Germany’s Merz floats EU-China trade deal as European capitals soften on Beijing
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated a potential future trade deal between the EU and China, reflecting a possible shift towards a more conciliatory approach to Beijing among some European leaders.
The story so far
- Mar 24
- Mar 26
How outlets cover it
4 outletsNot rated on the left–right scale. It describes Western party politics and doesn’t fit state media or outlets outside that system, so we show ownership and country instead.
Open questions and key claims
Donald Trump has claimed the US and Iran have held talks in which the two sides had “major points of agreement”.
Iran’s IRGC called Trump’s words “psychological operations” that had no impact on Tehran’s fight.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said it was time for negotiations with Iran, given the global energy situation was now “critical”.
The deal allows for about 30,000 tonnes of meat exports, up from 3,389.
This is unquestionably a missed opportunity for Australia's red meat producers.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he can imagine a trade deal with China in the future.
The agreement would be worth about 10 billion Australian dollars annually to the Australian economy.
Australia and the European Union have agreed a sweeping free trade deal after eight years of negotiations.
Who and where
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