US.
https://channelnewsasia.com/singapore/sert-economic-resilience-business-grant-tariffs-5228891Singaporean coordinating minister for national security Shanmugam emphasized the need for small countries like Singapore to develop deeper relationships with major nations such as China, the US, and Europe due to changing global dynamics. He highlighted the significant impact of US policies on trade-reliant countries like Singapore, which relies heavily on external trade. In response to US President Donald Trump's recent tariff notices to Japan and South Korea, Shanmugam noted that Singapore has not received a similar letter, but warned of potential reprisals from China if nations strike deals with the US to cut out Chinese supply chains.
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/singapore-must-develop-deeper-relationships-china-us-europe-shanmugamUS President Donald Trump has taken several actions that have raised concerns about human rights and international cooperation. He has stopped US engagement with the UN Human Rights Council, halted funding for the Palestinian relief agency UNRWA, and ordered a review of UNESCO. Additionally, he announced plans to quit the Paris climate deal and the World Health Organisation. The US has also imposed sanctions on four ICC judges in response to the war tribunal's issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a case into alleged war crimes by US troops in Afghanistan.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/07/10/us-sanctions-un-expert-critical-of-israels-war-in-gazaChina's President Wang has met European leaders, including EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and French minister Kaja Kallas, during a tour of Europe, but tensions remain despite efforts to ease longstanding disputes over trade imbalance, the Ukraine war, cybersecurity, and the West Asia conflict. Wang emphasized shared economic and political interests with Europe, but progress on key issues was limited, according to reports in South China Morning Post and Le Monde. The EU is seeking a rare earths supply arrangement, while China has used its monopoly on these resources as leverage in trade conflicts with the US.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/wang-yi-europe-tour-sets-tone-for-eu-china-summit-trade-ukraine-tensions-in-focus-13904818.htmlLeaders from around the world are gathering in Rome for a conference aimed at finding a lasting resolution to the war against Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Great Britain and French President Emmanuel Macron will lead the Coalition of the Willing, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participates via videoconference. Pope Leo XIV recently met with Zelensky in a private audience, emphasizing the need for peace through negotiations. Zelensky is also set to meet with Italian Prime Minister Sergio Mattarella and US envoy Keith Kellogg during his visit to Rome.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/bulgaria/984845-zhelyazkov-to-participate-in-the-high-level-conference-on-the-reconstruction-of-ukraine-in-romeCanada is diversifying its trade partnerships beyond the US, expanding cooperation with ASEAN on energy, food security, digital economy, and AI, amid efforts to mitigate economic impact of US tariffs under President Donald Trump.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/07/11/business/top-business/canada-seeks-free-trade-pact-with-asean-countries/2147162The European Court of Human Rights has unanimously ruled that Russia systematically violated human rights during the conflict in Ukraine from May 11, 2014 to September 16, 2022. The court found widespread and ongoing violations, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and torture, particularly against civilians and opposition figures such as Alexei Navalny.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/4013666-unprecedented-echr-ruling-russia-held-responsible-for-human-rights-violations-in-ukraine-downing-of-flight-mh17.htmlTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone call with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker to discuss bilateral ties and global issues. He emphasized seizing opportunities for peace in Russia-Ukraine conflict, warned against wasting the chance, and highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Gaza. Erdoğan also stressed the importance of enhancing trade and investment between Türkiye and Austria, promoting stability in Syria by improving social and economic conditions for Syrian refugees.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-austrias-stocker-discuss-ukraine-war-gaza-crisis-in-phone-call-211337The European Union has reached a significant agreement with Israel to improve humanitarian aid access into Gaza, including increased food truck deliveries and protection for aid workers. High Representative Kaja Kallas announced the deal, which includes substantial food and non-food items, resumption of fuel deliveries, and repair of vital infrastructure. The EU's Special Envoy to the Middle East, Christophe Bigot, was part of a delegation that negotiated the agreement with Israel, following intense talks between officials from Israel and Hamas to reach a cease-fire.
https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/07/10/eu-and-israel-agree-substantial-aid-access-for-gaza