EU leaders are expected to decide whether to accept a quick trade deal with the US, potentially compromising on terms, or escalate the dispute in hopes of securing better outcomes. The EU is already facing tariffs imposed by the US, including 50% on steel and aluminium, and 25% on cars and car parts. US President Trump has threatened to increase tariffs to 50% without an agreement, while criticizing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell as "terrible" and considering replacing him with a new chair. In contrast, European defence stocks rose, led by Rheinmetall and Hensoldt, which jumped 3% and 2.8%, respectively.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40369733/european-shares-edge-higher-as-israel-iran-ceasefire-holds-fed-independence-in-focusChina's Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo criticized NATO for deliberately fueling international tensions and smearing China's military development. The criticism comes after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte suggested that the alliance should increase spending to counter Russia's actions in Ukraine and China's military buildup. In response, Guo urged NATO to abandon its Cold War mentality and correct its perception of China, warning against manipulating China-related issues.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/4008659-chinese-fm-beijing-has-never-supplied-weapons-to-either-side-in-ukraine-war.htmlNATO member states have agreed to increase defence spending to five per cent of gross domestic product by 2035. US President Donald Trump hailed the agreement, but criticized Spain for refusing to meet its full commitment, saying Madrid could be made to "pay twice as much" through trade measures. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that Spain will limit its military spending to 2.1 per cent of GDP.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/natos-defence-spending-increase-wont-significantly-affect-russias-security-lavrov/Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Defense Valeriy Churkin met with Norway's State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ivind Van Petersen to discuss Ukraine's need for additional air and missile defense systems. Churkin briefed on battlefield developments, including the consequences of a Russian air strike on peaceful settlements, and provided intelligence on Russia's defense industrial development. He emphasized Ukraine's desire for a just peace and warned that Russia plans to use its increasing production of missiles, attack drones, and other weapons against civilian populations and critical infrastructure.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/4008532-mod-ukraine-discusses-army-needs-with-norwegian-delegation.htmlJapan's chief trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa stated that his country cannot accept the US' proposed 25% tariffs on cars, citing that Japanese automakers produce more cars in the US than they export to America. The companies have invested over $60 billion and created 2.3 million local jobs in the US, with Japanese automakers producing approximately 3.3 million cars annually compared to 1.37 million exports.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/06/26/economy/japan-trade-negotiator-car-tariffs/US President Donald Trump expressed relief at being able to defend his stance on NATO during the two-day summit in The Hague, where he appeared to backtrack on previous comments that suggested he could dismiss Article 5 of the treaty. Mark Rutte, NATO's leader, joked about Trump being "Daddy" after their meeting, while French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky were also present at the summit.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14848151/Natos-charm-wins-daddy-Trump-U-S-stand-allies-says-pledge-extra-defence-spending.htmlUN High Commissioner Volker Türk visited Sri Lanka's mass grave at Chemmani near Jaffna in the Northern Province, meeting a family searching for a loved one who disappeared. President Dissanayake acknowledged their pain and promised to strengthen domestic accountability mechanisms. However, the government has rejected international-backed evidence gathering and repealed anti-terror legislation, sparking concerns over human rights violations. Türk called for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and Online Safety Act, emphasizing the need to address economic issues that impact human rights, including inequality and unsustainable practices. He expressed hope for Sri Lanka's transition to a "human rights economy" with a focus on addressing societal problems and promoting equality.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/heartbreaking-to-see-people-seeking-humanitarian-aid-in-gaza-risking-their-lives-un-human-rights-chief/article69741315.eceThe Bangladesh Awami League has been accused of curtailing supporters' freedom of speech and association. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the interim government, led by Yunus, to ensure inclusive elections that consider the voices of women, youth, minority, and indigenous communities.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/eu-envoy-hopes-restoration-of-democratic-order-in-bangladesh/Beijing has increased military pressure on Taiwan by conducting large-scale exercises around the island, which some describe as preparations for a blockade or invasion. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched a live-fire drill in the Taiwan Strait to simulate strikes on key ports and energy facilities earlier this year. The drills aim to contain "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, according to a PLA statement.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/another-flashpoint-after-ukraine-taiwan/