Afghanistan marks three years under Taliban rule, with leaders celebrating the “conquest” of the country and claiming improved security and stability. Despite these claims, many Afghans continue to face economic hardships and unemployment. Some citizens, however, express satisfaction with the current government, noting improvements in local markets. The Taliban urges the international community to support Afghanistan’s development while criticizing expatriates for spreading negative views about the situation in the country.
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic warned that a proposed 30% US tariff on European goods would effectively amount to a trade ban, severely disrupting transatlantic supply chains.
Speaking ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Sefcovic expressed disappointment over a letter from US President Donald Trump that halted expected trade progress. “We were close to an agreement,” he said, but now “must prepare for all outcomes.”
The EU has delayed retaliatory measures on $72 billion worth of US goods until August 1, hoping for a negotiated resolution. Sefcovic emphasized that “no one wants a trade war,” while France urged faster preparation for countermeasures and Hungary blamed the EU Commission’s weak response to US pressure.
Danish and Lithuanian ministers echoed calls to avoid escalation but emphasized EU readiness to defend its interests.
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