09/05/2025
EU Insight 9 May 2025
Brussels, 9 May 2025
EU MARKS 75 YEARS SINCE SCHUMAN DECLARATION
Today marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, regarded as one of the founding moments of the European Union. On 9 May 1950, the historic plan to pool European coal and steel production was announced, setting the stage for unprecedented peace, cooperation and prosperity on the continent. This anniversary coincides with 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe, commemorated by ceremonies across the EU. Against the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine, EU leaders used the occasion to reaffirm the Union’s founding values of solidarity and democracy, and the ongoing responsibility to safeguard peace in Europe.
FRIEDRICH MERZ FORMALLY TOOK OFFICE AS NEW GERMAN CHANCELLOR
Friedrich Merz clinched the German chancellorship after narrowly winning an investiture vote in the Bundestag, following an earlier failed attempt. The CDU (conservatives) leader will head a fragile coalition government with the centre-left SPD, holding just 52 per cent of seats. Merz’s first moves on the international stage included talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to revive the Franco-German ‘engine’ and plans to bolster ties with Poland, poised to become NATO’s top defence spender. As part of the informal so-called ‘Weimar Triangle’ alliance, both countries are seen as key to his ambition of restoring Berlin’s leadership in Europe.
EU PREPARES COUNTER-TARIFFS WHILE THE US AND UK AGREE ON TARIFF EXEMPTIONS
The US and UK reached a new trade deal, granting the UK exemptions from certain US tariffs. The agreement includes US concessions on steel and aluminium tariffs, as well as reducing car tariffs from 27.5% to 10% for 100,000 vehicles, in exchange for UK concessions on agrifood. Meanwhile, the European Commission began consulting on potential EU countermeasures against the so-called US “reciprocal” tariffs, with the potential list of targeted goods covering a wide range of products, including aluminium and steel. The EU is still considering how to respond, as it weighs possible actions while hoping to resolve the dispute through further negotiations.
EU OUTLINES ROADMAP TO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE FROM RUSSIA
The Commission unveiled a new REPowerEU roadmap to phase out the EU’s reliance on Russian energy by 2026. As the Russia’s war in Ukraine continues to rage on after more than three years, the initiative aims to secure stable energy supplies and prices across the European continent. Since 2021, EU measures have slashed Russian gas imports, brought coal imports to a standstill and cut oil imports to just 3%. The plan also places restrictions on Russian enriched uranium imports, while focusing on expanding global LNG capacity and accelerating the transition to renewable energy. Additionally, the Commission intends to block new gas contracts in 2025 and enhance transparency in energy markets.
VON DER LEYEN LAUNCHES ‘CHOOSE EUROPE’ PLAN TO ATTRACT TOP SCIENTISTS
Commission President von der Leyen presented ‘Choose Europe’, a new initiative aiming to keep Europe at the forefront of scientific research. The Commission will allocate €500 million between 2025 and 2027 to attract scientists worldwide, including seven-year grants for the most promising researchers. The plan also looks to speed the process from laboratory to market, through a forthcoming European Innovation Act and a Startup and Scaleup Strategy to improve venture capital access for innovative companies. With these measures, the EU hopes to boost scientific discovery and make Europe a more attractive destination for research talent, amongst others talent whose work is jeopardised in other jurisdictions.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK
- 12 May: Eurogroup. On the agenda: Banking Union, European Stability Mechanism (ESM), G7, Digital Euro.
- 12-13 May: Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council. On the agenda: European Degree, Union of Skills.
- 12-13 May: Informal meeting of energy ministers.
- 13 May: Economic and Financial Affairs Council. On the agenda: VAT Rules, Security Action for Europe instrument (SAFE), competitiveness, support for Ukraine.
- 14 May: College of Commissioners. On the agenda: Orientation debate for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), Third Omnibus on agriculture.
- 15 May: Foreign Affairs Council (Trade). On the agenda: EU-US Trade relations, European economic security, and trade negotiations.
- 16 May: Meeting of the European Political Community. On the agenda: Europe’s security and democratic resilience, competitiveness, mobility challenges and youth empowerment.
Did you like this article? Contact us to hear more about Kreab Brussels’ practice and services.
