International News 28 February 2025
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Move China out of the way, EU moves closer to India
The European Union is encouraging India to reduce its high tariffs on cars and wine with a view to enhancing trade relations, as part of the EU's strategy to reduce its reliance on China.A senior EU official disclosed this information in advance of the visit to New Delhi by the President of the European Commission.The EU will urge India to lower tariffs on specific goods and improve market access for European products. In exchange, the EU is willing to be flexible on agricultural issues to expedite talks on a free trade agreement.The EU official noted that the Indian market is relatively closed, particularly for products like cars, wine, and spirits.The visit of EU President Ursula von der Leyen to India will coincide with increasing geopolitical tensions and discussions on areas for further cooperation.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/singkirkan-china-uni-eropa-kini-mendekat-ke-india
Iran Accelerates Uranium Production by 60%, IAEA: Serious Threat
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported a significant increase in Iran's stockpile of uranium, which is close to the level required for a nuclear weapon, since December. There has been no progress in resolving outstanding nuclear issues, and Western countries are concerned about Iran enriching uranium to such high levels without a clear civilian reason, while Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful energy purposes.President Donald Trump's administration plans to continue pressuring Iran over its nuclear programme. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed concern that the time for diplomatic negotiations is limited. A confidential report has revealed that Iran's stockpiles of uranium enriched to 60% have increased by 92.5 kilograms over the past three months, bringing the total to 274.8 kilograms.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/iran-percepat-produksi-uranium-60-iaea-ancaman-serius
Trump confirms Zelenskiy visit to sign Ukraine mineral deal
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian President, is scheduled to visit Washington to sign an agreement on rare earth minerals, which is regarded as a pivotal step in Ukraine's endeavours to secure US support in resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia.The agreement, regarded as a preliminary measure, will establish a joint fund with the US, with a portion of Ukraine's mineral resource revenue earmarked for contribution. However, it should be noted that US President Donald Trump has made it clear that broad security guarantees would not be provided to Ukraine, and has called on Europe to play a larger role in that respect.In his meeting with Trump, Zelenskiy stressed the importance of security guarantees and ongoing US aid for Ukraine, and expressed his hope that the agreement would contribute to future security guarantees, without making Ukraine a debtor for military aid received from the US.