Bloomberg Daybreak: Europe Edition US-EU Digital Tax Threat, Venezuela Tanker Blockade, Kushner's Balkan Dreams
Dec 17, 2025
Oliver Crook, Bloomberg's Chief Europe correspondent, sheds light on the brewing US-EU trade tensions over digital taxes targeting American tech giants. He discusses potential retaliation strategies and the delicate balance of trade negotiations. Grace Akraja, covering the Western Balkans, reveals the complexities surrounding Jared Kushner's investment projects, including the fallout from the collapse of the Trump Tower Belgrade initiative. She also highlights ongoing developments with a luxury resort in Albania amidst corruption inquiries.
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US Links Tech Rules To Trade Tensions
- The US is threatening retaliatory measures against EU digital regulations and taxes aimed at American tech firms.
- Named European targets include Siemens, Spotify and SAP, signaling broader trade friction beyond tariffs.
Venezuela Blockade Raises Oil Prices
- President Trump announced a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela, escalating pressure on Maduro.
- The move pushed Brent and WTI prices higher from multi-year lows amid regional military buildup concerns.
Amazon-OpenAI Talks Could Reshape AI Hardware
- Amazon is reportedly in early talks to invest $10 billion or more into OpenAI in exchange for chip access.
- Such a deal could value OpenAI above $500 billion and reshape cloud and AI hardware competition.