EU escapes steel tariffs

Media reports suggest that the Trump administration will temporarily exempt the European Union from the steel and aluminium tariffs it plans to impose on imports to the United States. The New York Times reports that Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Korea will also be exempt. Nevertheless, quotas could be introduced on imports from the EU members and other exempt countries to help protect the American industry. “If you don’t put a quota on, then any country that can do whatever they want will become a transshipment point for every other country,” the president’s trade advisor Peter Navarro said on CNN. EU leaders meeting in Brussels were cautiously optimistic, but said they would wait for official news on Friday. “My wish is that we can continue to preserve international trade rules that are good for all,” French president Emmanuel Macron was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, the Financial Times reports that the US administration plans to impose new tariffs on $50bn worth of annual imports from China to combat what it calls “economic aggression”.

EU recalls Moscow ambassador

The European Union is recalling its ambassador from Moscow for consultations over the nerve gas attack in Britain earlier this month, reinforcing a united stand against Russia. EU leaders in Brussels issued a joint statement in the early hours of Friday morning saying that the Union “agrees with the United Kingdom government’s assessment that it is highly likely that the Russian Federation is responsible and that there is no plausible alternative explanation”. Reuters reports that German chancellor Angela Merkel raised the prospect of further punitive measures. “We are determined to react together, with the language we used here, but also possibly through additional measures,” she said.

Bolton replaces McMaster

Former United Nations ambassador John Bolton will be US president Donald Trump’s new national security advisor following the dismissal of General HR McMaster. Trump tweeted to thank McMaster, saying he had done an "outstanding job & will always remain my friend". The BBC reports that Bolton is a “Bush-era defence hawk” who has backed attacking North Korea and Iran.

Luxembourg beats Malta

Luxembourg’s national football team recorded a 1-0 win over Malta in Ta' Qali  on Thursday evening. RTL reports that the Red Lions dominated the opening period of the match and played well in the first half without creating too many chances. Laurent Jans had a fine 20-metre shot saved by Maltese keeper Hogg in the 73rd minute, but it was not until the 91st minute that the ball finally ended up in the net when Dan da Mota connected with a corner to slot the ball home from close range.

Musical UK passports?

The Guardian has published the best of its readers comments reacting to the news that the UK’s post-Brexit, but, importantly, blue passports will be made by a Franco-Dutch company. “Will the blue passports contain their country of manufacture, with a CE mark, perhaps the EU flag and on being open play the national anthem, just like some Birthday cards do?” wrote one reader.

Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Duncan Roberts

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