Emmanuel Macron Hosts AI Summit Amid EU Trade Tensions

The Guardian,

French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the AI Action Summit in Paris, focusing on international governance, trust, innovation, and public interest in artificial intelligence. This event marks a departure from the 2023 Bletchley Park conference by emphasizing opportunities over safety concerns. A significant topic is China’s role in global AI governance amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. Concurrently, Europe faces potential U.S. tariffs on aluminum and steel imports. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized a coordinated EU response, while Macron criticized President Donald Trump’s tariff plans, urging a focus on China instead. The European Commission condemned the potential tariffs as unjustified and counterproductive. Macron announced a significant investment in AI, highlighting the need for Europe to catch up in the AI race. This week, European leaders confront challenges related to AI expansion, trade disputes, and influencing U.S.-Russia negotiations over Ukraine.

China Retaliates with Tariffs Amid Escalating Trade War

Financial Times,

In response to recent U.S. tariff increases on Chinese imports, China has imposed new tariffs on American goods, including energy products and large manufactured items. This escalation intensifies the ongoing trade war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump. The AI Action Summit in Paris also commenced, featuring industry and political leaders discussing safe AI development. Additionally, Peter Mandelson began his role as the UK’s ambassador to the U.S., raising questions about his diplomatic potential with the Trump administration. In the UK, the Church of England’s General Synod convenes amid significant moral issues and past allegations. Key economic predictions indicate weak growth for both the UK and the EU, with significant corporate earnings reports expected. The upcoming week also features notable events, including the Munich Security Conference, NATO meetings, and multiple high-profile public addresses. Valentine’s Day coincides with several international political events and the BAFTA film awards in London.

Israeli Delegation Arrives in Qatar for Ceasefire Talks

The Guardian,

An Israeli delegation has arrived in Qatar for ceasefire talks with Hamas, marking the beginning of indirect negotiations to extend the fragile truce and discuss the administration of post-war Gaza. This follows Israel’s withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza, allowing free movement between the north and south of the region. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have killed a pregnant Palestinian woman and another civilian in the West Bank, sparking international condemnation. U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet major Arab leaders to discuss proposals affecting Gaza, while Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations reject suggestions of relocating Palestinians to Saudi territory. Kurdish authorities in Syria fear a resurgence of ISIS due to looming U.S. aid cuts, which could cripple essential services in detention camps. The situation remains tense, with many international stakeholders involved in resolving the crisis and addressing humanitarian concerns

U.S. Announces 25% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports

Al Jazeera,

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. This move is part of a broader strategy to protect domestic industries and address trade imbalances. The announcement has raised concerns about potential retaliatory measures from trading partners and the impact on global trade dynamics. Analysts warn that such tariffs could lead to increased costs for American consumers and potential disruptions in international supply chains. The decision has been met with criticism from both domestic industry groups and international allies, who fear escalating trade tensions.

Sri Lanka Experiences Nationwide Blackout Due to Monkey Incident

The Straits Times,

Sri Lanka faced a nationwide power outage on February 9, 2025, lasting over five hours. The blackout was attributed to a monkey interfering with a substation in Panadura, causing significant disruptions to the electrical grid. The Ministry of Power and Energy reported that the monkey’s contact with a grid transformer led to an imbalance in the system, resulting in the widespread outage. Power was fully restored across various parts of the country by 6 PM. The incident has drawn international attention due to its unusual cause, highlighting vulnerabilities in infrastructure to wildlife interference.