Jul 25, 2026, 03:30 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump has implemented new import duties ranging from 10 to 12.5 percent on approximately 60 trading partners, including the European Union, Canada, and Australia. The measures came into effect immediately after a previous temporary emergency tariff expired in accordance with a US Supreme Court ruling.

The White House justified the latest levies by claiming that affected nations have taken insufficient action to combat forced labor. Under the updated framework, imports from the European Union face a 10 percent duty. Legal analysts and international trade officials have expressed skepticism regarding the administration's reliance on anti-forced-labor statutes, viewing it as a legal maneuver to circumvent judicial limits on executive tariff powers.

Sources: DW, Rzeczpospolita, Tagesschau

Member states of the International Criminal Court have formally dismissed lead prosecutor Karim Khan following a governing assembly vote in New York. Out of 125 member nations, 82 supported a resolution to remove the British lawyer, while 13 voted against and 15 abstained.

The assembly concluded that Khan engaged in a "serious breach of duty and serious misconduct" stemming from sexual harassment allegations raised by staff members. Khan, who had temporarily stepped aside during the investigation, has repeatedly denied all accusations. The British prosecutor served in his post since 2021, overseeing high-profile cases including arrest warrant applications for international leaders.

Sources: Die Zeit, FAZ, Rzeczpospolita, Sweden Herald.

Venezuela has officially notified United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres of its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia delivered the notice on instructions from Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, describing the move as a "firm and irrevocable decision".

Caracas justified the departure by claiming the Hague-based tribunal systematically discriminates against nations in the Global South. The court had previously opened investigations into Venezuelan officials over alleged human rights abuses and political repression. Under the Rome Statute, the official withdrawal will take effect one year following the UN's receipt of the declaration.

Sources: Die Zeit, FAZ.

U.S. officials instructed Donald Trump to switch aircraft prior to departing Turkey earlier this month following reports of a credible threat from Iranian proxy forces, according to a New York Times report. Intelligence authorities identified potential security risks targeting Trump and Air Force One while in the region. The operational change was executed as a precautionary measure to ensure safety during transit. Iranian-backed groups have been monitored by intelligence agencies for potential operations against high-profile American figures. U.S. officials have not released further public details regarding the specific threat, but international security protocols remain heightened.

Sources: The Guardian

Paramount has paused its planned acquisition of rival Hollywood studio Warner Brothers following antitrust lawsuits filed by twelve US states and the screenwriters' guild.

According to court filings, the transaction—valued at over $100 billion—will remain on hold until a judicial decision is reached regarding the legal challenges, or until June 1, 2027, at the latest. The legal pushback centers on antitrust concerns and the potential impact on competition within the entertainment industry.

Neither company has abandoned the deal entirely, but the pause allows time for courts to review the claims brought by state attorneys general and industry union representatives.

Sources: Die Zeit, FAZ.