Latest news with #NationalDayofCommemoration
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
EU leaders prepare response to Trump's 30% tariff threat as trade war fears grow
European trade ministers will gather in Brussels on Monday to try to formulate a response to Donald Trump's imposition of a 30% tariff on the EU, which threatens to spark a trade war. Negotiations on tariffs were upended on Saturday when US president Donald Trump warned that if a deal is not struck by the August 1 deadline, the rate on goods coming from the EU would be 30%. Across Europe, there is some difference about how to respond to Mr Trump's weekend letter, with French president Emmanuel Macron urging the EU to 'defend European interests resolutely', be ready for a trade war, and to stand up to the US president. Leaders in Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany called for calm. Irish leaders have appealed for calm with three weeks to go until the latest deadline. On Sunday, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she would seek a negotiated settlement. "We have always been very clear that we prefer a negotiated solution. This remains the case and we will use the time that we have now until August 1,' said Ms von der Leyen. Ms von der Leyen added that a suite of retaliatory EU measures due to kick in on Monday would be delayed pending the outcome of talks with the US. Those measures would hit US goods to the tune of €21bn. At the National Day of Commemoration in Dublin, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Mr Trump's letter had been "worrying" and that a trade war would have damaging effects. "Clearly, 30% is not sustainable or tenable," he said. However, he said it is important that Europe not "overreact to every statement" and that Europe has countermeasures available should it choose to use them. He said that scenario would not be bad for consumers and businesses. It would damage everybody, and the world would suffer because of the enormous trading relationship between the EU and US. So, it would be a very significant deterioration. Speaking at the same event, Tánaiste and minister for trade Simon Harris said that the letter sent by Mr Trump was "unhelpful, because it's escalatory, but I think it also doesn't change anything in the here and now". He said the deadline was always August 1 and "remains the first of August and looks to me like a negotiating tactic by Donald Trump". "We prefer to do our negotiations around the table. He tends to do his negotiations on Truth Social and he can do it however he wishes, [but] from a European perspective and an Irish perspective, we're continuing to intensively engage. "I was in contact overnight with the EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič speaking to him on a very regular basis," Mr Harris said. Mr Harris said that the Government had not yet released models on the impact of a 30% tariff but that the 10% scenario, which he said was now "baked in", saw a 25,000 fewer jobs created than the 100,000 added in a no-tariff scenario and the rate of economic growth slowing.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
European trade ministers gather in Brussels to plan response to Trump's latest tariff warning
European trade ministers will gather in Brussels on Monday to try to formulate a response to Donald Trump's imposition of a 30% tariff on the EU, which threatens to spark a trade war. Negotiations on tariffs were upended on Saturday when US president Donald Trump warned that if a deal is not struck by the August 1 deadline, the rate on goods coming from the EU would be 30%. Across Europe, there is some difference about how to respond to Mr Trump's weekend letter, with French president Emmanuel Macron urging the EU to 'defend European interests resolutely', be ready for a trade war, and to stand up to the US president. Leaders in Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany called for calm. Irish leaders have appealed for calm with three weeks to go until the latest deadline. On Sunday, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she would seek a negotiated settlement. "We have always been very clear that we prefer a negotiated solution. This remains the case and we will use the time that we have now until August 1,' said Ms von der Leyen. Ms von der Leyen added that a suite of retaliatory EU measures due to kick in on Monday would be delayed pending the outcome of talks with the US. Those measures would hit US goods to the tune of €21bn. At the National Day of Commemoration in Dublin, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Mr Trump's letter had been "worrying" and that a trade war would have damaging effects. "Clearly, 30% is not sustainable or tenable," he said. However, he said it is important that Europe not "overreact to every statement" and that Europe has countermeasures available should it choose to use them. He said that scenario would not be bad for consumers and businesses. It would damage everybody, and the world would suffer because of the enormous trading relationship between the EU and US. So, it would be a very significant deterioration. Speaking at the same event, Tánaiste and minister for trade Simon Harris said that the letter sent by Mr Trump was "unhelpful, because it's escalatory, but I think it also doesn't change anything in the here and now". He said the deadline was always August 1 and "remains the first of August and looks to me like a negotiating tactic by Donald Trump". "We prefer to do our negotiations around the table. He tends to do his negotiations on Truth Social and he can do it however he wishes, [but] from a European perspective and an Irish perspective, we're continuing to intensively engage. "I was in contact overnight with the EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič speaking to him on a very regular basis," Mr Harris said. Mr Harris said that the Government had not yet released models on the impact of a 30% tariff but that the 10% scenario, which he said was now "baked in", saw a 25,000 fewer jobs created than the 100,000 added in a no-tariff scenario and the rate of economic growth slowing.
The Journal
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Michael D Higgins lays wreath to mark National Day of Commemoration
PRESIDENT MICHAEL D HIGGINS has laid a wreath at a National Day of Commemoration event in Dublin. Ceremonies took place across the country to honour all Irish casualties who died in wars or on service with the United Nations and other international organisations. The Dublin event at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham was also attended by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, other Government ministers and members of the Council of State. It was the 14th National Day of Commemoration attended by Higgins as president and the last before he leaves office later this year. Advertisement Representatives from veterans' organisations, the diplomatic corps and the defence forces were also in attendance. Government Informtion Service Government Informtion Service Martin told the ceremony: 'It is fitting that we remember here today all those Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on military service with United Nations or other international organisations in the service of peace.' An act of commemoration was led by leaders from various faiths. The ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying by President Higgins on behalf of the people of Ireland, followed by a fly-past by the Air Corps. Ceremonies were also held in Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford, with an event in Sligo due later in the day.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Thandiswa Mazwai on the power of music and the celebration of African heritage
As May celebrates the beauty of African culture and heritage, acclaimed musician Thandiswa Mazwai reflects on her enduring commitment to African culture highlighting the profound role it plays in her life and music. With Ancestors Day earlier this month leading the charge, Mazwai tells Saturday Star that embracing her cultural heritage is more than just remembrance; it is a lively revival of the African people's stories, music, and spirit, which is rooted in every aspect of her artistry. "For me, celebrating history means more than remembering the past - it's about reviving the stories, sounds, and spirit of our people. It's about using music and tradition as powerful tools to reconnect with who we are and where we come from," she says. In a collaboration with Castle Milk Stout, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), and the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL), Mazwai says they aim for Ancestors Day to achieve official recognition as a National Day of Commemoration in South Africa. The music sensation explains that this initiative, sparked in 2021, seeks to raise awareness about the importance of honouring ancestors nationwide. 'Castle Milk Stout and I have been partners for many years, grounded in a shared commitment to celebrating African culture and heritage. Together, we are amplifying the call to give Ancestor's Day the national recognition it deserves,' she emphasises. With this month, infused with the essence of heritage, she says it is also a reminder of the importance of daily celebration. 'Heritage is a living, breathing thing and should be engaged and celebrated every day. A dedicated month is pivotal, as it helps draw attention to some disappearing cultures and cultural practices. Ancestors are lineage. It is important to have some knowledge of what one's bloodline has endured and survived and what they may have invented. As stated in one of my songs, 'andihambi ndedwa'. The award-winning musician also reflects on her three-decade journey in the music industry, during which time she has had the privilege of working with iconic figures such as Hugh Masekela, Busi Mhlongo, and Miriam Makeba. 'I have been in the industry for 30 years and worked with many of my heroes. People like Hugh Masekela and Busi Mhlongo, who were not only mentors but dear friends. Also great legends like Miriam Makeba. I have been truly blessed.' While discussing her creative intentions, Mazwai elaborates on the distinct desires guiding her recordings versus her live performances. 'The intention of the recording is different from the intention of the live performance. One hopes to create peace and healing while the other hopes to inspire exuberance and a sense of freedom. But all of it hopes to inspire pride and self-worth for the African child.' [email protected] Saturday Star
