US & EU Trade Deal: 15% Tariffs, Energy Purchases; Thailand and Cambodia Hold Peace Talks
Key Takeaways
- US and EU trade deal reached: 15% tariffs, EU buys $750B in US energy.
- Thailand, Cambodia hold peace talks mediated by Malaysia, US officials assisting.
- Russia attacked Kyiv, injuring five; Ukraine launched drone strikes on Russia.
- UK, UAE plan Gaza aid airdrops amid rising malnutrition and famine risk.
- Iran executed MEK members Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani-Eslamlou for attacks.
Top Stories
US and EU reach trade deal: 15% tariffs, energy purchases.
On July 27, 2025, the US and EU reached a trade agreement, including a 15% tariff on most European products and the EU purchasing $750 billion in US energy. The EU will also invest $600 billion in the US, with potential counter-tariffs if further negotiations fail.
Thailand and Cambodia hold peace talks, US involved.
On July 28, 2025, Thailand and Cambodia met in Malaysia for peace talks, mediated by Malaysia, to address their deadly border dispute, with US officials assisting. The conflict has resulted in at least 34 deaths and displaced over 200,000 people, with President Trump threatening tariffs unless a ceasefire is agreed upon.
Ukraine war updates: Kyiv air attack, drone strikes.
On July 28, 2025, Russia launched an air attack on Kyiv, injuring five, while Ukrainian forces launched drone attacks on Russia. Ukraine reported repelling 51 assaults by Russian forces in the Pokrovsk region of Donetsk Oblast on July 26, 2025.
UK and UAE plan Gaza aid airdrops.
The UK and UAE are planning airdrops of aid to Gaza following reports of 27 deaths from Israeli attacks, with the UN and NGOs warning of rising child malnutrition and risk of famine.
Iran executes MEK members for attacks.
On July 26 and 27, 2025, Iran executed Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani-Eslamlou, members of the MEK, for allegedly attacking civilian infrastructure. The executions followed a Supreme Court decision upholding their death sentences from September 2024, with Amnesty International criticizing the trial as 'grossly unfair'.
Business Today
Allianz Life data breach affects North American customers.
In July 2025, Allianz Life announced a data breach affecting most of its 1.4 million North American customers, exposing personal data. The company notified the FBI and is offering identity theft protection.
South Korea faces US tariff deadline.
South Korea faces a crucial week as the U.S. tariff deadline approaches on August 1st, with stalled trade negotiations potentially impacting Korea's economy. The focus is on defending the '15% tariff line,' with potential strategies involving the K-shipbuilding industry being considered.
Japan's underlying inflation.
This article examines the 'underlying inflation' in Japan, which is considered a guideline for policy management, using actual data. It explains the calculation process, differences from the CPI, and points to note.
Climate Change
Catalan government approves carbon budgets.
The Catalan government approved carbon budgets to align with EU climate neutrality targets by 2050, requiring a 55% emissions reduction by 2030. The approved budgets set emission limits for various sectors, with industries needing to cut emissions by 62% compared to 2005 levels.
Global Watch
Singer criticizes Macron on Gaza, Macron responds.
Singer Zaho de Sagazan criticized French President Macron regarding the Gaza crisis, prompting Macron to express optimism about resuming French humanitarian aid and stating France does not provide military aid to Israel. Macron affirmed he shares her demand, recognizing the worsening situation and the inadequacy of current actions.
Russia captures village in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine reports drone downs.
On July 27, 2025, Russia announced the capture of Maliïvka in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, with Ukraine reporting 153 combats and downing 78 of 83 Russian drones. Overnight attacks targeted the Soumy-Kharkiv-Dnipro line, resulting in deaths and injuries.
Israel allows aid into Gaza, announces pauses.
On July 27, 2025, Israel announced daily pauses in military operations in Gaza to allow humanitarian aid, with secure routes open, and conducted aid airdrops. Despite this, over 50 people died in Israeli attacks, and six died of starvation.
North Korea rejects talks with South Korea.
On July 28, 2025, North Korea stated it has no interest in talks with South Korea, as reported by the Central News Agency of Korea. Kim Yo-jong said Pyongyang does not believe South Korea's peace efforts are sincere.
Cuban government acknowledges internal errors amid economic crisis.
On July 26, 2025, the Cuban government acknowledged internal errors and deficiencies as the island faces a deep economic crisis. The government attributes many of these difficulties to US sanctions, but also admitted to 'errors' in internal management.
Health Matters
Vaccination campaign in Palmas against measles.
A vaccination campaign against measles was promoted by the Prefeitura de Palmas, through the Secretaria Municipal da Saúde (Semus), at the capital's bus station. The action, which began on Saturday (26) and will continue until Sunday (27), aims to protect passengers and professionals who work there.
Natural Disasters
Pakistan issues glacial flood alerts.
Pakistan issued glacial flood alerts for its northwestern regions due to heavy rainfall, prompting flood alerts and rescue operations. This year's monsoon has already claimed 260 lives across Pakistan, with authorities concerned about potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
Political Disputes
Goiás Governor criticizes Lula's handling of US tariffs.
On July 26, 2025, Goiás Governor Ronaldo Caiado criticized President Lula's government for its handling of U.S. tariffs, echoing concerns raised by other governors. Caiado accused Lula of prioritizing political gains over addressing the economic impact on Goiás, specifically mentioning the effect on meat and organic sugar exports.