This is Beirut - European Union

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Liliane Mokbel, 02/08 15:00 - Reading : less than a minute

The Ministry of Finance is accelerating its efforts to modernize Lebanon’s customs operations. With a clear goal of enhancing public revenue collection, a large-scale digital transformation is underway, impacting both the Directorate of Revenues and the Customs Directorate. Key initiatives include the gradual rollout of electronic payment ...

From Strategy to Reality: What Will It Take to Disarm Hezbollah?

Natasha Metni Torbey, 01/08 15:30 - Reading : 8 minute(s)

Hezbollah United Nations European Union Internal Security Forces Israel

The question of disarming Hezbollah in Lebanon, long a political taboo, is now back at the heart of both political and diplomatic discussions. This shift comes amid mounting international pressure and a changing balance of power in the region. Although the topic remains deeply divisive within Lebanon’s political class, experts believe there are ...

Azerbaijan: The Triumph of Pragmatism over Religious Identity

Mario Chartouni, 31/07 19:05 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

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In the heart of the Caucasus, Azerbaijan stands out for its unconventional geopolitical alignments. Though predominantly Shia in religious composition, this secular post-Soviet republic has positioned itself as one of Israel’s closest allies and a strategic partner to the West, all while maintaining a strained relationship with neighboring ...

EU's Automated Border System to Launch in October

This is Beirut, 31/07 09:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

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The European Union announced Wednesday that a delayed new border-check system for non-EU nationals, which will do away with passport stamps, will finally launch in October. The so-called Entry/Exit System (EES), was initially supposed to kick in last November but was pushed back at the last minute as several countries were not ready. The EES ...

France, 14 Other Nations Urge Recognition of Palestinian State

This is Beirut, 30/07 11:50 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

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France and 14 other Western nations called on countries worldwide to move to recognize a Palestinian state, France's top diplomat said Wednesday. The foreign ministers of 15 countries late Tuesday issued a joint statement following a conference in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at reviving a two-state solution between ...

Trump Redefines Global Trade Relations with the European Union

Mario Chartouni, 29/07 15:05 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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By finalizing a major trade agreement with the European Union, US President Donald Trump marks a decisive turning point for the American economy. The strategic deal, announced last Sunday, significantly reshapes transatlantic economic relations while reinforcing the United States’ industrial, energy and geopolitical sovereignty. Touted by the ...

Europe Hopes for 'No Surprises' as US Weighs Force Withdrawals

This is Beirut, 28/07 09:45 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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After keeping Donald Trump happy with a pledge to up defense spending at NATO's summit, Europe is now bracing for a key decision from the US president on the future of American forces on the continent. Washington is currently conducting a review of its military deployments worldwide -- set to be unveiled in coming months -- and the expectation is ...

European Union Resigned to 15 Percent US Tariff

This is Beirut, 28/07 08:55 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

European Union USA Trade Tariffs

The United States and the European Union clinched a trade agreement on Sunday that will see EU exports taxed at 15 percent, in a bid to resolve a transatlantic tariff stand-off that threatened to explode into a full-blown trade war. US President Donald Trump emerged from a high-stakes meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der ...

EU, US strike 'biggest-ever' trade deal

This is Beirut, 27/07 19:35 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

United States European Commission European Union Donald Trump Ursula von der Leyen

he United States and European Union on Sunday clinched what President Donald Trump described as the "biggest-ever" deal to resolve a transatlantic tariff stand-off that threatened to explode into a full-blown trade war. Trump emerged from a high-stakes meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at his golf resort in ...

Trump Puts EU Trade Deal Odds at 50/50 Ahead of Von der Leyen Meeting

This is Beirut, 25/07 22:15 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Donald Trump United States European Union

Donald Trump said Friday there was a 50 percent chance of a trade deal with the European Union as the bloc's chief, Ursula von der Leyen, announced a weekend meeting with the US president. In an attempt to slash his country's trade deficits, Trump has vowed to hit dozens of countries with punitive tariff hikes if they do not hammer out a pact ...

Iran Reaffirms ‘Unshakable’ Right to Enrich Uranium Ahead of Key Talks with Europe

This is Beirut, 24/07 20:40 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Donald Trump European Union Israel Tehran

Iran on Thursday reaffirmed its right to enrich uranium, saying it was "unshakable", on the eve of key talks with European powers threatening to reimpose nuclear sanctions. Friday's meeting, set to take place in Istanbul, will be the first since Israel's mid-June attack targeting key nuclear and military sites in the Islamic republic sparked a ...

EU Prepares 93 Billion Euros in Tariffs as US Trade Talks Hang in Balance

This is Beirut, 24/07 12:30 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

European Union Tariffs United States

EU states on Thursday approved a 93-billion-euro ($109-billion) package of counter-tariffs on US goods that would kick in from August 7 if talks with the United States fail, European diplomats said. US President Donald Trump blind sided the European Union this month when he threatened a 30-percent levy on EU goods unless the two sides reach a ...

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