After America: can Europe learn to go it alone without the US?

In Germany, tariff-hit car factories are being repurposed for defence. In Britain, American academics are queueing up for jobs. The west will be different as a result of Trump – but will it be worse?

US-EU trade war could cost Ireland more than €18bn, says report

Report co-authored by Irish government also finds tariffs could cause job losses and relocation of US multinationals

Government debt costs in richest nations at highest since 2007

Payments by OECD countries outstrip amount spent on defence, police services and housing, report finds

The Guardian view on Germany’s new coalition: unleashing the radical centre

Editorial: A groundbreaking vote by outgoing MPs has given the chancellor-elect, Friedrich Merz, the chance to renew mainstream politics

EU accuses Google and Apple of breaking its rules, risking Trump clash

Tech companies could be fined billions if EU finds they have breached the Digital Markets Act

‘It’s beautiful, don’t you think?’ The urban miners unearthing treasure in Belgium’s homes and garages

As the historic town of Leuven strives to become carbon neutral, it is transforming how its building are made – and demolished. Are there lessons for the rest of the world?

If even Germany is embracing higher spending, why on earth can’t Labour?

Russia has pushed Europe into a quasi-Keynesian approach to the defence budget. Only Britain insists on cutting help to the sick to pay for security

Donald Trump threatens 200% tariff on EU wine and champagne

US president says levy on alcohol imports would be retaliation for ‘nasty’ 50% tariff imposed on bourbon whiskey

Ireland could lose pharma tax to US after Trump accusations, experts warn

Predictions that US firms could retain manufacturing plants in Ireland but move profits back to America

‘It’s a massive frustration’: UK steelmakers squeezed by Trump tariff turbulence

Britain in middle as some of US’s trading partners retaliate while others want ‘pragmatic’ route in hope levies are eased

UK drops down list of affluent nations after decade of stagnation, NIESR finds

Districts in Birmingham now ranked below poorest areas of France, Malta and Slovenia as institute urges rethink on planned welfare cuts

EU retaliates against Trump tariffs with €26bn ‘countermeasures’

US goods due to be affected from 1 April include bourbon whiskey, jeans and Harley-Davidson motorbikes

EV battery startup Northvolt files for bankruptcy in Sweden

Swedish firm unable to ‘secure the necessary financial conditions to continue in its current form’

Toyota plans to build battery vehicles in UK and keep European plants

Japanese company announces two new EVs and promises another three by 2026, as well as new Lexus models

Volkswagen enjoys surprise bestseller amid financial woes: the VW currywurst

Sausage-based snack and ‘power bar of the skilled factory worker’ is being bought in record numbers in Lower Saxony