President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a Russian cruise missile hit a U.S. electronics plant in the far west of Ukraine. The strike was part of an overnight barrage of more than 600 drones and missiles.
Day: August 21, 2025
The National Weather Service issued air quality alerts in Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming and Florida on Thursday.
US and EU Confirm Joint Trade Agreement with 15% Tariff Cap
The European Union and the United States announced a pivotal trade agreement on Thursday, establishing a maximum tariff of 15 percent on imports including cars, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. The statement solidifies the agreement reached in principle at the end of July in Scotland between US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reports 24brussels.
The new arrangement allows for reduced tariffs on select products, including aircraft parts and generic medicines, as part of efforts to enhance transatlantic trade relations. The EU aims to expand this preferential treatment to include more products in future negotiations, according to European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, who characterized the deal as “a first step that will bring predictability and stability to our relationship.”
Energy cooperation is a key element of the agreement. The EU intends to secure significant amounts of US liquefied natural gas, oil, and other products, alongside commitments for $40 billion worth of advanced AI chips. Furthermore, European companies are projected to invest an additional $600 billion in strategic sectors across the US by 2028.
Defence procurement is another critical pillar of the agreement, highlighting EU governments’ plans to increase purchases of American military equipment. The deal encompasses alignment of standards and reduction of non-tariff barriers, focusing on mutual recognition in automotive, telecommunications, and cybersecurity sectors.
The agreement also addresses digital trade, intellectual property, labor rights, and environmental regulations, ensuring a comprehensive approach to strengthening economic ties and bolstering supply chains between the two economies.
With both sides poised to deepen their cooperation, this trade pact represents a significant milestone in US-EU relations, paving the way for further strategic collaboration.
Honor Unveils the Magic V Flip 2 with Jimmy Choo Collaboration
Honor has introduced the Magic V Flip 2, a new flip phone that features a dazzling special edition in collaboration with renowned fashion designer Jimmy Choo, reports 24brussels.
The former subsidiary of Huawei continues its partnership with Choo following last year’s V Flip. This year’s model replaces the previous glittery green hue with a striking blue. It is available with unique wallpapers that match the phone’s glamorous aesthetic, an engraved hinge prominently displaying Choo’s full name, and two glittering cases for protection without sacrificing style.
The Magic V Flip 2 impresses not only with its design but also with its technical specifications. Aside from the Choo edition, the phone also comes in purple, white, and gray variants. It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which, while not the latest in the market, supports a full-size OLED cover screen. The device boasts a massive 5,500mAh battery—significant for a flip phone—thanks to advanced silicon-carbon technology, and supports 80W wired charging alongside 50W wireless options. However, its water and dust resistance ratings reach only IP58/59, falling short of the IP68 standard held by competitors like the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
The V Flip 2 is currently available for preorder in China only. For those outside China seeking a stylish flip phone, Motorola’s upcoming Swarovski gem-encrusted Razr presents an alternative. Additionally, Honor is set to host a launch event in London on August 28 for the Magic V5, currently recognized as the world’s thinnest book-style foldable phone.
Berlaar (24brussels) – The historic Duifhis farm, spanning 15 hectares in Berlaar, will undergo a revival for organic farming under the management of De Landgenoten. Led by Petra Tas, the project will evaluate farmer applications in October 2025, ensuring a long-term sustainable approach.
As reported by VRT News, the Duifhis farm in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, is poised to return to active cultivation after years of neglect. The property, which has suffered from disrepair, aims to become a center for organic agriculture through the cooperative De Landgenoten, which promotes sustainable farming practices in Belgium.
The cooperative acquired the farm from an anonymous benefactor with a stipulation that it must be utilized for organic farming. This initiative seeks to preserve the site’s historical integrity while granting farmers opportunities for growth. Experts emphasize that the project harmonizes historical preservation with environmentally responsible modern agricultural methods.
What plans does De Landgenoten have for Duifhis farm in Berlaar?
De Landgenoten has commenced the search for farmers to operate on the site, requesting comprehensive project plans and business proposals from interested parties. Numerous applications have already been submitted, with reviews scheduled for October 2025, potentially allowing for the selection of multiple farmers to collaborate.
If the timeline proceeds as planned, farming activities could commence by next year. Officials note that the combination of private donations and cooperative management is expected to create enduring opportunities for sustainable agriculture.
The historic Duifhis farm is preparing to house new organic farmers as De Landgenoten kicks off renovations. Plans include restoration of the main building and two barns to facilitate operations.
Moreover, the land has been seeded with an eco-friendly mixture designed to improve soil quality and enhance biodiversity, laying the groundwork for sustainable farming practices. Authorities assert that the planned renovations and land management will enable the historic farm to adapt to contemporary organic farming while safeguarding environmental standards.
“Finding agricultural land with a house attached to it is very difficult these days in Flanders,”
Says Petra Tas.
“But it’s necessary if you’re going to live close to your fields or if you’re going to work with animals.”
De Landgenoten utilizes funds from shareholders and donors to acquire agricultural lands. The cooperative itself does not engage in farming but instead leases the land to organic farmers through long-term contracts.
Experts highlight that this model promotes a blend of environmental stewardship, heritage conservation, and local employment opportunities, fostering a long-term commitment to sustainable agricultural practices in the area.
Similar projects include the Hoeve Hellebeek in East Flanders, where a historic farm was restored and repurposed as a hub for organic vegetable production, with farmers operating under long-term agreements focused on biodiversity and soil health.
In Wallonia, cooperatives have revitalized old farms for organic dairy and vegetable farming, frequently supported by private donations or public grants. These efforts are guided by the same principles: preserving heritage, protecting farmland, and promoting sustainable agricultural methods for future generations.
Russian Missile Strike Hits American Electronics Manufacturer in Ukraine
A recent missile attack targeted an American electronics manufacturing facility in Mukachevo, Ukraine, where approximately 800 employees were working the night shift, reports 24brussels.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, emphasizing that the struck site was a civilian business, heavily backed by American investment, producing everyday products such as coffee machines. “And yet, it was also a target for the Russians. This is very telling,” Zelenskyy stated in a social media post.
He further criticized Russia’s continued assaults, saying, “The Russians carried out this attack as if nothing has changed at all, as if there are no global efforts to stop this war. This requires a response. There is still no signal from Moscow that they truly intend to engage in substantive negotiations and end this war. Pressure is needed. Strong sanctions, strong tariffs,” he added.
This missile strike occurred amid intensified diplomatic efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders seeking a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Despite these attempts, including a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the prospect of a ceasefire remains elusive.
President Putin continues to uphold strict demands, requiring Ukraine to adopt a neutral status, cede territory in the east, reduce its military forces, and abandon NATO aspirations. Furthermore, he has not confirmed any direct negotiations with Zelenskyy, which Trump has indicated he is working to facilitate.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserted that Moscow remains firm on the matter of security guarantees for Ukraine, stipulating that both Russia and China should have a role in these discussions, a condition unacceptable to Ukraine and its allies.
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