Donald Trump has made good on his threat: from the start of April the US will impose a 25 percent tariff on cars and car parts imports. With this move he hopes to generate additional revenues, strengthen the domestic car industry and create jobs by encouraging foreign carmakers to open factories in the United States. Commentators voice doubts.
The leaders of around thirty countries convened in Paris on Thursday to discuss further support for Ukraine. Although there was no consensus on the deployment of peacekeeping troops to secure a potential ceasefire, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that a Franco-British mission was being put together and emissaries from both countries would be travelling to Ukraine in the next few days to discuss the plans. What can this achieve?
Shortly before the change of government in the US, Washington had promised Bucharest visa-free travel for Romanians. Now the Department of Homeland Security has announced that instead of coming into force at the end of March as planned, the exemption will be postponed indefinitely. It wants to reassess whether the country fulfils the security standards for the visa waiver programme, the Department said. The national press sees other reasons for the decision.
In a break with the original plan, US Vice President JD Vance will now join his wife Usha on her visit to Greenland. In the wake of protests from Greenland and Denmark, the couple have announced that they would head to the US Space Base Pituffik rather than visiting historical sites and meeting local residents. Commentators take stock.
Citing the need to better protect themselves against the growing threat posed by Russia and Belarus, Poland and the Baltic states have jointly declared their intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty which bans the use of anti-personnel mines. Finland is also considering withdrawal. Between outrage and understanding, commentators also cast about for a middle way that minimises the risks to civilians.
The Israeli military has stepped up its attacks in Gaza since the ceasefire ended. According to the Hamas-controlled authorities more than 800 people have been killed there in the last ten days. In Israel, tens of thousands have taken to the streets to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies, while in the Gaza Strip several hundred have protested against Hamas. This conflict must not be forgotten, warns Europe's press.
Instead of using specially secured channels, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz shared confidential information in a Signal chat group to which Washington-based journalist Jeffrey Goldberg had also been added. Among other things, the conversation revealed details of the schedule and targets for the airstrike against the Yemeni Houthi militia on 15 March. Commentators examine the various aspects of the fiasco.
Russia and Ukraine are reportedly ready to agree a temporary ceasefire in the Black Sea and with regard to energy infrastructure. The US announced that under the deal the two sides will refrain from attacks on ships and that Washington would comply with Russia's precondition that sanctions on grain and fertiliser exports be eased. Many details remain unclear, commentators emphasise.
Trump is negotiating with Putin on the war in Ukraine and Nato is in an existential crisis as a result of current US policy. The new situation has triggered a lively discussion about rearmament, joint defence and continued support for Kyiv. Europe's media examine the fundamental requirements for a new security model and the problems it poses.
