{"id":1932668,"date":"2026-05-13T06:53:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T03:53:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1932668"},"modified":"2026-05-13T06:53:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T03:53:11","slug":"newsletter-a-medley-of-middle-powers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1932668","title":{"rendered":"Newsletter: A medley of middle powers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/64\/78\/1200x675_cmsv2_b5e1e280-1222-5d05-b937-f9ede2d9f1ad-9756478.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2891982-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2891982\" data-cid=\"9750315\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891982-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/03\/15\/189x106_cmsv2_60d3fc10-73c8-5f9e-ad2d-44cdd610e953-9750315.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The number of prisoners in the EU increased by 2% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the latest figures from Eurostat.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe in Motion<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Wholly unsuitable conditions&#8217;: How full are Europe&#8217;s prisons?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893337-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2893337\" data-cid=\"9756573\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893337-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/65\/73\/189x106_cmsv2_fad13b19-40b3-50f9-94a0-abb97bc51848-9756573.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Sam Altman, center, and OpenAI president Greg Brockman, right, arrive at the U.S. District Court in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 30, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What did Sam Altman say at the Elon Musk OpenAI trial\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893341-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2893341\" data-cid=\"9756577\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893341-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/65\/77\/189x106_cmsv2_d1ffd117-d519-5ee7-9b3b-43aca88e7e38-9756577.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FC Barcelona player Lamine Yamal holds a Palestinian flag as he celebrates with his team atop a bus after winning the Spanish La Liga title in Barcelona,\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Barcelona star Lamine Yamal waves Palestinian flag during La Liga celebrations\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893192-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2893192\" data-cid=\"9756250\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893192-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/62\/50\/189x106_cmsv2_073b4b41-3938-550c-80a5-c6389c38e37c-9756250.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Real Madrid president Florentino P\u00e9rez gives a press conference in Madrid, 12 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Real Madrid&#8217;s president slams &#8216;organised campaign&#8217; to unseat him\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891982-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2891982\" data-cid=\"9750315\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891982-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/03\/15\/189x106_cmsv2_60d3fc10-73c8-5f9e-ad2d-44cdd610e953-9750315.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The number of prisoners in the EU increased by 2% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the latest figures from Eurostat.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe in Motion<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Wholly unsuitable conditions&#8217;: How full are Europe&#8217;s prisons?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893337-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2893337\" data-cid=\"9756573\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893337-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/65\/73\/189x106_cmsv2_fad13b19-40b3-50f9-94a0-abb97bc51848-9756573.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Sam Altman, center, and OpenAI president Greg Brockman, right, arrive at the U.S. District Court in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 30, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What did Sam Altman say at the Elon Musk OpenAI trial\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893341-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2893341\" data-cid=\"9756577\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893341-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/65\/77\/189x106_cmsv2_d1ffd117-d519-5ee7-9b3b-43aca88e7e38-9756577.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FC Barcelona player Lamine Yamal holds a Palestinian flag as he celebrates with his team atop a bus after winning the Spanish La Liga title in Barcelona,\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Barcelona star Lamine Yamal waves Palestinian flag during La Liga celebrations\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893192-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2893192\" data-cid=\"9756250\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893192-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/62\/50\/189x106_cmsv2_073b4b41-3938-550c-80a5-c6389c38e37c-9756250.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Real Madrid president Florentino P\u00e9rez gives a press conference in Madrid, 12 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Real Madrid&#8217;s president slams &#8216;organised campaign&#8217; to unseat him\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe Today<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Newsletter: A medley of middle powers<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/64\/78\/1536x864_cmsv2_b5e1e280-1222-5d05-b937-f9ede2d9f1ad-9756478.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen flanked by leaders, including Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in Johannesburg, South Africa, 22 November, 2025.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen flanked by leaders, including Australia&#8217;s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in Johannesburg, South Africa, 22 November, 2025.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspAngela Skujins\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1778655191\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-05-13 08:53:11 +02:00\">13\/05\/2026 &#8211; 8:53 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div 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loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        As US President Donald Trump readies himself for a widely anticipated multi-day visit to China, and to be hosted by the country&#8217;s leader Xi Jinping, the world&#8217;s middle powers are watching on to see how they can slot themselves into what the summit brings.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>Good morning. Angela Skujins here, your resident Australian journalist working at Euronews, serving up a breakfast newsletter centred on the evolving politics of superpowers and how middle powers can adapt to them.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>On Thursday, US President Donald Trump will gear up for his first visit to China in nine years, holding court with President Xi Jinping. Talks are expected to cover the war in Iran, trade tensions and Taiwan \u2013 with promises of pomp. <\/p>\n<p>The highly anticipated visit between the world\u2019s two largest economies \u2013 their relationship accounted for roughly 44% of the global GDP in 2025 \u2013 is a hopeful one. <\/p>\n<p>Despite Trump\u2019s weakened hand, <strong>Stefan Grobe<\/strong> writes the Republican leader is angling for a trade deal and potential climb down from now-frozen triple digit tariffs. <\/p>\n<p>With Trump\u2019s second term in power dominated by trade spats, annexationist rhetoric and conflict, smaller nations are weighing alternatives. <\/p>\n<p>Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney argued at Davos in January that the world should not be run by \u201chegemons\u201d. Instead, the world\u2019s middle nations that adhere to a rules-based order should come together and form like-minded coalitions.<\/p>\n<p>Enter the Northern Hemisphere country itself, as well as a further flung nation \u2013 Australia. <\/p>\n<p>Canada\u2019s Minister for Foreign Affairs Anita Anand told Euronews that Ottawa&#8217;s growing ties with the EU and other partners \u2013 as emblematic of the 20 security, defence and economic agreements minted in the last year \u2013 is \u201cnot just a policy response\u201d to Trump&#8217;s tariff hammer. <\/p>\n<p>The Canada-EU relationship \u201cwill stand the test of time\u201d, Anand said. \u201cWhat I believe we should be looking at is how we can work together pragmatically for our respective countries to deliver economic benefits and defence and security benefits,\u201d the 59-year-old said. <\/p>\n<p>The foreign minister\u2019s comments came a week after Canada made history as the first non-European country to participate in a European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, Armenia. <\/p>\n<p>At the EPC, Carney said Europe would not submit to an \u201cinsular and brutal world\u201d \u2013 and could instead serve as a base from which a new international order could be rebuilt. \u201cWe are very enthusiastic about continuing to work with Europe, with like-minded countries,\u201d Anand said of the gathering. Enter Canberra. <\/p>\n<p>In March 2026, between holding koalas and feeding kangaroos, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shook hands with the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to clinch a free trade agreement.<\/p>\n<p>The agreement aims to remove over 99% of tariffs on EU goods and boost other avenues of cooperation, such as defence. The pact will save the EU \u20ac1 billion a year in duties, the Commission said, with exports projected to climb as much as 33% over the next decade.<\/p>\n<p>Australia&#8217;s Ambassador to the EU and NATO Angus Campbell just told <em>Europe Today<\/em> that Australia has a \u201cconstructive\u201d and \u201cvery significant trade relationship with China\u201d \u2013 but that Australia\u2019s success relies on diverse partnerships.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAustralia trades into North America, into ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), to South Asia, to North Asia and into Europe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe&#8217;re an island continent dependent on global trade, on the rules of trade and free trade agreements matter because they enable the prosperity for all.\u201d <strong>Watch.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>So as Trump\u2019s visit to Beijing begins to whip up attention \u2013 with reports of talks, a banquet, and a visit to a religious site frequented by Ming and Qing dynasty emperors praying for a bountiful harvest \u2013 all eyes will be on the Chinese capital and how middle powers can slot themselves into what comes out of it.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>EU could propose social media ban for children this summer, von der Leyen says<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday the EU could propose a bloc-wide social media ban for children as early as this summer, amid mounting pressure from member states to strengthen online protections for minors.<\/p>\n<p>As <strong>Luca Bertuzzi<\/strong> reports, support for stricter controls has grown in recent months, with France, Spain, Greece and Denmark leading calls for measures to shield children from what governments describe as addictive online platforms.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are witnessing the lightning speed at which technology is advancing \u2013 and how it penetrates every corner of childhood and adolescence,\u201d von der Leyen told delegates at the European Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Children in Copenhagen.<\/p>\n<p>Several EU countries are already pursuing national legislation, although Brussels has faced pressure to maintain a harmonised approach across the bloc\u2019s single market.<\/p>\n<h2>More from our newsrooms<\/h2>\n<h3><strong>EU countries back suspension of funding for the Venice Biennale over Russian participation<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Fourteen out of 27 EU member states criticised the reopening of the Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale, which sparked a fierce controversy in Italy, as Brussels called for a suspension of funding. <strong>Vincenzo Genovese<\/strong> has the latest. <\/p>\n<h3><strong>General strike in Belgium against government reforms draws tens of thousands to the capital<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Between 40,000 and 70,000 people marched through the streets of Brussels on Tuesday. The demonstrators gathered at the call of the country\u2019s three main trade unions to denounce the federal government\u2019s reforms, which the trade unions consider to be &#8220;anti-social&#8221;. <strong>Gregoire Lory<\/strong> breaks down the placards and the protests. <\/p>\n<p>Interviews with Syrian Foreign Minister <strong>Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani<\/strong>, Estonian Defence Minister <strong>Hanno Pevkur<\/strong> and Australia\u2019s ambassador to Belgium and NATO <strong>Angus Campbell<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>We&#8217;re also keeping an eye on<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>European Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto and European Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas will present the Commission&#8217;s passenger package for Europeans at midday from Brussels, Belgium.<\/li>\n<li>European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib will speak on the European Citizens\u2019 Initiative \u2018Ban on conversion practices in the European Union\u2019 at 2:30 pm in Brussels, Belgium.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Watch: Inside the Trump-Xi visit that could leave Europe in the cold<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Carney says Canada must cut reliance on US as tariffs hit economy<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  EU-Australia trade deal: What does business between the two look like?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Trump tariffs<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  China<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Australia<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2893321-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893321\" data-cid=\"9756482\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893321-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/64\/82\/320x180_cmsv2_e60e34d0-400e-52d4-b36f-fd10fe82a1ed-9756482.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US President Donald Trump waves from the stairs of Air Force One as he boards at Joint Base Andrews, 12 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump vows to push Xi to &#8216;open up&#8217; China at superpower summit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2893322-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893322\" data-cid=\"9756507\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893322-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/65\/07\/320x180_cmsv2_99da770a-7188-5f57-a430-cff067d2941d-9756507.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews for a trip to China, Maryland, 12 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Musk and Cook join Trump on China visit to talk trade and AI<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2893332-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893332\" data-cid=\"9756556\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893332-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/65\/56\/320x180_cmsv2_1ea76158-7815-5f60-ac3d-ee94ab095962-9756556.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Passengers are disembarked from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius at the port of Granadilla in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, Sunday, May 10, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Are hantavirus cases spreading? 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Here&#8217;s what could happen<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2893026-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893026\" data-cid=\"9755043\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Hantavirus outbreak latest: Spain confirms one new case<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2892753-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892753\" data-cid=\"9753856\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Small Portuguese liqueur brand wins legal fight against Louis Vuitton<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2892550-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892550\" data-cid=\"9753045\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iraqi shepherd uncovers secret Israeli military base in desert<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893321-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893321\" data-cid=\"9756482\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893321-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/64\/82\/320x180_cmsv2_e60e34d0-400e-52d4-b36f-fd10fe82a1ed-9756482.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US President Donald Trump waves from the stairs of Air Force One as he boards at Joint Base Andrews, 12 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump vows to push Xi to &#8216;open up&#8217; China at superpower summit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893322-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893322\" data-cid=\"9756507\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893322-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/65\/07\/320x180_cmsv2_99da770a-7188-5f57-a430-cff067d2941d-9756507.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews for a trip to China, Maryland, 12 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Musk and Cook join Trump on China visit to talk trade and AI<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893332-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893332\" data-cid=\"9756556\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893332-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/65\/56\/320x180_cmsv2_1ea76158-7815-5f60-ac3d-ee94ab095962-9756556.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Passengers are disembarked from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius at the port of Granadilla in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, Sunday, May 10, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Are hantavirus cases spreading? 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Here&#8217;s what could happen<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893026-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893026\" data-cid=\"9755043\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Hantavirus outbreak latest: Spain confirms one new case<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892753-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892753\" data-cid=\"9753856\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Small Portuguese liqueur brand wins legal fight against Louis Vuitton<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892550-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892550\" data-cid=\"9753045\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iraqi shepherd uncovers secret Israeli military base in desert<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Good morning. Angela Skujins here, your resident Australian journalist working at Euronews, serving up a breakfast newsletter centred on the evolving politics of superpowers and how middle powers can adapt to them.On Thursday, US President Donald Trump will gear up for his first visit to China in nine years, holding court with President Xi Jinping. Talks are expected to cover the war in Iran, trade tensions and Taiwan \u2013 with promises of pomp.\u00a0The highly anticipated visit between the world\u2019s two largest economies \u2013 their relationship accounted for roughly 44% of the global GDP in 2025 \u2013 is a hopeful one.Despite Trump\u2019s weakened hand, Stefan Grobe writes the Republican leader is angling for a trade deal and potential climb down from now-frozen triple digit tariffs.\u00a0With Trump\u2019s second term in power dominated by trade spats, annexationist rhetoric and conflict, smaller nations are weighing alternatives.\u00a0Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney argued at Davos in January that the world should not be run by \u201chegemons\u201d. Instead, the world\u2019s middle nations that adhere to a rules-based order should come together and form like-minded coalitions.Enter the Northern Hemisphere country itself, as well as a further flung nation \u2013 Australia.\u00a0Canada\u2019s Minister for Foreign Affairs Anita Anand told Euronews that Ottawa&#8217;s growing ties with the EU and other partners \u2013 as emblematic of the 20 security, defence and economic agreements minted in the last year \u2013 is \u201cnot just a policy response\u201d to Trump&#8217;s tariff hammer.\u00a0The Canada-EU relationship \u201cwill stand the test of time\u201d, Anand said. \u201cWhat I believe we should be looking at is how we can work together pragmatically for our respective countries to deliver economic benefits and defence and security benefits,\u201d the 59-year-old said.\u00a0The foreign minister\u2019s comments came a week after Canada made history as the first non-European country to participate in a European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, Armenia.\u00a0At the EPC, Carney said Europe would not submit to an \u201cinsular and brutal world\u201d \u2013 and could instead serve as a base from which a new international order could be rebuilt. \u201cWe are very enthusiastic about continuing to work with Europe, with like-minded countries,\u201d Anand said of the gathering. Enter Canberra.In March 2026, between holding koalas and feeding kangaroos, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shook hands with the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to clinch a free trade agreement.The agreement aims to remove over 99% of tariffs on EU goods and boost other avenues of cooperation, such as defence. The pact will save the EU \u20ac1 billion a year in duties, the Commission said, with exports projected to climb as much as 33% over the next decade.Australia&#8217;s Ambassador to the EU and NATO Angus Campbell just told Europe Today that Australia has a \u201cconstructive\u201d and \u201cvery significant trade relationship with China\u201d \u2013 but that Australia\u2019s success relies on diverse partnerships.\u201cAustralia trades into North America, into ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), to South Asia, to North Asia and into Europe,\u201d he said.\u201cWe&#8217;re an island continent dependent on global trade, on the rules of trade and free trade agreements matter because they enable the prosperity for all.\u201d Watch.So as Trump\u2019s visit to Beijing begins to whip up attention \u2013 with reports of talks, a banquet, and a visit to a religious site frequented by Ming and Qing dynasty emperors praying for a bountiful harvest \u2013 all eyes will be on the Chinese capital and how middle powers can slot themselves into what comes out of it.EU could propose social media ban for children this summer, von der Leyen saysEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday the EU could propose a bloc-wide social media ban for children as early as this summer, amid mounting pressure from member states to strengthen online protections for minors.\u00a0As Luca Bertuzzi reports, support for stricter controls has grown in recent months, with France, Spain, Greece and Denmark leading calls for measures to shield children from what governments describe as addictive online platforms.\u201cWe are witnessing the lightning speed at which technology is advancing \u2013 and how it penetrates every corner of childhood and adolescence,\u201d von der Leyen told delegates at the European Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Children in Copenhagen.Several EU countries are already pursuing national legislation, although Brussels has faced pressure to maintain a harmonised approach across the bloc\u2019s single market.More from our newsroomsEU countries back suspension of funding for the Venice Biennale over Russian participationFourteen out of 27 EU member states criticised the reopening of the Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale, which sparked a fierce controversy in Italy, as Brussels called for a suspension of funding. Vincenzo Genovese has the latest. \u00a0General strike in Belgium against government reforms draws tens of thousands to the capitalBetween 40,000 and 70,000 people marched through the streets of Brussels on Tuesday. The demonstrators gathered at the call of the country\u2019s three main trade unions to denounce the federal government\u2019s reforms, which the trade unions consider to be &#8220;anti-social&#8221;. Gregoire Lory breaks down the placards and the protests.\u00a0Interviews with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur and Australia\u2019s ambassador to Belgium and NATO Angus Campbell.We&#8217;re also keeping an eye onEuropean Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto and European Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas will present the Commission&#8217;s passenger package for Europeans at midday from Brussels, Belgium.European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib will speak on the European Citizens\u2019 Initiative \u2018Ban on conversion practices in the European Union\u2019 at 2:30 pm in Brussels, Belgium.\u00a0<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/05\/13\/newsletter-a-medley-of-middle-powers&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/64\/78\/1200x675_cmsv2_b5e1e280-1222-5d05-b937-f9ede2d9f1ad-9756478.jpg&#8221;] Europe in Motion &#8216;Wholly unsuitable conditions&#8217;: How full are Europe&#8217;s prisons? Tech News What did Sam Altman say at the Elon Musk OpenAI trial Sport Barcelona star Lamine Yamal waves Palestinian flag during La Liga celebrations Sport Real Madrid&#8217;s president slams &#8216;organised campaign&#8217; to unseat him Europe in Motion &#8216;Wholly unsuitable conditions&#8217;: [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1932668","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1932668","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1932668"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1932668\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1932668"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1932668"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1932668"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}