05.05.2025 – WEEKLY BRIEFING

Reymonta
5–7 minutes
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  • With China and the US at intense economic odds, other nations are being forced to choose sides – 28.04.2025

As trade tensions between the U.S. and China escalate under President Trump’s aggressive tariff policies—particularly a 145% tariff on Chinese goods—U.S. allies are increasingly turning to China to strengthen economic ties and hedge against American unpredictability. While Swiss officials lobbied Washington, others engaged with Beijing to enhance cooperation, highlighting a global shift as countries resist choosing sides between two major powers. China, portraying itself as a stable trade partner, is forging new deals with Asian nations and reaching out to Europe, even as it warns against aligning with the U.S. at its expense. With global trade realigning, many countries find themselves in a difficult position, dependent on both the U.S. and China, while China signals its readiness for a full decoupling and economic resilience amid rising geopolitical friction.

  • Asia’s LNG demand stays muted in April while Europe eases – 29.04.2025

Asia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports remained subdued in April, mainly due to a significant drop in Chinese demand, while Europe’s imports began to ease seasonally following winter. China’s LNG imports fell 27% year-on-year, impacted by high spot prices and ongoing trade tensions with the U.S., from which it imported no LNG in the past two months. Meanwhile, the U.S. increased LNG exports to other Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, and India. In Europe, LNG imports declined from March but remained significantly higher than in April 2024, reflecting a structural shift away from Russian pipeline gas. The U.S. continues to be Europe’s largest LNG supplier, though rising global demand may challenge supply availability despite expanded production.

  • Blackout chaos: the full list of countries hit by Europe’s massive power cut – 30.04.2025

The massive power outage that recently struck Spain and Portugal was one of Europe’s most significant in recent years, with these two countries suffering the most severe impact. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona came to a standstill as transportation and daily life were disrupted, while large parts of Portugal experienced a near-total blackout. Neighboring countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and Andorra also faced brief interruptions, highlighting how interconnected Europe’s energy grids have become. The exact cause of the outage is still under investigation, with initial theories pointing to a rare atmospheric disturbance affecting high-voltage lines, though nothing has been confirmed. Authorities have so far ruled out the possibility of a cyberattack. With an estimated 100,000 megawatts lost across the continent, the event has revealed the vulnerability of even modern energy systems.

  • EU’s von der Leyen invites scientists, researchers to make Europe their home – 30.04.2025

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the European People’s Party Congress, invited global scientists and researchers to move to Europe, highlighting the EU’s commitment to academic freedom and innovation in contrast to the U.S., where the Trump administration is targeting universities like Harvard over political and cultural issues. She emphasized that Europe remains open to excellence and is positioning itself as a stable, rule-based alternative for international research and trade, especially as Trump’s unpredictable tariff policies strain global markets and damage U.S. credibility.

  • IMF trims 2025 Middle East, North Africa growth forecast to 2.6% as global risks mount – 01.05.2025

The IMF has downgraded its 2025 growth forecast for Middle East and North Africa economies to 2.6% from 4%, citing global trade tensions, lower oil prices, and regional instability. The outlook reflects weakened external demand, ongoing conflicts, and delayed reforms, especially in Egypt. While non-oil importers in the region are expected to grow by 3.4%, growth for non-GCC oil exporters is set to slow significantly. GCC economies will see modest growth at 3%, down from earlier projections, amid extended OPEC+ cuts and sluggish non-oil activity. The IMF emphasized the need for trade diversification and structural reforms to sustain growth.

  • The ultra conservatives wanting to make the Vatican great again – 01.05.2025

Ahead of the papal conclave set to begin on May 7, a group of hardline conservative Catholics are intensifying efforts to influence the selection of the next pope, aiming to reverse reforms introduced by the late Pope Francis, whom they criticize for his liberal stance on issues like same-sex unions, immigration, and Vatican diplomacy. Backed by wealthy U.S.-based organizations and leveraging digital platforms, these groups are employing smear tactics and lobbying to pressure cardinals into rejecting progressive candidates. However, with 80% of the cardinal electors appointed by Francis, conservatives lack the numbers to install a candidate of their own and may struggle even to block liberal contenders.

  • Farage hails election results, as Labour and Tories digest losses – 03.05.2025

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, made significant gains in the recent local elections, securing control of 10 councils, winning two mayoral races, and gaining a fifth MP in Runcorn and Helsby. These successes primarily came at the expense of both the Labour and Conservative parties. While Labour leader Keir Starmer acknowledged that the public had not yet felt the benefits of a Labour government, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch pledged to restore her party’s credibility. The Conservative Party faced heavy losses, losing 674 seats and control of 16 councils, though it managed to win the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayoralty. The Liberal Democrats also performed well, gaining 163 seats and control of three councils, positioning themselves as a key player in Middle England. The Green Party made smaller gains, securing 44 seats, although it faced disappointment in the West of England mayoral race.

  • Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wins re-election amid Trump influence in race – 03.05.2025

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured a historic second consecutive three-year term, the first for an Australian leader in 21 years, after Labor was projected to win enough seats to form either a majority or minority government, while opposition leader Peter Dutton conceded defeat. The election, dominated by debates over energy policy, inflation, and a growing cost-of-living crisis, saw Labor accuse the conservatives of adopting divisive, U.S.-style politics and threatening public services with drastic cuts. With shifting demographics and rising housing concerns, both parties targeted younger voters, though Labor emphasized improved relations with China and steady economic management. Despite the possibility of a hung parliament, projections suggest Labor is likely to govern, while Dutton’s coalition faces a significant setback.

  • NYPD shared a Palestinian protester’s info with ICE. Now it’s evidence in her deportation case – 03.05.2025

The NYPD shared arrest information about Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian woman detained at a pro-Palestinian protest, with U.S. immigration authorities—raising concerns over potential violations of New York City’s sanctuary policies. Although her disorderly conduct charge was dismissed and sealed, the Trump administration is using the NYPD’s report in its deportation case, citing an expired visa and labeling her protest as “pro-Hamas.” Kordia, a New Jersey resident with no public activism record, is currently detained in Texas, where she’s faced health issues and surveillance. Her lawyers argue she’s being targeted solely for her political expression.

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