KPMG’s report, entitled Illicit Cigarette Consumption in the EU, UK, Norway and Switzerland, shines a light on illicit tobacco consumption, with a staggering 34.2 billion counterfeit cigarettes consumed within the bloc in 2020, representing an increase of 0.8 percent compared with 2019, despite the pandemic.... France was by far the biggest culprit, with an overall increase of 4.6 billion cigarettes in 2020, driven by an unprecedented 5.1 billion or 609 percent increase in counterfeit trade. Th

JD Vance, Donald Trump’s outspoken Vice President, struck a blow against the “ protectionist ” EU after becoming frustrated by the bloc’s attacks on freedom of speech, a Brussels insider has explained.Mr Trump’s right-hand man made his remarks during a speech at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris on Monday, warning the EU’s regulatory framework risked “ killing a transformative industry".He further insisted a heavy-handed approach would stifle innovation and economic growth, urgi

So if you can imagine, in Musk's eyes, you know, Starmer is a bit like someone like Nick Clegg.“ And so there is a kind of certain history of mutual dislike.... I think that what Musk is basically trying to do is to settle scores with his detractors in Europe.” Publicly, European leaders including Sir Keir, Mr Scholz, Ms von der Leyen, and French president Emmanuel Macron have voiced their willingness to work with both Mr Trump and Mr Musk.... It is unlikely European citizens will accept that.

Energy bills UP, inflation UP, bus fares UP, house prices DOWN!... Read our Privacy Policy" The most prominent example of this is the EU’s deforestation legislation, about to enter into force in 2026.... Energy bills UP, inflation UP, bus fares UP, house prices DOWN!...

Brexit: The UK is NOT prepared for no deal says Selmayr Martin Selmayr-who was dubbed the “ Monster of the Berlaymont ” when he worked for the European Commission-is poised to make a shock return to Brussels in an influential new role, leaked papers have suggested. The 53-year-old German served as chief of staff to former President Jean-Claude Juncker between 2014 and 2018, before being controversially appointed the Commission’s Secretary-General, a promotion which led to him being described as"

The post, sent from EU Trade, the official account of the International Trade Department of the EU at 7. 30am today, declares: “ Trade is not only about closing deals, but also about keeping track of the commitments we make with our trading partners.... “ And if there are unjustified barriers, we are stepping up our game.... Boris fires back after France unleashes rage[ INSIGHT] POLL: Should Sunak appease SNP and issue multi-billion pound fund?...

You can check out at any time.... And I think he quickly regretted it.“ But now he is stuck.... He is now no longer taken seriously in any of the EU institutions....

Brussels has been left largely on the sidelines in the international debate following the Taliban’s capture of the war-torn country.... With no real foreign policy powers, eurocrats have been left to issue statements and make empty threats to the terror group.... Theresa May blasts BorisThe EU has said it will work with the Taliban as long as its chiefs respect human rights.Mr Borrell said: “ We have to get in touch with authorities in Kabul....