Kyiv Sliding | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy approved a law to strip anti-corruption agencies of their powers despite opposition, triggering the first outbreak of popular discontent against his leadership since Russia's full-scale invasion began. Hundreds of people joined rallies in the capital of Kyiv, the western city of Lviv, and the southern city of Odesa. Fighting corruption is central to Kyiv's ambitions to join the EU. Japan Plan | European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa's Asian tour should get off to a flying start in Japan, with the two sides expected to sign agreements on defense industry cooperation and economic security. There's also hope Tokyo could follow Europe in adopting a lower oil price cap on Russia, if not now, then soon. Luring Beijing | The outlook is less rosy for the EU-China summit in Beijing later this week. Even so, a number of European countries are now looking at China in a different light given the tensions with the US on trade. We bring you a deep dive into how Chinese investment in Europe has moved up the value chain, lured by generous government subsidies. Stockholm Syndrome | Speaking of China, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will meet his Chinese counterparts in Stockholm next week for their third round of trade talks. Here's what the two sides will touch upon. Meanwhile, Europe will be watching closely as it weighs whether to deploy its most powerful trade tool against Washington, which it had hoped never to use. Israel Deal | Almost two weeks since the EU hailed a deal with Israel to allow more aid to Gaza, the humanitarian situation in the enclave is deteriorating. After a phone call with Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar yesterday, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas warned Israel that "all options" remain on the table as EU member states mull suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Von der Leyen and Costa also weighed in. |
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