European Union

Written by Ulrich Jochheim.

Global imbalances have been a major topic in international economic policymaking since at least the 1970s. Although they decreased after the global financial crisis (GFC) of 2008, they have begun to widen again in recent years. As the 2008 crisis demonstrated, the sudden unwinding of current account surpluses and deficits (‘disorderly adjustment’) can have major consequences not only for the countries directly involved but also for many third countries through spillover effects, particularly in financial markets.

Against this background, developments in the Chinese economy have become particularly important for global economic stability: while China played an important stabilising role in overcoming the GFC, its economic model has largely focused on export promotion and, more recently, import substitution. This has led to substantial current account surpluses, both as a percentage of GDP and in nominal terms, given the size of China’s economy.

International organisations have been trying for some time now to convince China’s authorities that the country’s growth model is shifting the burden of adjustment to its trading partners and risks becoming globally unsustainable. Prior to the adoption of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan by the two houses of Parliament (the ‘Two Sessions’) in March 2026, the IMF, in particular, proposed strategies to render China’s economic expansion more sustainable for its partners while reducing the risk of a disorderly adjustment.

However, a more detailed analysis of the new plan suggests a continuation of the current economic policy trajectory. At the same time, the ongoing crisis in the Middle East/Iran seems to have prompted some within China to reconsider priorities, at least in the short term. It remains to be seen, however, whether recent, more accommodating statements by the Chinese side are merely for external consumption, especially in view of the summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping (currently planned for mid-May 2026).

Read the complete briefing on ‘China’s economic challenge to the world‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Kiemelt objektumok, szárazföldi erők, fix vagy mobil oltalmazottak és platformok. A drónforradalommal a védekezés (C-UAS) módszerei és eszközei is prioritássá léptek elő, működő megoldásokat és kísérleteket szülve.

Passzív és aktív felderítés, osztályozás-azonosítás: széles sávú, többcsatornás rádió-iránymérés; magas centis tartományú, frekvenciamodulált folyamatos hullámú radar; éjjel-nappali kamerarendszer.

Soft kill effektorok. 

Levegő-levegő hard kill. Helikopter ajtóablaklövészet quadcopter drónra függesztett, azzal vontatott (lásd halvány világos szál) "célanyagra".

Zord

Spokespersons for Parliament and for the political groups will hold a briefing on the 27 – 30 April plenary session, on Friday at 11.00 in Parliament’s Anna Politkovskaya press room.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Spokespersons for Parliament and for the political groups will hold a briefing on the 27 – 30 April plenary session, on Friday at 11.00 in Parliament’s Anna Politkovskaya press room.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Spokespersons for Parliament and for the political groups will hold a briefing on the 27 – 30 April plenary session, on Friday at 11.00 in Parliament’s Anna Politkovskaya press room.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place on 24April 2026 at 16.00.

EU leaders will meet in Lefkosia and Agia Napa (Cyprus) on 23-24 April 2026.

The EU Council and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on new rules aimed at modernising the coordination of social security systems in the EU.

The Council today appointed Kirsten Joppe as new head of mission for the European Union Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM Moldova).

The High Representative issued a statement on behalf of the European Union marking three years of war in Sudan.

The Council agreed today to establish a civilian EU Partnership Mission in Armenia under the Common Security and Defence Policy. The mission aims to enhance Armenia’s resilience, notably in countering foreign information manipulation and interference, as well as in cybersecurity, and information integrity.

The Council approved conclusions on 'EU energy and climate diplomacy – strengthening sovereignty and advancing the global clean transition'.

The Council adopted additional restrictive measures against two entities responsible for propaganda and disinformation.

The Political and Security Committee of the Council of the EU has approved EPF support for the military component of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) worth EUR 75 million.

The Council formally adopts new rules on new genomic techniques (NGTs), supporting innovation, resilient crops and sustainable food systems, with strong safety measures in place.

New EU-wide rules set up a harmonised criminal law framework to prevent and fight corruption.

The Council extended the framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for actions aimed at destabilising, undermining or threatening the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova for another year, until 29 April 2027.

Council adopts new rules to improve the quality, availability and traceability of forest reproductive material (FRM) supporting EU seeds sector innovation and competitiveness.

Newsletter - 27-30 April 2026 - Strasbourg plenary session

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

After Ukraine announced that it had repaired the Druzhba pipeline, Hungary has lifted its months-long blockade of a 90-billion-euro loan for Kyiv. Ousted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán supported the EU decision. Brussels also gave the green light for a new sanctions package against Russia. Commentators examine motives and connections.