Irish MEP says counter-tariffs should 'avoid EU shooting itself in the foot' in letter to commissioner
The EU is still hoping to make a deal with US president Donald Trump's administration, but a second counter-tariff list is due to take place on July 14th or earlier if negotiations fail.
Advertisement
In the letter to EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, seen by BreakingNews.ie, Mr Cowen requested additional protections for spirits, medical technologies and aviation.
Mr Cowen first outlines his belift that US bourbon whiskey should be excluded form counter-tariffs, as "this risks triggering US retaliatory tariffs - potentially up to 200 per cent - on EU alcohol exports".
He adds that Ireland exports 53 times more whiskey than it importants bourbon - €420 million vs €8 million.
At the EU level, spirits exports to the US are €2.9 billion annually, while imports stand at €1 billion. With this in mind, Mr Cowen argues that a 'zero-for-zero tariff arrangement on spirits is vital to protect this key sector and avoid a situation of the EU shooting itself in the foot. I urge the Commission to reaffirm this in its updated list".
Advertisement
Mr Cowen goes on to write that he is "increasingly alarmed at the prospect of tariffs on US-origin medical technologies, components and diagnostics. The current draft includes 577 categories, covering both medtech inputs and finished products. Its implementation would significantly disrupt healthcare systems and the medtech industry across the EU, including Ireland".
Ireland's medtech sector employs over 50,000 people and exports €15 billion annually, representing 8 per cent of our total exports.
He asks the EU Commission not to include medical technologies in the final counter-tariffs list, "as industry groups have warned, these products are vital to public health and should not be used as leverage in trade disputes".
On aviation, Mr Cowen writes: " I would like to highlight the risk to Ireland's aviation and leasing sectors should US aircraft remain on the EU's retaliation list. Alongside Ryanair, Europe's largest airline group, Ireland is home to global aircraft lessors such as AerCap, all heavily reliant on US-made aircraft.
Advertisement
"Ryanair operates over 600 Boeing aircraft and it, plus Aercap, have hundreds of more on order. Including these in a tariff regime would severely impact Ireland's leasing and airline industries, with wider implications for the European market. I strongly urge the Commission to exclude US aircraft from the list."
In conclusion, Mr Cowen class for measures that are "measured, strategic and not harm sectors where the EU - and Ireland - stand to lose far more than we gain".
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
36 minutes ago
- BBC News
Paddy Power and Betfair users warned of 'email danger' after hack
Some Paddy Power and Betfair customers have been warned to "remain vigilant" after a hack of up to 800,000 users.A spokesperson for Flutter Entertainment, which owns the online gambling brands, confirmed to the BBC it had "suffered a data incident."Some personal information including IP addresses, email addresses, and online activity data has been company provided affected users with online safety information and told them: "There is nothing you need to do in response to this incident, however we recommend you remain vigilant." Flutter Entertainment has 4.2 million average monthly players across all its brands in the UK and Ireland. Its other betting companies include Sky Bet and company said the incident has now been contained and added: "No passwords, ID documents or usable card or payment details were impacted."However, cybersecurity experts have warned the breached data could be used to target unsuspecting customers with convincing personal emails in what's known as a spear phishing Morlet, chief marketing officer at Storm Guidance, said individuals that spend large amounts of money with these gambling companies could be targets. "With the advent of AI, I think it would actually be very easy to build out a large-scale automated attack," he told the BBC's Today programme. "Basically, focusing on crafting messages that look appealing to those gamblers."Tim Rawlins, director and senior adviser at global security firm the NCC Group, told the BBC's Wake Up to Money programme that customers should look out for detailed emails that might refer to their previous betting habits, encourage them to click links or give away credit card information."You might re-enter your credit card number, you might re-enter your bank account details, those are the sort of things people need to be on the look out for and be conscious of that sort of threat," he added: "If it's too good to be true, it probably is a fraudster who's coming after your money."Mr Rawlins said his security firm has seen an increase in the quality of phishing emails and said AI is making it harder to tell a fraudulent email from a real message.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
British homeware chain known for ‘luxury candles' launches 60% off sale with scents from just £8
A POPULAR British homeware chain, known for its "luxury" candles, has launched a huge sale, with up to 60% off selected products. Shoppers can get their hands on discounted candles, clothes and bedding, with prices starting at just £8. The White Company, which has 61 stores across the UK is known for its deluxe candle range, with budget stores often bringing out dupes of the designer scents. However, candle fans can now get their hands on The White Company's Winter Mercury Luxury Votive Candle for just £8. The cinnamon, clove and orange candle was originally £16, meaning it has been slashed by 50%. The 'spicy and warming' candle, comes in a hand-blown glass container and has been described by customers as the "scent of Christmas". One shopper said of the candle: "A lovely product. Smells divine and very pretty." Another added: "Beautiful candle and smells amazing." More sale products Suede Corkbed Mule Slippers Slashed from £55 to £33 Signature candles 8 Large candles 8 Fresh Grapefruit Diffuser Down from £30 to £21 Single Row Cord Cotton Bed Linen Slashed from £24 to £16.80 8 Organic Cotton Jersey Striped Romper Was £26, now £16.50 Organic Cotton Star Baby Robe Down from £30 to £21
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer review: A multi-tasking hero that's still a cult classic
The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We will earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. Score: 10/10 We like: Extremely versatile with over 15 additional attachments available Delivers consistent results whether whipping cream or kneading dough Timeless design available in a range of colourways to match any kitchen Easy-to clean with dishwasher-safe parts Weighty base ensures stability (even when mixing tougher doughs) We don't like: Bulky and heavy if frequently moving or storing Additional attachments can be expensive What is the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer? The KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer is one of the most recognisable appliances in British kitchens, with good reason. This classic tilt-head model has remained almost unchanged in silhouette since 1937. Priced from £449, the stand mixer is at the luxury end of the market, going head-to-head with high-spec models from brands like Ooni, Sage and Smeg. But few rivals match its blend of design heritage, solid engineering and versatility. The Artisan's capacity ranges from 4.7 litre stainless steel bowl to 6.6 litre, with three essential attachments for baking: wire whisk, flat beater and dough hook. The larger capacity models have a bowl lift function and are better suited for making multiple batches of dough or cake mix or feeding larger groups. But its real edge lies in the front-mounted power hub which can be used with more than 15 accessories from pasta rollers to food processors, helping to streamline practically every stage of food prep. So much so, that it continues to hold the coveted crown of Best Buy stand mixer in our 2025 guide. JUMP TO: How we test stand mixers I'm a food writer and contributed to the best stand mixers guide. To find the model worthy of Star Baker status we used each stand mixer in a real world setting rather than a pristine lab. I tested the KitchenAid 4.8L Artisan stand mixer, which has the classic tilt head function, in (an often chaotic, flour-covered) home kitchen with real recipes. Over the course of a month I made (and tasted) a range of typical bakes including Victoria sponge, sourdough, soft peaked meringue and Neopolitan-style pizza dough to assess it against five key criteria: design, ease of use, functionality, quality of results and ease of cleaning. I examined whether the machine felt intuitive or fiddly, how well it handled switching speeds and tools mid-mix, and how easy it was to switch out the attachments. Design and footprint were also carefully considered - was it easy to lift and store? Did it demand plenty of countertop space, or stow neatly away under cabinets? Finally, cleaning: I noted which parts were dishwasher-safe and how flour or dough could be removed from tricky areas. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Design and build Score: 10/10 With its retro curves and broad range of colourways, this stand mixer is as much a design statement as a kitchen tool. The 4.8 litre model weighs 10.4kg (meaning it won't budge under heavier dough loads), and it's not for storing in tight cupboards or under low wall units. It's built to live on the counter and to look good while doing so. The controls are satisfyingly tactile and well-marked. It has a simple side lever, a front hub cover for attachments and smooth tilt-head action. While we can't predict the future, the Artisan certainly feels as though it will be the talking point of kitchens for years to come. Score: 10/10 Despite its professional pedigree, the KitchenAid Artisan is largely fuss-free to operate. There are no screens, apps or menus, just one sliding speed control, one tilt-head release that clicks reassuringly into place and one hub for attachments, which all feel intuitive to use. First-time users might take a moment to get to grips with how the bowl locks in place or the attachments twist to click on, but once that's mastered it's easy. One minor limitation for smaller kitchens or those with wall cabinets is that the unit's 36cm height means you'll need enough overhead clearance to be able to tilt it properly, but if you can accommodate it then the Artisan is a joy to use. It is old-school in the best way - mechanical, consistent and uncomplicated. Variety of attachments and functions Score: 10/10 The speed settings range between one and 10, giving ample scope to tailor its power to your recipe. In the box, you get all the essentials to power through baking tasks too: a flat beater, dough hook, wire whisk and 4.8 litre stainless steel bowl. But the Artisan's real appeal lies in its wider versatility. The universal hub lets you use more than 15 optional attachments, from a citrus juicer to ice shaver, making it a multifunctional marvel. That said, these accessories come at a price (typically between £70 and £150), but its modularity makes it an incredibly expandable tool for committed home cooks looking to streamline their kitchen arsenal. Quality of results Score: 9/10 The Artisan might not boast the wattage of some competitors (300W certainly sounds modest on paper), but thanks to its motor design and planetary mixing action, where the tool itself rotates as it also circles the bowl, it performs beautifully under pressure. Whether making cake batter, whipping meringue or kneading focaccia dough, the Artisan delivers consistent results without straining, overheating or requiring manual intervention. Every part of the bowl gets equal attention, there's no under- or overworked spots here. It is surprisingly quiet in use, too. During my tests, a triple-layer Victoria sponge came out light and perfectly aerated; pasta dough proved with a smooth, elastic finish; and egg whites peaked in under three minutes. The standard flat beater occasionally left a trace of unmixed flour along the edges, but a quick scrape mid-mix solved this. It's a dependable go-to. Clean-up Score: 9/10 The curved body and smooth finish make light work of clean-up, even after a flour storm or batter spill. I loved the wipe-clean surface when trying to banish pancake mix and stuck on sourdough. The tilt-head design also helps minimise fuss when cleaning the surrounding surfaces, with no awkward grooves, fiddly nooks or hard-to-reach corners. Better yet, the included attachments and bowl are all dishwasher safe, meaning less time in your Marigolds (though some extras, especially those with gears, may require hand washing, so be sure to check beforehand). Technical specifications We've set the KitchenAid Artisan 4.8L Stand Mixer against one of its closest competitors in the UK market: the Kenwood kMix KMX754. Both are aimed at keen home bakers, but where KitchenAid leans into design heritage and upgrade potential, the Kenwood makes a case for greater power and capacity at a keener price. Should you buy the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer? If you're seeking a multi-functional stand mixer that'll be with you for years to come, the KitchenAid Artisan is hard to beat. Its reliable performance across baking tasks is unmatched, its build quality strikingly solid and it offers endless potential to upgrade via its power hub (if you can justify the cost of additional attachments, that is). Yes, if: You want a long-lasting, versatile machine that deserves to be seen on the counter You're a keen baker who values expandability and classic design No, if: £449 Buy now Price at Amazon KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer FAQs What are the differences between the available KitchenAid Artisan models? The main differences are in bowl size, power and design. The 4.8L is standard and has a head which tilts back for putting the bowl in place; the 5.6L and 6.6L have more power (375W) and a bowl-lift mechanism, whereby the bowl slides in and is raised closer to the mixing tools instead. What comes in the box with a KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer? A 4.8-litre stainless steel bowl, flat beater, wire whisk and dough hook. Is the KitchenAid Artisan powerful enough for making bread dough? Yes, the 300W direct-drive motor handles up to 1kg flour doughs easily. For extra-large batches, consider the 5.6-litre or 6.9-litre model.
