It seems that Trump spared Turkey when setting tariffs – unlike the EU and China. The Turkish economy wants to profit from this and increase exports. But for that, it needs to meet certain conditions.

"I have great relations with a man named Erdogan" – this is how US President Donald Trump described his relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier this week in the Oval Office, sitting next to Erdogan's political rival Benjamin Netanyahu. "I like him. He likes me. We’ve never had a problem," the American president added.

This isn't entirely true: On October 7, 2019, Trump threatened to "destroy the Turkish economy" and said he had already done so once. In a letter dated October 16, 2019, sent to Erdogan, Trump urged the Turkish president to strike a "good deal" with him. And he emphasized: "I do not want to be responsible for destroying the Turkish economy."

The Turkish economy has faced significant challenges over the last six years – the Turkish lira has lost significant value. In March 2007, one US dollar was worth about 1.30 Turkish lira, in October 2019 it was 5.79, and today it’s 38.06 lira.

Although Trump may have harmed the Turkish economy back then, it seems that today the two heads of state are agreeing better than before. In fact, Turkey is one of the countries least affected by Trump's tariff policy: a "mere" 10 percent tariff was imposed on Turkish goods. Trump's 90-day tariff pause and the general reduction to ten percent for all countries except China temporarily level the playing field with Turkey.

New Hope?

Unlike the negative sentiment in Europe, Turkish business representatives do not see the tariffs as a crisis – but as an opportunity. They are convinced: with the right trade policy, Turkey can benefit from the new situation.

The new rules of the game by Donald Trump could especially help Turkish exporters gain an advantage in the US market, says Bulent Ajmen, vice president of the Mediterranean Furniture, Paper, and Wood Products Exporters Association (AKAMIB).

"The United States has been our main market for the last three years. Our exports are increasing every month. The intensification of the tariff war allows Turkey to gain market share in the US in areas such as the chemical and automotive industries, furniture and electronics production. We must definitely make the most of this advantage," says Ajmen.

The trade volume between Turkey and the US exceeds 30 billion US dollars. The US is currently Turkey's second most important trading partner – after Germany. Turkish exports to the US have increased by an average of 16 percent over the last five years, while US exports to Turkey have risen by 9 percent. According to the Turkish Exporters' Association (TİM), Turkey exported goods worth around 21.1 billion US dollars to Germany in 2023, while exports to the US amounted to about 14.8 billion. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), exports to the US reached 16.3 billion US dollars by the end of 2024.

Turkey primarily exports chemical products, automotive parts, clothing, carpets, and electronics to the US. At the same time, it imports more than half of its cotton – for textile products which it then exports to the US.

According to Şeref Fayat, a representative of the textile industry in the Union of Turkish Chambers of Commerce and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), Trump’s high tariffs on imports from China and the European Union could increase the visibility of Turkish products in the US market. "Now we must act quickly. We can use the problems that China, Vietnam, and Cambodia will likely face to our advantage," Fayat believes.

Criticism of Turkey's Trade Policy

Fayat is optimistic about the future of trade with Trump’s America. "I don't expect Turkey to be negatively affected by the new situation." He suggests negotiating with the US for limited tariff-free trade. "This is a very important opportunity, but we must carefully monitor how our most important trading partner, the European Union, will be affected by American tariff policies," he warns.

However, among some other governments, there is cautious optimism: the potential is sufficient, but many Turkish companies are not ready to take advantage of it, says Murat Akjuz, former president of the Chemical Products Exporters Association (IKMIB). "I believe that the new US tariff policy is a great opportunity for Turkey. At the same time, I think that exporters in Turkey are not adequately prepared." In the past, he says, many opportunities were missed because "a sustainable trade policy was not followed."

Fayat also notes shortcomings: access to US consumers for Turkish products is limited – due to a lack of shopping centers and warehouses. He criticizes the policy: "Although Trump announced these tariffs a long time ago, unfortunately, we have not made the necessary preparations."

Turkey as a Production Hub?

In addition to exports, Turkey could establish itself in another field as a strategic player: as a manufacturing location for Asian companies. Specifically, Turkey could invite companies from China to produce in Turkey – to circumvent high tariffs. Its geopolitical position as a bridge between the East and West supports this.

"We must explain to those countries – especially China – the advantage of relocating production to Turkey," says Akjuz. "We should actively encourage investments in our country. Turkey, with its infrastructure and the potential of a skilled workforce, is well-prepared for this," believes Akjuz.

The use of sonic weapons against peaceful demonstrators, as well as the actions of the prosecution and police against protest participants or representatives of civil society, will not bring Serbia closer to the European Union, says Danas in an interview with Manuel Sarrazin, Germany’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans.

In his written responses, the senior EU official not only commented on questions about student protests in Serbia, the EU's stance toward the regime of Aleksandar Vučić, the role of Milorad Dodik in the Balkans, and the challenges on Serbia's path to EU membership, but also addressed the use of a sound cannon against demonstrators on March 15 in Belgrade, Europe's interest in lithium, and the growing dissatisfaction of the pro-European segment of the public in Serbia with Brussels.

*At student protests in Serbia, EU flags are notably absent. How do you interpret this absence?

– My personal impression is that many students are disappointed with the European Union. Ultimately, they are demanding nothing less than the rule of law, which is also a key requirement of the EU in Serbia’s accession process and the main reason why that process is stagnating. The German government shares concerns about the state of democracy, the rule of law, and media freedom in Serbia, and we expect the Serbian government to finally address these deficiencies, as this is essential for Serbia’s progress toward the EU.

*At the same time, a significant part of Serbia’s pro-European public is turning against the EU, driven by the belief that European leaders support the regime of Aleksandar Vučić. How do you respond to this view?

– As Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos explained, EU officials – and the same applies to the governments of member states – always engage in dialogue with elected officials in candidate countries, including President Vučić. This does not mean that the EU does not analyze reform progress and the situation in Serbia, especially concerning the so-called fundamental principles. One reason why Serbia has not opened a new chapter or cluster in the accession process for a long time is precisely the lack of progress in key areas: the rule of law, media freedom, democratic standards…

*How do you interpret the protests against Aleksandar Vučić’s regime, and how do you see their possible outcome?

– The protests have raised issues important for the whole society: transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. But it is not for me to interpret the protests or speculate on possible outcomes. It is up to the citizens to freely express their views. What I consider very important is that the right to peaceful assembly and the right of citizens to express their opinions without pressure or threats to their safety must be ensured. It is the responsibility of the Serbian government to ensure the safety of peaceful demonstrators – both during and after the protests. The use of sonic weapons against peaceful demonstrators, as well as the actions of the prosecution and police against protest participants or representatives of civil society, will not bring Serbia closer to the European Union.

*Many critics claim that the European Union prioritizes access to lithium over the state of democracy in Serbia. How do you respond to such claims?

– I don’t see these things as mutually exclusive. Both the German government and the EU as a whole cooperate with the Serbian government on many topics of common interest. That does not mean we are blind to the shortcomings in democracy, media freedom, and the rule of law, especially regarding the lack of progress in implementing ODIHR recommendations for improving electoral conditions.

*Vladimir Putin recently received Milorad Dodik following his conviction, and after Dodik’s visit to Israel, while Interpol refused to issue a red notice for him. How do you comment on this?

– Vladimir Putin is responsible for the war in Ukraine and continues to wage this brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, against Europe. In this war against Europe, he seems to view Milorad Dodik and his dangerous separatist moves in Bosnia and Herzegovina as useful. Milorad Dodik is probably the only person in Republika Srpska who believes he can benefit from this alliance. Vladimir Putin has not supported Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Republika Srpska, with investments, jobs, or the prospect of EU membership. Nor does Dodik, through his actions. On the contrary – he is dragging the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina further away from the EU. The German government strongly condemns Dodik’s separatist moves.

“In response, Milorad Dodik expressed gratitude to Aleksandar Vučić. How do you see that gesture?

– I am deeply concerned that President Vučić and the Serbian government appear to effectively support or at least do not stop Milorad Dodik’s separatist moves in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The declaration of the All-Serb Assembly last year already contained dangerous rhetoric and ideas that will not bring either Serbia or Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to the European Union.

*What outcome do you foresee for the current regime in Serbia?

– It is not for me to speculate on the further development of the situation in Serbia. But I can tell you what kind of future I would like to see for Serbia: I would like to see Serbia as a full member of the European Union as soon as possible. I am convinced that Serbia would greatly benefit from a credible reform path required for membership. And the EU would benefit from the potential, creativity, culture, and passion of the Serbian people for their country, their region, and our shared European home.

More than three years after the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Europe's energy security remains seriously threatened, despite efforts to free the continent from dependence on Russian fossil fuels. Although the European Union set an ambitious goal immediately after the outbreak of the conflict to completely cut energy ties with Moscow by 2027, the reality on the ground paints a different picture – one full of challenges, uncertainty, and increasingly evident cracks in that strategy.

Under market pressure, but also due to increasingly unstable political relations with key partners such as the US, European companies are quietly but more frequently considering what was almost unthinkable just a year ago: the return of Russian gas, including direct cooperation with the state energy giant – “Gazprom.”

During the 2022–2023 energy crisis, American liquefied natural gas (LNG) was crucial in filling the gap caused by the halt of Russian deliveries. However, with the return of Donald Trump to the political scene – and his increasingly open strategy of using energy as a negotiating tool – European companies are becoming more cautious.

Trump makes no secret of his ambition for American energy resources to become an instrument in trade negotiations with the EU, further undermining European leaders’ trust in the stability and predictability of US supply. In such a climate, voices calling for a renewal of ties with Russia – even on a limited scale – are growing louder, though still mostly informal – writes Nova.

Major Companies

One of the first to openly speak about the possible return of Russian gas was Didier Holleaux, Executive Vice President of the French company “Engie.” He believes that in the event of a “reasonable peace” in Ukraine, Europe could consider importing 60 to 70 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually – which would cover between 20 and 25% of Europe’s needs. That is significantly less than the 40% share Russian gas held before the war, but still a substantial amount.

A similar view was expressed by Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of “TotalEnergies,” who warns against excessive dependence on American LNG. His company is a major exporter of American gas but is also involved in the sale of Russian LNG through the private firm “Novatek.” Pouyanné claims that the EU must turn to greater source diversification, because “relying on one or two suppliers poses a serious strategic risk.”

Germany Between Reality and Politics

Unlike France, which has a more diversified energy mix thanks to nuclear power, Germany built its industrial power over decades by relying on cheap Russian gas. That dependence made it particularly vulnerable after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

In the Leuna chemical complex, one of the country’s key industrial centers, more and more executives from companies such as “Dow Chemical” and “Shell” are openly calling for a return to Russian supply. Christoph Günther, director of the company “InfraLeuna,” emphasizes that Germany’s chemical industry has recorded five consecutive quarters of decline – something not seen in decades. According to him, restarting gas pipelines would have a greater impact on cost reduction than any currently available state subsidy.

German public opinion is also beginning to shift. Research shows that one-third of Germans support the return of Russian gas, while in eastern regions such as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania that percentage reaches 49%. Klaus Paur, director of the petrochemical company “Leuna-Harze,” states directly: “We need Russian gas and cheap energy – regardless of where it comes from. We must keep control over costs, and that is not possible without Nord Stream 2.”

Trump’s Gas – Partner or Weapon?

In 2024, American LNG accounted for 16.7% of the EU’s energy imports, placing it behind Norway (33.6%) but still ahead of Russia (18.8%). However, the Russian share is expected to fall below 10%, given the closure of Ukrainian transit routes. What remains mainly comes in the form of LNG, mostly through the company “Novatek.”

The European Commission has announced an increase in US LNG imports, but it is also aware of the growing risks. The Trump administration has made it clear that gas will be used as a means of pressure to reduce the EU’s trade surplus.

Tatiana Mitrova, an analyst at Columbia University, warns that American gas is no longer a “neutral commodity” but is becoming a geopolitical tool. If a trade war erupts, there is a real possibility that the US will limit gas exports, especially in the event of increased domestic demand due to industrial growth and artificial intelligence.

Legal Battles and Quiet Diplomacy

After “Gazprom” failed to deliver the contracted gas volumes at the height of the crisis, several European firms initiated arbitration proceedings. Courts ruled in favor of companies such as “Uniper,” which was awarded 14 billion euros, and Austria’s OMV, which received 230 million euros. German firm RWE is seeking an additional two billion, while others, like “Engie,” have yet to reveal specific claims.

Didier Holleaux suggests that one possible route for restoring cooperation with Russia would be to resume gas deliveries via Ukraine – as part of efforts to comply with arbitration rulings. “You want to return to the market? Fine – but first pay what you owe,” Holleaux told “Gazprom.”

Ukrainian Fears

The possibility of returning to Russian gas raises concerns not only in Brussels but also in Kyiv. Maxim Timchenko, CEO of the Ukrainian company DTEK, expresses hope that Europe will remain consistent and not repeat past mistakes. “It’s hard for me to say this as a Ukrainian, but I believe that European politicians have learned the lesson when it comes to relying on Russia,” he said.

The trade war between the United States and China, which has been further intensified in recent months, has seriously shaken the tech world. One of the first to feel the consequences of this conflict was – Apple. The IT giant, which has relied on Chinese manufacturing for years, is now forced to change its strategy, locations, and perhaps even – its philosophy.

iPhone no longer "Made in China"

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Apple plans to move part of its iPhone production from China to India in order to mitigate the impact of new U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Chinese goods. JPMorgan analysts estimate that Apple could move around 5% of its iPhone 14 production to India, and by 2025, one in four devices could be assembled in the country.

Creative crisis or a pause before a big leap?

Relocating production may affect the availability and price of iPhone devices on global markets. Analysts warn that tariffs from China could increase the production cost of the iPhone 16 Pro model by $300, which could be reflected in the final price for consumers.

How will this affect users in Serbia?

Given that part of the production is being moved to India, where import tariffs to the U.S. are significantly lower (26% compared to 54% from China), Apple is expected to manage to soften the price increase for end-users. However, it is possible that there will be delays in the delivery of new models, which could affect the availability of devices on the Serbian market.

Conclusion

Apple is at a pivotal point in its history. Forced to reassess its relationship with China, pressed by geopolitical tensions, and faced with the demands of a market that no longer tolerates stagnation. Users around the world are already feeling the consequences, and the real impact is yet to come.

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake shook Southern California early this morning local time, causing chandeliers to sway and items to fall off shelves. However, officials have not reported any injuries or significant damage. The epicenter of the strong quake was in San Diego County near Mount Julian, known for its apple pies, and the tremor was felt as far north as Orange County.

A San Diego firefighter said “it was a good shake” but confirmed there were no reports of damage or calls for assistance.

Neither county police nor local sheriffs have reported any damage or injuries so far.

One store reported that some jars fell off the shelves, but said “everything is okay.”

As a precaution, children were taken outside from a daycare center immediately after the shaking began.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the earthquake, according to his office, which added that the state is working with local authorities to gather data on any potential damage.

California lies on the San Andreas Fault and is highly prone to earthquakes.

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, is known for choosing advisors and associates who follow his orders. And those who don't – he quickly fires. However, Elon Musk is clearly an exception to this rule, writes the Brussels-based portal Politico.

In recent weeks, Elon Musk has been increasingly openly expressing disagreement with Trump’s messages and actions, as well as dissatisfaction with his advisors.

Democrats have tried to drive a wedge between him and Trump, sarcastically calling Musk “President Elon” in an attempt to anger Trump, who is believed to have an ego too big to share the American public’s attention with the founder of a tech giant. However, it seems Trump remains satisfied with Musk, even though he draws significantly more attention than other associates, and even cabinet members – writes the portal N1.

Spokespersons for the White House and Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) did not respond to inquiries about their relationship. Trump, however, commented on the “co-president” jokes in a joint interview with Musk on Fox News in February, saying: “It’s so obvious. They’re bad at it.”

Meanwhile, Trump continues to praise Musk and his DOGE team, saying at a cabinet meeting that Musk’s people are “fantastic.” “We hope they’ll stay for a long time, we want to keep them as long as we can,” the president stated.

Without contradicting messages from the top, Musk continues to openly express his opinions on administration issues, and there are five key issues where he opposed the president.

Tariff Dispute

Photo: Reuters/ Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Elon Musk publicly criticized Trump’s trade advisor Peter Navarro, a key figure in implementing aggressive tariff policies. Musk repeatedly mocked Navarro on the “X” platform and even posted a video of Navarro explaining tariff policy.

Trump’s tariffs caused market turmoil and sparked a global trade war. Musk, whose companies rely on parts made in China, lost billions because of it.

In a speech outside the U.S., he said he hoped for a “tariff-free situation” between the U.S. and the EU. Frustrated, he called Navarro an “idiot” and gave him the nickname “Peter Retardo.”

A White House spokesperson commented: “Boys will be boys. Let them argue publicly.”

Attack on NASA Budget Cuts

Musk reacted to reports of drastic cuts to NASA’s budget. Since his company SpaceX is the largest private contractor working for NASA, Musk called the budget cut announcements “concerning.” Although he’s not allowed to participate in NASA budget discussions due to a conflict of interest, he is close to NASA official Jared Isaacman, whose company Shift4 invested in SpaceX.

Cabinet Conflicts

Musk also became involved in internal conflicts within Trump’s cabinet, specifically with Secretary of State Marco Rubio over State Department budget cuts. Trump responded with a social media post saying: “Elon and Marco have a great relationship. Anything else is fake news.”

Still, the president had to explain to the ministers that Musk may make suggestions, but cannot make decisions independently.

Musk had advocated for Howard Lutnick to lead the Treasury Department, but Trump chose Scott Bessent, while Lutnick became Secretary of Commerce.

Interference in the Senate

Musk also got involved in the fight for Senate leadership, which Trump avoided. In November, he supported Rick Scott of Florida, while Trump remained neutral.

“Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader!” Musk wrote, while calling his rival John Thune “the Democrats’ favorite pick,” even though Thune later pushed Trump’s legislation through Congress.

Global Interventionism

Musk also interfered in European elections, which is unusual for a U.S. presidential advisor. He openly supported the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) during early elections. He even spoke with the party’s leader Alice Weidel and virtually participated in a party event with the message that “Germany must move away from guilt over the past,” alluding to the Nazi history and the Holocaust.

Musk also criticized the current British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whom Trump supports, and briefly endorsed Nigel Farage, whom he later publicly insulted, even though Farage had long been Trump’s ally.

Sudan has recognized Kosovo, confirmed Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, also announcing the establishment of diplomatic relations, reports KoSSev.

Osmani shared the news of the recognition following a meeting with Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ali Youssef al-Sharif, on the sidelines of the Diplomatic Forum in Antalya.

“It was an honor and a pleasure to meet with the Foreign Minister of Sudan. In our first meeting, he informed me that the President of Sudan has made the decision to recognize the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, and that we will establish diplomatic relations between our two countries,” Osmani said in a video posted on the social network X. “On behalf of the people of the Republic of Kosovo, I express my gratitude. This marks the beginning of a wonderful partnership,” she added.

The Sudanese minister also expressed satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of this decision and thanking Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for organizing the Forum in Antalya.

“I am honored and privileged to have been sent here today by the President of my country. After meeting with President Erdoğan, which was a good sign for this gathering in Turkey, we decided to recognize your beautiful country. On behalf of the peace-loving people of Sudan, I extend deep respect to your state as a new member of the international community,” said the Sudanese minister.

He emphasized that despite Sudan’s serious internal crisis, the country sees Kosovo as a partner with rich experience and knowledge, adding that he expects strong bilateral cooperation in the future, including official visits and collaboration on multiple levels.

Osmani also thanked President Erdoğan, whom Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has repeatedly described as a friend of both the Serbian people and himself. While many expected recognition from another country, it became clear this was about to happen when Osmani addressed the Kosovan public from Antalya yesterday, explicitly highlighting Turkey’s role in facilitating rapprochement between Syria and Kosovo.

Meanwhile in Belgrade, Aleksandar Vučić, burdened with numerous domestic issues, particularly months-long mass protests, was delivering a speech at a rally. Many Serbs from Kosovo traveled today to support him. When Kenya recently recognized Kosovo, Vučić announced he would send a delegation to Africa and hinted at “new surprises.”

Sudan – A Country Facing Major Challenges

Sudan is an African country with around 50 million inhabitants, making it the third-largest country on the continent. For the past two years, it has been facing internal conflict between the army and paramilitary forces, leading to a major humanitarian crisis. According to reports, around 20,000 people have died since the start of the conflict, while nearly half of the population is facing extreme hunger.

About two weeks ago, Kenya also recognized Kosovo, after years of stagnation in Kosovo’s diplomatic efforts. Kosovan sources now claim that Sudan is the 119th country to recognize Kosovo, while Serbian sources argue that the number is below 100, following a series of derecognitions led by Serbia’s diplomatic offensive under Ivica Dačić, which was practically halted by the Washington Agreement.

Tens of thousands of Poles marched through the center of Warsaw today in a patriotic march organized by the main opposition party, Law and Justice (PiS), and its leader Jarosław Kaczyński, to jointly celebrate 1,000 years since the coronation of Bolesław I the Brave as King of Poland and 500 years since the Duchy of Prussia became a fiefdom of the Polish Crown.

The march, which began with an attempt to break the record for the number of couples dancing the polonaise, culminated in a speech by the main speaker, Karol Nawrocki, the conservative populists' candidate for the presidential election on May 18 and director of the Institute of National Remembrance.

"We cannot agree to have our freedom taken away, to surrender our sovereignty! We want a Poland that cares for Poles, where they live well. We want a Poland that has the ambition to be great. A thousand years of the crown today cry out to us that Poles will never give in to discouragement and will never give up their freedom, their sovereignty!" said Nawrocki, who was greeted by the crowd with shouts of "King Karol!"

Waving national flags and chanting "This is Poland!", "God, Honor, and Fatherland!" and slogans against the pro-European coalition government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk such as: "The red crow will never defeat the eagle!" and "This is Poland, not Brussels!", the organizers estimated that 100,000 people participated in the march. However, official estimates by city authorities suggest 20,000 Warsaw residents, along with another 10,000 brought by the party in 200 buses from across Poland.

When asked by reporters from Polish media, march participants explained that they were there because, after 500 years, Poles should not be forced to be “vassals of Germany,” and because the government of Prime Minister Tusk allegedly refuses to organize a celebration of the 1,000-year anniversary of the Polish crown, claiming it is a “German government.”

“And we are patriots, not Russian Germans,” one participant told a reporter from Gazeta Wyborcza.

"Every red piece of trash votes for Rafał Trzaskowski," was one of the slogans chanted against the Civic Coalition’s presidential candidate, the popular liberal mayor of Warsaw.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in a promotional video titled “1,000 Reasons to Be Proud” shared on social media, invited Poles to celebrate the 1,000-year anniversary of the Kingdom of Poland together in Warsaw on April 26.

Polls currently give Trzaskowski the best chance of winning the presidential elections following the departure of current President Andrzej Duda from Law and Justice, showing him with at least a 10-point lead in both the first and second rounds, regardless of his opponent.

It is uncertain whether the conservative populist candidate Nawrocki will make it to the second round, due to nearly equal support for the candidate of the radical nationalist Confederation party, Sławomir Mentzen.