By Julia Payne BRUSSELS, Feb 2 (Reuters) - The European Court of Auditors said on Monday the EU's efforts to diversify its imports of metals and minerals critical to tech, defence and the energy transition had "yet to produce tangible results".

Regulator found manufacturer could have received grants and preferential tax treatment that undermine European industry

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves urged the European Union officials to maintain trade links with the UK amid concerns that the bloc could adopt more protectionist industrial policies that penalize British companies.

BRUSSELS, Feb 3 (Reuters) - The European Commission is set to propose measures designed to ensure more vessels and other goods and services for the European Union's shipping sector are made in the bloc,

Diplomatic sources said the contribution would be based on the prices of contracts that third countries secure

Brussels would be "open‑minded" about discussing closer trade ties with the UK, including the possibility of working together on a customs union, the European Commissioner for finance has told the BBC. Valdis Dombrovskis said the bloc was "ready to engage" if the UK wanted to explore the move, an idea Labour has faced growing pressure to consider.

European Union ambassadors on Wednesday approved details of a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine, an initiative agreed by EU leaders in December to meet most of Kyiv's financial needs in 2026-2027 and keep up its fight against Russia's invasion.

In a joint statement published yesterday, 12 bodies representing the bloc’s most energy-intensive industries — such as chemicals, cement and fertilisers — said production levels across their sectors have declined by up to 40 per cent in 2025, compared to 2018. Around 1.5mn jobs have been lost in heavy industries since 2008, they added.

The closure of EFSA’s data call marks a move from consultation to scientific assessment ahead of guidance under the EU’s packaging waste regulation.

European Union ambassadors on Wednesday (4 February) approved details of a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine, an initiative agreed by EU leaders in December to meet most of Kyiv's financial needs in 2026-2027 and keep up its fight against Russia's invasion. The ambassadors reached the agreement at a closed-door meeting in Brussels, diplomats said.

Electric vehicles are likely to make up 85% of new car sales in the EU from 2035, based on its plans to drop an effective ban on new combustion-engine models, although that