The European Union has unveiled a controversial plan to impose a 50% tariff on steel imports exceeding a reduced quota, a move that has sparked alarm within the UK steel industry. The proposed measures, set to take effect early next year, aim to halve the volume of steel imports into the EU, with tariffs applying to any imports beyond 18.3 million tonnes annually—a 47% reduction from 2024 levels. This decision comes amid mounting pressure from EU member states and their domestic steel industries, which have struggled to compete with cheaper imports from countries like China and Turkey.
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Two Austrian women switched at birth meet 35 years later
In a remarkable turn of events, two Austrian women, Doris Grünwald and Jessica Baumgartner, who were accidentally switched at birth in 1990, have finally met each other after 35 years. The incident occurred at the LKH-Uniklinikum hospital in Graz, where both women were born prematurely. Shortly after their births, a mix-up led to them being handed to the wrong families. The truth began to unravel in 2012 when Doris discovered her blood type did not match her parents’ during a blood donation. Austrian public broadcaster ORF reported on the case in 2016, but the other family remained elusive at the time. Jessica, raised by Herbert and Monika Derler, learned of the switch when a doctor informed her about the mismatched blood types during her pregnancy. The two women connected via Facebook and eventually met in person, describing the encounter as akin to meeting a long-lost sister. ‘We got along right away,’ Doris shared. ‘It was an indescribably good feeling.’ The families also met recently, with the emotional reunion captured by an ORF TV crew. Mrs. Derler expressed her initial ’emotional turmoil’ but emphasized that Jessica would always be her child, while Evelin Grünwald reflected on the expansion of her family. Gebhard Falzberger, the hospital’s operations manager, apologized to both families, acknowledging the grave mistake. Legal steps were taken in 2016 to secure Doris’s inheritance rights and compensation, and the Derlers are now pursuing similar measures. Jessica described the clarity as a relief but admitted to the emotional complexity of the situation, highlighting both the beauty and pain of the experience.
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Time may be running out for Master of clocks Macron: What next for France?
French President Emmanuel Macron, once hailed as the ‘master of the clocks’ for his strategic timing, now finds his political grip slipping as France’s political crisis intensifies. For the third time in a year, Macron’s choice of prime minister has resigned, with Sébastien Lecornu stepping down after just 26 days in office. Lecornu’s departure underscores the deepening instability in Macron’s administration, as nearly three-quarters of French voters believe the president should resign.
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Rahm returns to home event in Spain after ‘toughest week’ of career at the Ryder Cup in New York
Jon Rahm has returned to competitive golf at the Spanish Open in Madrid, seeking to make history by winning a record fourth title. This achievement would surpass the legendary Seve Ballesteros, who last won the tournament in 1995. Rahm’s participation follows what he described as the most mentally challenging week of his career during the Ryder Cup in New York, where he faced relentless taunting from the American crowd. Despite the pressure, Rahm helped Europe secure a victory, calling it the most exhilarating experience of his career. He now aims to channel that energy into his performance in Madrid. The Spanish Open holds special significance this year, as the winner will earn an automatic spot in next year’s Masters and the British Open. Rahm, a three-time champion, faces stiff competition from fellow LIV players like Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed, and Joaquin Niemann. The tournament also marks the 50th anniversary of Arnold Palmer’s victory in 1975, adding to its historical prestige.
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Irish government to divert billions of extra euros to savings funds
In a strategic move to safeguard its economic future, the Irish government has unveiled plans to channel billions of euros into national long-term savings funds. This decision comes in response to growing concerns over the volatility of multinational corporation tax revenues, which have been a cornerstone of Ireland’s economy for decades. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe presented the budget to the Dáil, Ireland’s lower house of parliament, outlining the government’s commitment to mitigating risks associated with over-reliance on these tax receipts.
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EU proposes steel industry protections, rattling UK manufacturers
The European Union has unveiled a contentious proposal to significantly reduce its tariff-free quota on steel imports, a move that could impose hefty tariffs on products from countries such as China, India, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. Under the new plan, imports exceeding 18.3 million tons will face a 50% tariff, doubling the current rate of 25%. Neighboring nations like Norway, Iceland, and Ukraine are exempt from these measures. The proposal aims to protect Europe’s steel industry from global overcapacity and the diversion of steel exports caused by high U.S. tariffs. Importers will also be required to disclose the origin of their products, and a complex quota system will regulate access to the EU market. The proposal, set to replace the current World Trade Organization-aligned safeguard policy expiring in 2026, has sparked concerns in the UK, where the steel industry warns of potential collapse. UK Steel Director-General Gareth Stace described the situation as the industry’s ‘biggest crisis ever,’ urging the British government to negotiate country-specific quotas with the EU. The EU’s steel sector, which employs 300,000 people across 20 member states, has faced significant challenges over the past two decades, losing a quarter of its workforce. The proposal reflects the EU’s broader strategy to decarbonize and reindustrialize its steel industry, a sector integral to its economic security and strategic autonomy. The European Parliament and Council must now ratify or amend the proposal, which could lead to further negotiations with the WTO.
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Trump’s farmer bailout raises fears about trade war winners and losers
The Trump administration’s decision to allocate billions in aid to farmers, particularly soybean growers, has ignited a heated debate over the fairness and effectiveness of such targeted relief. Farmers like Brad Smith from Illinois, who have been hit hard by China’s halt on soybean purchases, welcome the financial lifeline. However, the move has left other industries, from craft breweries to toy shops, feeling sidelined and frustrated. Justin Turbeest, a Wisconsin brewer, described the tariffs as a ‘final blow’ to his business, forcing layoffs and a 40% cost increase. Alexis D’Amato of the Small Business Majority criticized the administration for ‘picking winners and losers,’ while Chris Swonger of the Distilled Spirits Council urged inclusion for other affected sectors. Economists like Cornell’s Chris Barrett questioned the equity of bailing out a politically favored group, noting that the aid disproportionately benefits larger farms. Meanwhile, farmers like Mark Legan of Indiana view the relief as a temporary ‘band-aid’ rather than a solution to deeper economic challenges. As the debate rages, the broader impact of Trump’s tariff policies continues to ripple across the U.S. economy.
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German mayor critically injured in stabbing attack, police say
A shocking act of violence has rocked the small town of Herdecke in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, as newly-elected mayor Iris Stalzer was stabbed near her home, leaving her in critical condition. Stalzer, a member of the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), assumed office in September after winning the mayoral election. Local authorities have launched a major police operation in the area, though specific details about the incident remain undisclosed. Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack, describing it as a ‘heinous act’ and expressing deep concern for Stalzer’s life while wishing for her full recovery. The SPD has also voiced its profound shock over the assault. According to reports from Germany’s Bild newspaper, Stalzer’s two adopted children, aged 17 and 15, were inside the family home at the time of the incident, though this has yet to be officially confirmed by authorities. The attack has sparked widespread alarm, raising questions about the safety of public officials in Germany.
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Oversight body says South Sudan rivals have recruited fighters, raising war fears
In a concerning development, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), an international ceasefire monitoring body, has revealed that parties to South Sudan’s faltering peace agreement are actively recruiting new fighters and abducting children to participate in the ongoing conflict. This alarming trend has raised fears of a potential return to full-scale civil war in the region. The RJMEC, overseen by the regional bloc IGAD, disclosed that South Sudan’s military initiated a recruitment drive in June to enlist 4,000 forces for peacekeeping and other purposes, followed by the establishment of a new training center in August. Disturbingly, the commission also reported that all sides in the conflict have been involved in the abduction and mobilization of children, as well as incidents of sexual violence. These findings, shared with the U.N. Security Council, have intensified concerns that the government and opposition groups are preparing for further escalation. The situation is further complicated by the trial of Riek Machar, a prominent opposition leader, who faces charges of terrorism and crimes against humanity. Machar, who has been under house arrest since March, denies the allegations and has called for an independent investigation. The RJMEC has urged his release, warning that the current trajectory could lead to the collapse of the 2018 peace agreement, which has already seen multiple extensions of its transitional period. George Aggrey Owinow, RJMEC’s interim chairman, emphasized the urgent need to address these challenges to prevent a reversal of progress. Meanwhile, South Sudan’s Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Martin Elia Lomuro, sought to downplay fears, asserting that the peace process remains on track despite the mounting concerns.
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Kebinatshipi targets 400m world record after Tokyo gold
Collen Kebinatshipi, the 21-year-old sprint sensation from Botswana, has set his sights on breaking Wayde van Niekerk’s 400m world record after his historic gold medal win at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last month. Kebinatshipi clocked an impressive 43.53 seconds, the 10th-fastest time in history, to claim the title, becoming the first male athlete from Botswana to achieve such a feat. Van Niekerk’s world record of 43.03 seconds, set during the 2016 Rio Olympics, remains the benchmark Kebinatshipi aspires to surpass. ‘Records are meant to be broken,’ Kebinatshipi confidently stated in an interview with Newsday on the BBC World Service. ‘If I stay focused and injury-free, everything is possible.’ His victory in Tokyo was a surprise even to himself, as he had narrowly missed the Olympic final in Paris 2024. ‘My goal was just to reach the final in Tokyo,’ he admitted. ‘I didn’t expect to win a medal so soon.’ Kebinatshipi’s triumph was followed by a unique celebration—push-ups on the Tokyo track—a tribute to his compatriot Isaac Makwala, who famously performed the same act during the 2017 World Championships. Kebinatshipi’s success extended to the 4x400m relay, where he anchored Botswana to a thrilling gold medal, edging out the United States and South Africa by a mere seven hundredths of a second. The team’s victory was celebrated with a national holiday in Botswana, marking a turning point in Kebinatshipi’s career. ‘This is just the start,’ he said. ‘I have to stay focused for what’s to come in the next decade.’