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Sunniva Rose

@sunnivarose.bsky.social
116 followers 70 following 118 posts

Europe correspondent @The National

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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
A lot's been written about the European assets of Rifaat Al Assad's, Syria's brutal former vice-president who died last month. I wrote a deep dive explaining the details of the negotiations regarding an expected transfer of €32 million from France to Syria. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
France and Syria seek transfer of €32m from Rifaat Al Assad confiscated assets sale | The National
Officials hope to strike an agreement this year to send funds to Damascus
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Reposted by Sunniva Rose
Sam Heller | سام هيلر @abujamajem.com · 09/02/2026
@thenationalnews.com' @sunnivarose.bsky.social, Nada Maucourant Atallah and Lemma Shehadi on why European investors remain wary of entering Syrian market: www.thenationalnews.com/news/2026/02...
thenationalnews.com
Legacy socialism, vested interests, banks that say no: Can European investors find their way into Syria? | The National
With the last package of sanctions lifted, foreign businesses see opportunities aplenty. But there are obstacles ...
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
The French government will roll out its alternative to US video platforms Zoom and Microsoft Teams across state services, it has announced, in a bid to strengthen the security of its communications and end reliance on non-European systems. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
French government to replace Zoom and Teams with home-grown Visio platform | The National
EU aims to strengthen digital independence and become less reliant on US
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
A deep dive into the strange case of Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian translator went on trial yesterday in Paris for promoting pro-Hamas and anti-Semitic content on a Telegram account. Iran wants her back in Tehran before it allows 2 French citizens to leave. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Prisoner swap overshadows Paris trial of Iranian accused of glorifying terrorism online | The National
Mahdieh Esfandiari was allegedly behind a pro-Hamas, pro-Hezbollah and pro-Iran Telegram account
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
"Who doubts my capacities?” far-right French leader Jordan Bardella recently said on the question of his youth and inexperience of international politics. He might be France's next president as Marine Le Pen returns to court. www.thenationalnews.com/news/2026/01...
thenationalnews.com
French far-right's rising star Bardella eyes presidency as Marine Le Pen appears in court | The National
Three times a presidential candidate, National Rally's figurehead could be barred from running again in 2027
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
The EU on Monday said it was ready to impose "harsher" sanctions on Iran over the government's response to protests, during which hundreds of people have been killed. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
EU ready to issue 'harsher' sanctions on Iran as crackdown on protests worsens | The National
Demonstrations may be the most serious challenge to the Islamic Republic since its foundation in 1979
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
At the first Palestine Donor Group in Brussels, the EU Commission and the Palestinian Authority both highlighted how dire the PA's financial situation is as Israel withholds billions in tax revenues. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Israel to blame for Palestinian Authority's financial crisis, says PM Mohammad Mustafa | The National
Europe to throw 'all its political capital' into pressuring Israel to release taxes
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
The Elysee has claimed it has a "doctrine" regarding "the participation of Israeli companies in trade shows specializing in defense and security." It's a bit unclear what this doctrine is but the bottom line is that it varies depending on politics. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
France allows Israeli security companies to take part in Paris security fair | The National
French authorities say they want to re-engage with Israeli authorities after Gaza war soured diplomatic relations
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Claims by French-Israeli former MP Meyer Habib that Macron had initially intended to ban the participation of 8 Israeli companies from Milipol, before changing his mind, were not confirmed by the Elysee. Habib has published on X alleged SMS exchanges with Macron over Milipol.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Both the Elysee and the Interior Ministry have signalled their desire to rekindle ties with the Israeli government. Relations had soured in the past 2 years and got worse with Macron recognising Palestine.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
The French gov. ignored a request filed by a group of activists asking for an Israeli ban at Milipol, citing the French state's obligation to comply with international law and refrain from participating in abetting Israeli war crimes identified by the ICJ.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
“It's great that we are here, and that's the best thing,” one Israeli exhibitor said. It appears Israeli authorities were keen to not rock the boat as long as things were going smoothly. In June, at the Paris Air Show, 5 Israeli stands were covered in black sheets.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Participants at some Israeli stands said they were not allowed to speak to the press, though it remained unclear who had issued such instructions. Others refused to comment on politics and said they simply wanted to sell their products.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Israeli companies have been allowed to take part in Paris arms fair Milipol after the French government cited the Gaza ceasefire, following attempts to ban them from previous events. I visited the air show to see how it was going.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Israeli military purchases, including attack dogs, are expected to weigh heavily when the Netherlands' court of appeal issues a ruling on Thursday over claims the Dutch state failed in its duty to prevent genocide in Gaza. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Israel accused of using dogs to maul Palestinians in Dutch genocide case | The National
Netherlands government failed to act on exports to the Israeli army, court hears
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/... The defence has highlighted services rendered by Lafarge to French intelligence services, which were hungry at the time for information on rebel groups operating around the factory.
thenationalnews.com
Spies, bribes and terror ties? French corporate giant Lafarge goes on trial | The National
Paris court to hear claims that European industry titan funded ISIS in Syria
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Spies, bribes and terror ties? French corporate giant Lafarge goes on trial on trial today. For the first time, a French company is accused of terror financing. The setting is Syria’s civil war and payments to rebel groups b/w 2012-2014, including ISIS, to keep a cement factory running.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
I spoke to Syrian specialists grappling with important questions about how to rebuild the historic site of Palmyra - the most visited site in Syria -after important ISIS damage. What is clear is that it'll cost a lot and take years to fix. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Battle 'to find Palmyra's soul again' after its destruction by ISIS | The National
Experts consider the best way to resurrect the ancient site in Syria
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
The Palmyra archaeological museum, which was severely damaged during the Syrian civil war, will be restored with funds from international Swiss-based @aliph.foundation www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Ahead of Mahmoud Abbas's visit to Rome next week, I spoke to Palestinian ambassador to Italy Mona Abuamara about her expectations, particularly regarding Italy's recognition of Palestine, with input from ECFR's Kelly Petillo. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Italy is inching closer to recognition of Palestinian statehood, suggests Palestine envoy | The National
Mona Abuamara says 'multiple factors' may help 'push through' Rome's acknowledgement of sovereignty
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
The European Union has moved away from the possibility of imposing sanctions against Israel as a fragile ceasefire holds in Gaza. "We'll keep things as they are" an EU official said. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
EU pivots away from sanctions again Israel | The National
Sanctioning Israel now could endanger the Israel-Hamas ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump, EU officials say
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
The EU's foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas announced today that the bloc will monitor the November 11 parliamentary elections in Iraq - the sixth since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq that toppled Saddam Hussein. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
EU to monitor Iraqi parliamentary elections | The National
November 11 elections are sixth since US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
Ex-ambassador Leila Shahid: Gaza ceasefire security force must have a Palestinian face www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Ex-ambassador Leila Shahid: Gaza ceasefire security force must have a Palestinian face | The National
Palestinian politicians and policemen must retain a leading role, former envoy to Paris tells The National
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
Proposals against Israel made today by Ursula von der Leyen will need Germany and Italian backing - unclear if that'll actually happen. Proposals come amid increasing pressure from the European Parliament and the European Council. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
EU President pauses Israel support after Doha strike | The National
European Commission proposing new measures after mounting frustration at bloc's failure to act
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
French-Israeli relations sour further as Barrot and Saar engage in a rare public spat on X over recognition and "pay for slay" www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
French and Israeli ministers feud over initiative to pay families of Palestinian detainees | The National
Jean-Noel Barrot tells Gideon Saar there is 'an alternative' to Israel's devastating war on Gaza
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
The maps reproduce leaflets thrown from Israeli planes telling Gazans to leave certain zones. The image of those fluttering papers falling from the sky remains seared in her mind. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Textile Gaza maps bear pain of war for artist exiled in Paris | The National
Maha Al Daya tells The National about life in France after fleeing the war
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
For decades, Maha Al Daya was known in Gaza as a master embroiderer of traditional dresses, a vibrant tribute to Palestinian identity brought out at times of celebration. But after fleeing the war, Al Daya traded dresses for painted rubble and embroidered maps documenting Gaza's destruction.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
In a letter signed by more than 200 former European senior diplomats, they outline 9 proposals that states can take in the absence of EU action. The letter also highlights that countries such as Slovenia have already taken some of those measures. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
European leaders urged to fill void left by Brussels over Gaza war | The National
Europe is not toothless on Israel but refuses to bite, warn former diplomats
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
European countries must take independent action against Israel or form coalitions of like-minded states to make up for the European Union's inaction, ex-EU ambassador to the OPT Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff told me ahead of an informal meeting of EU FMs on Saturday in Copenhagen.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
With the three European countries - known as the E3 - set to announce a decision as soon as Thursday, officials said Iran could still provide commitments within 30 days over its nuclear programme that will convince the countries to defer concrete action. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Europeans poised to trigger return of UN sanctions on Iran | The National
Hopes remain Tehran can provide new commitments within 30 days to defer snapback mechanism
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
If the E3 proceed with reinstating UN sanctions on Iran later this week, it's not a process without off-ramps over the next 30 days, but it would hinge on breakthroughs that haven't been made in the weeks leading up to triggering, says Naysan Rafati at Crisis group.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
France will recognise the state of Palestinian on September 22 despite political turmoil in Paris that may bring down the government in two weeks, French FM Barrot told RTL today. Asked by the journo if he had already “started packing his bags” Barrot brushed off the idea.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
'They want us erased': Weightlifting mother resists plans to ban hijab in French competitive sport www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
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'They want us erased': Weightlifting mother resists plans to ban hijab in French competitive sport | The National
France adheres to its own interpretation of Olympic Charter values
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Germany has recently signalled an important policy shift by keeping all options on the table instead of opposing sanctions against Israel, former German ambassador to the Middle East Martin Kobler told me. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Former envoy sees signals of Germany's shifting policy on Israel | The National
Questioning Germany's support to Israel should no longer be taboo considering the human rights breaches in Gaza, former ambassadors say
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
The profiles of those expected to arrive this week included painters, graphic designers, videographers, and visual artists. They were all under 40 years old and scheduled to travel without their families on a student visa. Full story below. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Gazan artists distraught over French decision to pause evacuations after anti-Semitism row | The National
Young painters, graphic designers, videographers and visual artists had been expected to arrive this week
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
The decision to pause all evacuations, announced last week by FM Barrot, has thrown the lives of many hopeful evacuees into limbo, sparking outrage and despair among those trapped in Gaza in increasingly dire conditions. It's like a door was slammed in their face, one said.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
At least 7 Gazan artists were preparing to board a bus today before heading to France as part of an ongoing evacuation programme. But their departure was abruptly halted following a political firestorm in France over anti-Semitic posts by a Gazan student already on French soil.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
The Fenix museum is about creating empathy for the migration experience at a time of polarised politics. “I can assure you, there's a migration story to tell in every family. What we need in these times is empathy,” director Anne Kremers told me. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Rotterdam supports migrants despite city's far-right politics | The National
Migration museum aims to foster empathy for asylum seekers
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
Recently, I visited the new Fenix migration museum in Rotterdam. It's a fascinating space that faces the ex-HQ of the Holland America Line, from where 100s of 1000s Europeans left to North America. A few km away, migrants, many Syrian, live on cruise ships, waiting for asylum.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
As Germany's new chancellor Merz lands in Paris to meet Macron, here's a breakdown of why Israel will feature prominently on Merz's agenda and why he is likely to support Israel even more than his predecessor Scholz tinyurl.com/y4h3c9ct
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Merz's election is boost for Israel as new German Chancellor meets Macron in Paris | The National
Israel has described new leader as a 'staunch friend' but he may face pressure from Europe to take tougher approach
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
The trial of a former Jaish al Islam spox has put the focus on atrocities committed just over a decade ago in Syria that remain unpunished. They include beheadings and placing women in cages on rooftops. shorturl.at/7WkcI
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Jaish Al Islam war crimes charges heard in Paris court | The National
Majdi Nema is accused of membership of group that carried out unpunished sectarian crimes in Syrian civil war
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
A former spokesman for the Syrian rebel group Jaish Al Islam went on trial in Paris today, accused of complicity in war crimes, amid warnings that several witnesses were refusing to give evidence after the change of government. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Former Syrian rebel spokesman on trial in Paris for war crimes | The National
France's first trial to be held under the universal jurisdiction in relation to war crimes in Syria
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
Iran nuclear talks: Window of opportunity to strike a deal is shrinking, France warns, as Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi arrives in Rome ahead of the second round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Iran nuclear talks: Window of opportunity to strike a deal is shrinking, France warns | The National
US-Iran talks set to continue in Rome without Europeans
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
Europeans are keen to influence US-Russia talks on Ukraine peace talks in 'positive' Paris meeting - but as he departed France, @SecRubio warned that the US could "move on" if there was no progress on a peace deal in the coming days. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Europeans keen to influence US-Russia talks on Ukraine ceasefire in 'positive' Paris meeting | The National
Washington may soon run out of patience, warns Secretary of State Marco Rubio
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
At a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Palestinian PM Mustafa struck an optimistic tone about Palestinian statehood recognition despite scepticism that major EU powers will follow France's lead in June. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
thenationalnews.com
Europe urged 'the sooner, the better' in move to recognise Palestinian statehood | The National
First high-level EU-Palestinian political dialogue sparks optimism but some diplomats express reservations
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
France, Britain and Germany will be watchful of nuclear discussions between the US and Iran to ensure they take account of European interests, French FM Barrot said today, as the EU sanctions the directors of Evin and Shiraz prison for "hostage taking" of Western visitors.
thenationalnews.com
EU takes ‘vigilant’ stance on US-Iran talks with new sanctions | The National
Next round of talks hosted by Omani diplomats at the weekend are scheduled in Rome on Saturday
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
The EUh as announced €1.6 bn in aid to the Palestinian Authority but that represents less than 1/5th of its $9-10 billion 2025-2027 estimated budget. There are hopes that Arab states will step in but that Israel will also release the estimated $2 billion in taxes that it has withheld from the PA.
thenationalnews.com
EU to boost financial support for Palestinian Authority for 'good governance' | The National
High-level talks unlocks €1.6bn as bloc tries to show it can engage equally with Palestinians and Israelis
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
I spoke to France's special envoy to the India Middle East Europe Corridor, former Engie boss Gerard Mestrallet. Here's my analysis of how the ‘golden road’ energy corridor from India to Europe across the Middle East is taking shape almost unseen. www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/...
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French envoy eager for Europe to strengthen trade with UAE and India | The National
As the EU and the UAE kick off talks for a free trade agreement, The National speaks to France's representative for the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
The European Union is expected to announce on Monday sanctions against nine Iranian officials with the aim of targeting the country’s so-called hostage diplomacy against Westerners.
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Sunniva Rose @sunnivarose.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
The UAE and the EU have announced the launch of free trade talks after technical discussions that have lasted close to a year. FTAs typically take 3 to 5 years to conclude but the UAE wants it done in under a year. www.thenationalnews.com/news/2025/04...
thenationalnews.com
UAE to begin talks with EU over landmark trade deal | The National
Agreement would represent major economic boost for both sides
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