Author: María Vallés González

María Vallés holds a master’s degree and PhD in Human Rights, Democracy, and International Justice at the University of Valencia, Spain. Her thesis “EU restrictive measures and their impact on human rights. A case study of Iran” obtained the cum laude mention in 2021. She is also a lawyer at the Spanish Bar since 2016. She specializes in Human Rights, international sanctions, and the role of the European Union as an international actor. Furthermore, she works as the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade’s Head of Department at the Economic & Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy in Sweden.

World News

From tariffs to trade wars: How U.S. politics challenges EU agreements

By María Vallés González 20 June, 2025 20 June, 2025 0

Since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, uncertainty has gripped global trade once again. With sweeping tariffs on steel, aluminum, and European imports, Trump’s “America First” agenda has reignited transatlantic tensions.
While the EU faces rising costs, disrupted supply chains, and targeted tariffs across sectors, Brussels is responding with a mix of strategic calm, legal countermeasures, and trade diversification.
Will Europe emerge as the global champion of free trade or be forced into its own protectionist pivot?

World News

Will Russia Pay for Ukraine’s Reconstruction? Analysing European Regulation on Utilising Extraordinary Net Profits from Frozen Assets

By María Vallés González 2 August, 2024 2 August, 2024 0

The EU approved the Council Regulation (EU) 2024/1469 which authorises the use of net profits from the frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia to support Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and self-defence against Russia’s war of aggression.

World News

(Article) Elections to the Catalan Parliament: Life beyond independence

By María Vallés González 1 July, 2024 1 July, 2024 0

In the Catalan elections last May, voters opened a new window on their political reality: new parties, new priorities and, above all, a lot of uncertainty. Who will be the next President of the Generalitat?

World News

EU Elections. New EU citizens priorities: security and defence in the spotlight

By María Vallés González 21 June, 2024 21 June, 2024 0

Europe’s defence and security has become the main concern of political parties and citizens. All electoral programmes contained proposals on this issue.

World News

The European Defence Industrial Strategy: a new step within the European Union’s Security and Defence roadmap

By María Vallés González 12 June, 2024 12 June, 2024 0

The defence has become a key issue for the EU. After Russia’s invasion old needs have resurged. The EDIS sets the defence industrial policy.