The "Mar-a-Lago Accord" is a proposed international agreement aimed at reshaping America's role in the global economy, with the goal of revitalizing American manufacturing and reducing the US trade deficit. The plan, which has been compared to the Plaza Accord of the 1980s, involves devaluing the dollar, similar to what was done in the 1980s, which some believe led to Japan's "lost decades". This could have significant implications for China's economy, which is often likened to Japan's economy of the 1980s.
https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3304925/what-mar-lago-accord-and-will-it-really-crash-chinas-economy?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionEuropean Parliament members welcome efforts by like-minded NATO partners and the European Council's March 2025 conclusions, which emphasize EU and member state contributions to security guarantees for Ukraine. They stress the need for close coordination with NATO on deterrence and defense capabilities, as well as a strengthened European pillar within the alliance. MEPs also advocate for a European Defence Union that complements EU-NATO cooperation, while urging the Commission to raise common debt to bolster the EU's fiscal capacity in crisis situations.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20250331IPR27551/the-eu-must-defend-its-interests-on-the-global-stageNATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg has urged European countries to "step up" their defense efforts as the US shifts its focus towards Asia, amid growing concerns over China's military expansion in the region. The comments come ahead of a NATO summit in Brussels, where leaders will discuss strategies for countering Chinese influence and strengthening alliances with Asian nations.
https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/nato-chief-urges-europe-to-step-up-as-us-turns-toward-asia-11743609813341.htmlNato officials are urging US President Donald Trump to remain engaged with the alliance despite his administration's recent actions in Europe and Ukraine. However, Western diplomats worry that even if Trump stays on board, the alliance may be compromised due to his aggressive stance towards Russia and underfunding of European defense spending.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/americas/nato-presses-to-keep-trump-on-board-but-is-he-hobbling-alliance-2NATO diplomats are feeling nervous ahead of a crucial meeting in The Hague this week, where European allies will be urged by Secretary-General Mark Rutte to increase defense spending and burden sharing. US Senator Marco Rubio is expected to push for this, as well as reconfirm the US commitment to NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause. However, some European allies are hesitant due to economic struggles, and tensions with the EU over defense spending and trade are high. The meeting comes ahead of a June summit in The Hague, where the alliance will aim to keep its members united on defense spending. Tensions with Russia and Ukraine's ongoing conflict are also expected to be discussed, with US President Donald Trump potentially increasing pressure on Moscow if cease-fire deals aren't holding.
https://www.rferl.org/a/brussels-foreign-ministers-rubio-nato/33365613.htmlUS Trade Adviser Navarro warned that Trump's planned tariffs could generate $600 billion in annual revenue over 10 years, but risk sparking a global trade war. Other countries have vowed retaliation, while economists fear the move could fuel inflation and trigger an economic downturn.
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-says-us-tariffs-to-hit-all-countries/Norway's Trade Commissioner MaroÅ¡ Å efÄoviÄ will meet EU ambassadors on Friday to discuss the next steps ahead of a Luxembourg meeting, amid tensions following Finland's decision to withdraw from the landmine treaty. The move comes as US President Trump announced a 25% tariff on foreign-made cars, set to take effect on Wednesday, and follows an unproductive meeting between Å efÄoviÄ and US trade officials last week.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/there-would-be-two-responses-eu-plans-countermeasures-to-trumps-tariffs-13876696.htmlUS Senator Rubio plans to discuss with EU officials during his visit to Brussels this week that excluding US companies from EU weapons procurements would be seen as inappropriate, according to a State Department official. The official stated that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has raised this point and will continue to do so. Trump's administration welcomes European efforts to strengthen defense capabilities but warns against creating barriers that exclude US companies from participating in European defense projects, emphasizing the importance of transatlantic defense industrial cooperation for NATO's strength.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/opinion/2025/04/02/us-objects-to-european-push-to-buy-arms-locallyRussian envoy Kirill Dmitriev may visit the US this week to meet with American envoy Steve Wiktoff, according to a Kremlin announcement.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/961297-moscow-speaks-putin-s-envoy-may-visit-the-white-house-this-week