Key facts
- The EU approved its 21st sanctions package against Russia.
- Google was fined $1 billion by the European Commission for violating EU digital fairness rules.
- US President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs on the EU, ranging from 10-12.5%.
- The EU's sanctions package targets banks, crypto platforms, vessels, individuals, and companies supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Greece received an exemption to continue shipping Russian liquified natural gas to non-EU clients.
- The EU-China trade deficit was nearly €360 billion in 2025.
The European Union has taken significant actions on multiple fronts, approving its 21st package of sanctions against Russia and imposing a $1 billion fine on Google for violating the bloc's digital fairness rules under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
These developments occur as the EU navigates complex geopolitical and trade relationships, facing pressure from both the United States and China. US President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on the EU, ranging from 10-12.5%, replacing earlier global tariffs. EU officials, including top trade negotiator Bernd Lange, have criticized these measures.
The fine against Google marks the first penalty under the DMA. Google's parent company, Alphabet, reported $402.8 billion in revenue in 2025, making the fine equivalent to 0.22% of its annual turnover. Google has 60 days to pay the penalty and adjust its features.
Simultaneously, EU lawmakers have engaged with China, with a delegation completing a fact-finding mission aimed at boosting ties and addressing a substantial EU-China trade deficit, which reached nearly €360 billion in 2025. The EU is seeking results from ongoing negotiations to address this imbalance.
The new sanctions against Russia target 33 banks, 14 crypto platforms, 41 shadow fleet vessels, and 218 individuals and entities accused of supporting the invasion of Ukraine. Notably, Greece secured an exemption to continue shipping Russian liquified natural gas to non-EU clients, and the oil price cap was maintained at $44 per barrel for one year. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the sanctions aim to weaken Russia's war effort, while High Representative Kaja Kallas emphasized cutting off financial lifelines.