Latest news with #PEM
Malaysia Sun
4 hours ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
EU blocks UK from joining pan-European trade network FT
London has reportedly sought to join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean convention to support its exporters in the wake of Brexit The EU has refused to allow the UK join a streamlined network that offers lower tariffs to 20 countries that trade with the bloc, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing officials. According to the article, the UK had sought to join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) convention, established in 2012 to align rules of origin across trade deals between the EU and countries in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The framework allows manufacturers to qualify for lower tariffs when using components sourced from multiple member countries. Since leaving the EU in 2020, Britain has ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union, but business groups have backed PEM membership as a practical step to help exporters cope with new trade barriers. The UK government included the plan in the trade strategy it published last week, saying it could reduce "complex paperwork" and provide businesses with more flexibility. Trade experts say the move depends on EU approval, as the UK would need to amend its post-Brexit trade agreement with Brussels to adopt PEM rules - even though the convention itself is not exclusive to the EU. "For it to be meaningful for the UK, the EU would need to agree to incorporate the PEM rules of origin into the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This gives the EU de facto blocking powers," Sam Lowe, trade lead at the consultancy Flint Global, told the FT. EU officials told the outlet that Brussels had previously indicated it was open to the idea, but now sees the move as not in the bloc's interest. The European Commission reportedly fears that UK goods could unfairly qualify for low-tariff access. The rejection marks the first sign of tension since both sides declared a "reset" in relations at a May summit, where they pledged closer energy ties and progress on a veterinary deal to ease agrifood checks. Separately, the EU is demanding full UK compliance with the Windsor Framework, agreed upon in February 2023, before signing off on a veterinary deal that would ease checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea. Northern Ireland, part of the UK, shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state, and continues to follow some EU rules to avoid a hard border. The final phase of the framework took effect on July 1. Retailers have called the new labelling and customs rules "bureaucratic madness," as hundreds of products now face extra checks when moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. The UK has said it remains committed to the framework and continues to engage with PEM members, including the EU. (
Russia Today
7 hours ago
- Business
- Russia Today
EU blocks UK from joining pan-European trade network
The EU has refused to allow the UK join a streamlined network that offers lower tariffs to 20 countries that trade with the bloc, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing officials. According to the article, the UK had sought to join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) convention, established in 2012 to align rules of origin across trade deals between the EU and countries in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The framework allows manufacturers to qualify for lower tariffs when using components sourced from multiple member countries. Since leaving the EU in 2020, Britain has ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union, but business groups have backed PEM membership as a practical step to help exporters cope with new trade barriers. The UK government included the plan in the trade strategy it published last week, saying it could reduce 'complex paperwork' and provide businesses with more flexibility. Trade experts say the move depends on EU approval, as the UK would need to amend its post-Brexit trade agreement with Brussels to adopt PEM rules – even though the convention itself is not exclusive to the EU. 'For it to be meaningful for the UK, the EU would need to agree to incorporate the PEM rules of origin into the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This gives the EU de facto blocking powers,' Sam Lowe, trade lead at the consultancy Flint Global, told the FT. EU officials told the outlet that Brussels had previously indicated it was open to the idea, but now sees the move as not in the bloc's interest. The European Commission reportedly fears that UK goods could unfairly qualify for low-tariff access. The rejection marks the first sign of tension since both sides declared a 'reset' in relations at a May summit, where they pledged closer energy ties and progress on a veterinary deal to ease agrifood checks. Separately, the EU is demanding full UK compliance with the Windsor Framework, agreed upon in February 2023, before signing off on a veterinary deal that would ease checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea. Northern Ireland, part of the UK, shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state, and continues to follow some EU rules to avoid a hard border. The final phase of the framework took effect on July 1. Retailers have called the new labelling and customs rules 'bureaucratic madness,' as hundreds of products now face extra checks when moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. The UK has said it remains committed to the framework and continues to engage with PEM members, including the EU.
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EU is 'blocking Britain's bid to join Mediterranean trade zone' despite Keir Starmer's 'reset' with Brussels
The EU is unwilling to allow Britain to join a pan-European trade zone despite Sir Keir Starmer 's efforts to 'reset' the UK's relations with Brussels, it has emerged. The Government recently published a trade strategy that hailed membership of the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM) as an 'opportunity' for the UK. Ministers said they would 'consider the benefits' of joining the PEM as part of efforts to boost British exports. The PEM allows for tariff-free trade of some goods from across dozens of countries in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. But, according to the Financial Times, the European Commission has made clear to Britain that it would not currently support UK membership of the PEM. EU officials said Brussels bosses had decided that the UK joining the PEM was not currently in the bloc's interests, the newspaper reported. The EU is said to fear it would increase the risk of products unfairly qualifying for low-tariff access to the bloc. It comes despite Sir Keir and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently striking a 'reset' deal following a UK-EU summit in London. The Government recently published a trade strategy that hailed membership of the PEM as an 'opportunity' for the UK The agreement, signed in May, covered fishing, trade, defence and energy and represented the biggest change in Britain's relations with the bloc since Brexit. Although the PEM is not exclusively an EU arrangement, trade experts said Britain would need EU co-operation to join because it would require a rewriting of the post-Brexit trade deal. Sam Lowe, trade lead at consultancy Flint Global, said: 'For it to be meaningful for the UK, the EU would need to agree to incorporate the PEM rules of origin into the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. 'This gives the EU de facto blocking powers.' David Henig, a former UK trade negotiator now at the ECIPE think-tank, said: 'The EU isn't united on the importance of the UK reset and issues like PEM can easily be caught up in this even though technically straightforward. 'The UK Government is going to have to work hard in London and Brussels to build momentum.' Although they have left the door open to joining the PEM, the Prime Minister has repeatedly ruled out rejoining the EU's single market or customs union. A Government spokesperson said: 'This Government has secured a new agreement with the EU to support British businesses and jobs and put more money in people's pockets. 'We have also published a new Trade Strategy setting out how we will boost trade further. 'We aren't going to provide a running commentary on our ongoing discussions with the EU.'
Sustainability Times
10 hours ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Dirty Water, Clean Power': New Tech Breakthrough Lets Electrolyzers Produce Hydrogen Without Needing Pure Water Sources
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Researchers in China have developed a method that enables PEM electrolyzers to work with impure water , reducing costs. to work with , reducing costs. 🔬 The innovation involves creating an acidic microenvironment using Bronsted acid oxide to enhance electrolyzer performance. using to enhance electrolyzer performance. 💡 This breakthrough could significantly lower the cost of hydrogen production and facilitate broader deployment of the technology. and facilitate broader deployment of the technology. 🌍 By making hydrogen production more accessible, this advancement supports global efforts to transition to clean energy solutions. In the quest for sustainable energy, hydrogen stands out as a promising candidate. However, the challenge lies in producing clean hydrogen efficiently and economically. Traditional Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers demand ultrapure water, making the process costly and limiting its widespread adoption. Recently, a team of researchers in China has developed a groundbreaking approach that allows PEM electrolyzers to function with impure water, potentially revolutionizing the hydrogen production landscape. This innovation could significantly lower costs and enable broader deployment of hydrogen technology, marking a significant step forward in the global push for cleaner energy solutions. Understanding the Challenges of Electrolyzers Electrolysis, the process of splitting water molecules to produce hydrogen, is a well-established technology. Despite its potential, widespread adoption has been hindered by several challenges. Alkaline electrolyzers, which are the most common, fail to produce hydrogen pure enough for fuel cell applications. On the other hand, PEM electrolyzers offer high purity hydrogen but require ultrapure water, which is both expensive and resource-intensive to produce. Impurities present in water can rapidly degrade PEM electrolyzers, making them unsustainable for large-scale applications without extensive water treatment. This requirement for high-purity water has presented a significant barrier to deploying these systems widely. However, by addressing this fundamental issue, researchers are opening new avenues for the practical use of hydrogen as a clean energy source. 'Say Goodbye to Solar Panels': New Origami Energy Cell Generates Power Anywhere With Revolutionary Foldable Tech Innovative Solutions: Creating Acidic Microenvironments The breakthrough from Tianjin University and collaborating institutes involves creating an acidic microenvironment within the PEM electrolyzer. They achieved this by adding Bronsted acid oxide (MoO3-x) to the cathode. This addition acts as a catalyst, effectively lowering the pH in the immediate vicinity of the reaction, enhancing the electrolyzer's performance even with impure water. This technological advancement was verified through sophisticated methods such as pH ultramicroelectrode measurements and scanning electrochemical microscopy. The results were promising, showing that PEM electrolyzers could operate with tap water for over 3,000 hours, maintaining performance levels comparable to those using ultrapure water. This innovation not only reduces the need for costly water pretreatment but also extends the longevity and efficiency of the electrolyzers. 'Gates-Backed 'Flying Blades' Begin Spinning': This Radical U.S. Wind Tech Is Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen Before Implications for the Hydrogen Economy The ability to use impure water in PEM electrolyzers could dramatically reduce the overall cost of hydrogen production. By minimizing the need for extensive water purification, the technology becomes more accessible and economically viable. This is particularly crucial for regions where water resources are limited or where water purification infrastructure is inadequate. Moreover, this development aligns with global efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. As the world seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, hydrogen offers a high-energy, zero-emission alternative. The ability to produce hydrogen more affordably could accelerate its adoption across various sectors, including transportation, industry, and energy storage, thus playing a pivotal role in combating climate change. 'I Built a Laser from Hell': YouTuber Unleashes World's Strongest Handheld Beam That Instantly Melts Metal and Ignites Anything Future Prospects and Considerations While the research is still in its early stages, the potential impact of these findings is substantial. By enabling PEM electrolyzers to function with less stringent water quality requirements, the path is paved for more flexible and scalable hydrogen production systems. This could lead to increased investment in hydrogen infrastructure and greater innovation in related technologies. However, challenges remain. The long-term durability of these modified electrolyzers and their performance in diverse environmental conditions need further exploration. Additionally, the economic feasibility of widespread implementation must be thoroughly assessed to ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs. As we look to the future, one must ask: how will this innovation influence the trajectory of global energy policies and the broader adoption of hydrogen-based solutions? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (30)
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
14 hours ago
- Business
- First Post
EU doesn't want to let UK join Pan-Euro-Mediterranean trade pact now, report says
The PEM convention enables countries to build manufacturing supply chains across participating nations and still qualify for low-tariff access to markets under free trade deals read more Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer shakes hands with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels in October 2024. AFP File Hopes by the British government to join a major European trade pact so as to ease the UK's post-Brexit supply chain issues are reportedly being blocked by the European Union. The UK last week announced it was exploring accession to the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) convention, citing potential benefits such as reduced paperwork and greater sourcing flexibility for British goods exporters. However, according to a report by Financial Times, four people familiar with discussions said the European Commission has privately told London it will not support the UK's entry at this time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Commission's decision has frustrated British officials, who view joining PEM as a technical and pragmatic step to support struggling exporters. It also marks the first sign of tension following a reset in UK-EU relations, announced at a 18 May summit where both sides pledged improved cooperation in energy and agrifood trade. The PEM convention enables countries to build manufacturing supply chains across participating nations and still qualify for low-tariff access to markets under free trade deals. Though not exclusively an EU initiative, joining would require revisiting the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, effectively giving Brussels veto power. 'For it to be meaningful for the UK, the EU would need to agree to incorporate the PEM rules of origin into the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This gives the EU de facto blocking powers,' said Sam Lowe, trade lead at consultancy Flint Global. While Brussels was previously open to the idea, officials now argue UK membership could risk products gaining low-tariff access unfairly, undermining the bloc's trade defences. Trade groups such as the British Chambers of Commerce had supported the UK bid. Sir Keir Starmer's government has ruled out rejoining the EU single market or forming a new customs union but views PEM accession as a useful interim measure to aid manufacturers and exporters. David Henig, a former UK trade negotiator now at the ECIPE think tank, said the EU's reluctance reflected ongoing political sensitivities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The EU isn't united on the importance of the UK reset and issues like PEM can easily be caught up in this even though technically straightforward,' Henig said. 'The UK government is going to have to work hard in London and Brussels to build momentum.' PEM was considered in 2023 as a potential solution to a dispute over post-Brexit tariffs on electric vehicles. EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in January said UK participation in PEM was something the bloc 'could consider,' but the Commission now prefers to adhere strictly to the commitments agreed in May. Separately, tensions remain over the Windsor framework agreement for Northern Ireland. The final phase of that deal came into force on 1 July, requiring major British retailers to label more than 1,000 products 'not for EU' and subjecting 400 more to full customs checks. M&S Chief Executive Stuart Machin called the changes 'bureaucratic madness' and urged quick progress on an EU-UK veterinary agreement, which would reduce checks on agrifood shipments between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The promised EU-UK veterinary agreement can't come soon enough,' Machin said. However, EU officials reiterated that such an agreement would only be considered once the Windsor framework is fully implemented. They have raised concerns that many UK supermarket chains are not in full compliance. European relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds reportedly met retail executives in Whitehall last Thursday to stress the importance of meeting the agreement's conditions to avoid jeopardising further negotiations. The Commission declined to comment. The UK Cabinet Office said the government remained committed to the Windsor framework and would continue engaging with PEM members, including the EU. 'We aren't going to provide a running commentary on our ongoing discussions with the EU,' the Cabinet Office said.
