The European Union is preparing to renew discussions on imposing further sanctions on Russia, particularly targeting its energy exports, as Hungary's presidency, seen as obstructive, ends. Poland, taking over the EU presidency, aims to push for stricter measures against Russian energy imports, addressing loopholes in the current sanctions regime. The EU's strategy will focus on refining sanctions design and enforcement, with Poland advocating for increased transparency in tracking Russian fossil fuel imports. The European Commission's proposal is awaited to advance these discussions.

Germany, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, will oppose EU duties on Chinese electric vehicles in an upcoming vote, despite internal coalition disagreements. Scholz's Social Democrats, favoring a more Beijing-friendly approach, clashed with the Green Party's preference for a tougher stance. The liberal FDP also supports a 'no' vote. Germany's unexpected opposition could influence other EU countries, though significant support is needed to overturn the duties. Scholz utilized executive power to align the coalition's stance, highlighting the political dynamics within Germany's government.

The European Union is set to vote on imposing duties on Chinese electric vehicles, a move that could impact the European auto industry and potentially trigger a trade war with China. Germany, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, opposes the tariffs but faces challenges in blocking them due to the EU's qualified majority voting system. The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, recommended the duties following an anti-subsidy probe. While some EU countries support the tariffs, others, like Spain and Italy, have called for a negotiated solution. Germany's internal political divisions further complicate its position, and it would need significant support from other EU countries to block the tariffs.

The European Union and China have not reached an agreement on duties for Chinese-made electric vehicles following high-level talks. EU Trade Chief Valdis Dombrovskis indicated that China has another opportunity to present a revised offer addressing state subsidies in its electric car industry. The EU is investigating these subsidies, which it claims give China an unfair advantage over European manufacturers. The European Commission is preparing to inform member countries about the investigation's findings, with a vote on the duties expected soon. Germany, a key player in the EU, is divided on the issue, potentially affecting the vote outcome. Meanwhile, EU governments are working to avoid a trade conflict with China, as tensions rise over potential retaliatory measures.

The European Union's decision to impose duties on Chinese electric vehicles has been delayed, as the European Commission has yet to share its anti-subsidy investigation findings with member states. The vote, initially scheduled for September 25, may now occur the week of September 30. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao is in Brussels to negotiate with EU trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis, aiming to prevent the duties, which range from 7.8% to 35.3%. The Trade Defense Instruments Committee, comprising civil servants from the EU's 27 capitals, will eventually vote on the matter, with a qualified majority needed to block the duties.

China's top trade official, Wang Wentao, is on a European tour to dissuade the EU from imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Despite efforts to negotiate, including meetings with EU trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU remains firm on its stance due to concerns over state subsidies. The situation is tense, with various EU countries holding differing views on the tariffs. Germany's Robert Habeck advocates for a negotiated solution, while Italy supports the EU's position. The outcome hinges on an upcoming EU vote, with the Commission holding a strategic advantage. The article highlights the complex dynamics of EU-China trade relations and the challenges of reaching a consensus.

The European Commission has rejected China's proposals to set minimum prices or volume caps on electric vehicle imports, aiming to avoid duties on Chinese EVs. The EU's decision follows an investigation into subsidies provided by China, which the EU claims distort competition. Despite China's efforts to negotiate, the EU remains firm on imposing duties ranging from 7.8% to 35.3% unless a solution aligning with WTO rules is found. A formal vote by EU countries is scheduled for September 25, with Spain's Prime Minister hinting at a possible change in stance.

Eight EU countries have proposed a new sanctions instrument targeting Russia following the death of anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny. The foreign ministers of Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Sweden signed a letter to the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell, advocating for a Russia-specific sanctions regime. The regime aims to target individuals involved in domestic repression in Russia, with Navalny being the latest high-profile victim. The ministers also suggested adding new listings under the EU's Global Human Rights Sanctions regime as a quicker alternative to a full-blown 'Navalny Act'.

European aluminum producers and four EU countries are urging the European Union to impose an embargo on Russian aluminum imports as part of the upcoming sanctions package marking two years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite the pressure, a full ban is unlikely by the anniversary due to opposition from countries like Italy. The EU aims to present the 13th sanctions package by February 24, but it is expected to focus on new individual listings and a ban on exporting dual-use goods and battlefield products to Russia. Industrial consumers, represented by FACE, strongly oppose sanctions on aluminum, warning of severe economic repercussions. EU diplomats are currently negotiating the terms of the new sanctions package.

The European Union's attempt to engage with Indo-Pacific nations faced setbacks as key European and Indo-Pacific foreign ministers, including those from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, India, and South Korea, did not attend the EU's third Indo-Pacific ministerial meeting in Brussels. The meeting was overshadowed by the Middle East conflict, with criticism from developing countries about the West's perceived double standards regarding the situations in Ukraine and Gaza. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized the EU's commitment to security in the Indo-Pacific despite being preoccupied with conflicts closer to home.