Jul 24, 2026, 06:00 PM UTC

China has imposed export controls on 14 European Union companies in retaliation for recently enacted EU sanctions against Russia. Under the new restrictions announced by Beijing's commerce ministry, domestic exporters are prohibited from selling dual-use goods to the affected European firms.

The retaliatory trade measure comes amid worsening geopolitical conflicts across multiple regions. United States forces conducted a thirteenth consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military command hubs and naval assets, with U.S. President Donald Trump rejecting early ceasefire talks. Concurrently, Houthi forces launched new maritime attacks near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, creating additional disruption for commercial shipping routes between Europe and Asia. In Eastern Europe, Romanian air defenses recently intercepted and destroyed an unauthorized drone that crossed into NATO airspace.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix, Vijesti

The European Commission has issued preliminary findings indicating that TikTok is violating the European Union's Digital Services Act by failing to adequately protect underage users. According to the executive body, the social network's default account settings leave minors exposed to risks such as cyberbullying, unwanted contact, and exploitative behavior. Brussels specifically highlighted that profiles belonging to minors could be accessed by anyone.

The Commission has requested that TikTok adjust its platform settings to prevent children's content from being publicly visible. If these findings are confirmed and TikTok fails to address the shortcomings, the platform faces potential fines amounting to hundreds of millions of euros. TikTok has rejected the criticism as it prepares its legal defense.

Sources: Respect, ORF, HRT Vijesti, Tagesschau

The European Central Bank has unveiled a shortlist of ten concepts for its forthcoming euro banknote redesign, with a final selection expected by the end of the year. The proposed visual themes include concepts such as European culture and rivers.

Separately, Croatian National Bank Governor Ante Žigman stated that the central bank’s September monetary policy decisions will depend heavily on upcoming macroeconomic projections and oil price developments. Speaking after key benchmark rates were kept unchanged, Žigman noted that policymakers will re-examine economic projections and risk factors to guide future interest rate adjustments.

Sources: HRT Vijesti.

The US Department of the Treasury has extended a general license allowing negotiations for the sale or transfer of Lukoil International GmbH until August 22. According to a document published by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the measure grants additional time to conduct transactions involving the Russian energy company's international holdings.

Washington previously imposed sanctions targeting Lukoil and its majority-owned subsidiaries last October. The renewed license permits foreign entities to continue discussions regarding the divestment or restructuring of affected assets without violating US secondary sanctions.

Sources: Point

Moldovan Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu publicly criticized high executive compensation at Moldovagaz, stating that director Vadim Ceban receives approximately 400,000 lei monthly. The remarks follow growing scrutiny over executive pay within state-linked energy enterprises.

Separately, law enforcement agencies reported progress in two corruption and fraud cases. Two former State Tax Inspection officials were convicted of influence peddling after taking 22,000 lei under claims they could sway Supreme Court of Justice judges. Meanwhile, the General Prosecutor's Office announced that more than 300 people were defrauded in a scheme involving fake vacation packages to Turkey, resulting in the pre-trial arrest of a travel company manager.

Sources: Point.