Jul 25, 2026, 02:00 PM UTC

US President Donald Trump has implemented new import tariffs of up to 12.5 percent on roughly 60 economic partners, including the European Union, after a previous 150-day duty order expired. Washington justified the measures by alleging that targeted nations have failed to adequately combat forced labor.

International trade partners, including Canada and Australia, along with legal experts, have questioned the validity of Washington's rationale. The move marks the 45th adjustment to US tariff schedules in 18 months, underscoring ongoing instability in transatlantic commercial relations.

Meanwhile, the European Union's restrained response to persistent trade friction with the US has drawn increasing domestic debate. While Brussels continues to prioritize de-escalation, critics argue this passive posture risks weakening European economic standing and exposing the bloc to repeated pressure.

Sources: DW, El Mundo, Rzeczpospolita, Tagesschau

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia may launch a new massive missile strike within 48 hours, urging citizens not to ignore air raid alarms. The warning follows a Russian ballistic missile strike near Kyiv that killed ten people and injured nearly 100. Discrepancies emerged regarding the target, with Ukrainian air force officials calling it a sports complex, while a local drone manufacturer stated it was a training ground hosting a defence exhibition.

In southern Ukraine, Russian glide bombs hit Zaporizhzhia, injuring at least 25 people and damaging homes and a medical facility. Concurrently, Russian-appointed officials claimed eight people died in a Ukrainian strike on a holiday camp in occupied Zaporizhzhia, while further casualties were reported in Russia's Belgorod region.

Sources: ORF, Tagesschau

Malta's opposition Nationalist Party (PN) and environmental organization Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) have expressed strong concern regarding ongoing electricity blackouts across the country.

The PN asserted that the persistent power disruptions are actively harming Malta's tourism industry. According to the party, the frequent grid failures undermine official efforts by the government and the Malta Tourism Authority to shift the sector toward higher quality standards.

Separately, the environmental NGO FAA stressed that the power cuts highlight an urgent need to construct climate-resilient buildings. The group stated that modern construction standards must better adapt to extreme heat to help prevent excessive demand and strain on the national power grid.

Sources: The Malta Independent

US President Donald Trump stated that Washington is considering a "massive" military attack against Iran while maintaining ongoing discussions with Tehran. As the conflict enters its fifth month, regional instability has expanded. Houthi forces claimed responsibility for strikes in Saudi Arabia, causing flight suspensions in Jeddah and Riyadh. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced attacks on vessels in the Caspian Sea transporting arms bound for Iran.

On the diplomatic front, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Manila to discuss the war in Ukraine, where Lavrov urged Washington to halt military aid to Kyiv. Simultaneously, the US is planning an international summit in London next week aimed at reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while Kuwait and Bahrain launched fighter jets in response to regional threats.

Sources: Corriere della Sera

During the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly declared his intention to seek a third presidential term in 2028. Wearing a red hat emblazoned with "Trump 2028," Trump claimed to have won three previous elections and stated his plan to run again.

The address, lasting over an hour, included sharp exchanges with the press corps. Trump directly targeted CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins, criticizing her journalism award as a "farce" and commenting on her demeanor.

Under the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, a president is limited to serving two terms, making any third-term bid constitutionally barred without legislative changes.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero.