Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, the UK and France agreed on migrant returns and nuclear coordination, the PKK began disarmament, Nvidia hit $4tn, and Taiwan held its largest-ever military drills. Meanwhile, BRICS criticised US protectionism, and von der Leyen survived a no-confidence vote.

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UK and France agree on migrant returns program and nuclear coordination

The UK and France have launched a pilot scheme to return some small boat arrivals from the UK to France during Macron’s state visit to the UK. For each returnee, one migrant will be allowed to enter the UK legally, subject to security checks. French President Macron linked rising migration pressures to Brexit and urged the UK to address informal employment. Prime Minister Starmer cited a domestic crackdown on illegal work.

The leaders also agreed to coordinate their nuclear deterrents for the first time, forming a joint supervision group to guide policy and operations—while retaining independent control. The UK–France defence pact also includes cooperation on AI and next-gen weapons.

US tariffs escalation intensifies

US President Donald Trump has announced significant tariff hikes set to begin on 1 August: a 30% duty on EU and Mexican goods, 35% on Canadian imports, and the resumption of previously paused tariffs—24% on Japanese goods and 25% on South Korean imports,

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that over 100 countries have been warned tariffs will revert to April levels unless new deals are struck. Brazil faces proposed 50% tariffs, prompting President Lula to warn of reciprocal measures if negotiations fail. Trump also linked the tariffs to legal actions against former President Bolsonaro, calling it a “witch hunt”, while Bolsonaro and his son voiced support for the US stance.

PKK begins disarmament after 40-year conflict

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has begun disarming, marking a major shift after 40 years of armed conflict with the Turkish state. The war, which began in 1984, has killed over 40,000 and displaced thousands. A symbolic ceremony in Sulaimaniyah, northern Iraq, saw PKK fighters destroy weapons under tight security. The process is expected to continue over the summer. 

Turkish President Erdoğan welcomed the move, which follows the PKK’s May decision to pursue political engagement. PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan called it a “voluntary transition to democratic politics”. The disarmament is being monitored by Türkiye’s Kurdish DEM party, with cooperation from Iraqi and Kurdish regional authorities.

Taiwan holds its largest and longest-ever annual military exercise

Taiwan has begun its largest and longest annual military exercise, Han Kuang, lasting 10 days and nights from Wednesday (Jul. 9). Now in its 41st year, the drills have doubled in duration to better simulate real combat unpredictability amid increasing pressure from mainland China’s grey-zone tactics—actions that fall short of war but aim to intimidate and weaken Taiwan’s defences.

This year’s exercise features the first live-fire deployment of US-supplied M1A2T Abrams tanks. President William Lai Ching-te observed the drills in Hsinchu. The expanded scale reflects Taiwan’s focus on strengthening readiness amid ongoing Chinese military activity near the island.

New Caledonia groups reach agreement on French territory’s future

Pro- and anti-independence groups in New Caledonia have reached a political deal granting the territory expanded autonomy while remaining part of France. Announced after talks near Paris, the agreement follows unrest in 2024 over electoral reforms that angered the pro-independence Kanak population. 

It reportedly proposes a new New Caledonian nationality (alongside French citizenship) and the transfer of some powers, including limited international representation. French officials described the deal as historic, though the full text is yet to be released. Loyalist groups called it a balanced compromise, and France has pledged continued economic support, especially in the nickel sector. A local referendum and French parliamentary approval are still required.

Nvidia becomes first company to reach $4tn in market value

Nvidia has become the first company to reach a $4 trillion market valuation, driven by soaring demand for AI chips and easing US-China trade tensions. Its share price rose 2.8% on Wednesday (Jul. 9), pushing it past Apple’s previous $3.92tn record. Nvidia, whose chips power platforms like ChatGPT, has seen rapid growth since passing $1tn in 2023—reaching $2tn in February and $3tn in June 2024.

Recent momentum stems from major chip deals in the Middle East and strong US demand, alongside “sovereign AI” projects in Europe. Despite earlier concerns over Chinese export restrictions and rising competition, investor confidence remains high. The company expects nearly $200bn in revenue this year.

BRICS rejects confrontation, criticises US protectionism

At the BRICS summit in Rio, leaders rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that the group is “anti-American” after he threatened 100% tariffs on countries reducing reliance on the dollar. Brazilian President Lula da Silva responded, “We don’t want an emperor,” defending BRICS’ push to reform global trade and explore alternatives to the dollar—though he stressed changes must be gradual. 

Other leaders struck a conciliatory tone: South Africa reaffirmed BRICS’ non-confrontational approach, China called for “win-win cooperation”, and Russia said the bloc does not act against others. A joint statement condemned rising protectionism and attacks on Iran, while Malaysia and Indonesia maintained independent positions amid ongoing trade talks with the U.S.

Von der Leyen survives no-confidence vote in EU Parliament

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen survived a no-confidence vote in the European Parliament, with 360 MEPs voting against the motion and 175 in favour. Tabled by the hard-right ECR group, the vote marked the first such challenge since 2014 and reflected growing discontent across party lines. Criticisms focused on the Commission’s perceived rightward shift, weakening of the Green Deal, and concerns over transparency.

Despite some internal dissent, von der Leyen retained support from the EPP, S&D, Renew Europe, and the Greens, who backed her after securing budgetary concessions. Although the motion failed, ECR MEP Gheorghe Piperea warned that further challenges could follow.

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