Omar El Sayed - World Editor

Washington: Donald Trump’s new worldwide tariff on imports to America has gone into effect – at a rate of 10 percent, despite a threat to raise it to 15 percent – as the US president vowed to retaliate against any country that “played games,” and continued to publicly criticize the Supreme Court.

The tariff took effect at midnight Washington time on Monday, following a bulletin issued by US Customs and Border Protection. The 10 percent rate matches the initial level Trump announced after the Supreme Court’s ruling last week, which struck down a previous set of tariffs imposed under different legal authority. A separate notice confirmed the cessation of collection for the previously invalidated duties at the same time.

While Trump posted on social media on Saturday that he would “immediately” increase the rate to 15 percent following a “thorough, detailed, and complete review” of the court decision, the text of his proclamation remained unchanged. This means, for now, Australian exports to the US will face tariffs consistent with those in place before the Supreme Court ruling.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated his government’s opposition to the tariffs, stating, “We repeat our view that these tariffs are unfair.”

The new tariffs are being enacted under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits the US president to impose temporary tariffs of up to 15 percent for 150 days to address significant balance-of-payments concerns. Any extension beyond that period would require congressional approval.

Trump continued his criticism of the Supreme Court on Monday, repeatedly referring to it in lowercase on social media – a deliberate choice intended to signal his “complete lack of respect” for the nation’s highest court. “Our incompetent supreme court did a great job for the wrong people, and for that they should be ashamed of themselves,” he wrote.

He further predicted the court would rule against him when it considers the legality of his executive order seeking to end automatic birthright citizenship for children born in the US to parents without legal status or those in the country temporarily. “Let our supreme court retain making decisions that are so disappointing and deleterious to the future of our Nation – I have a job to do,” he added. The Supreme Court justices are scheduled to attend Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night.

Trump asserted that the court had upheld the legality of all tariffs except those imposed using the emergency powers that were deemed unlawful. He also claimed he does not require congressional approval for tariffs, stating, “It has already been gotten, in many forms, a long time ago!”

The president warned foreign countries against attempting to circumvent the new tariff regime. This followed a statement from the European Union indicating it would pause ratification of its trade deal with the US pending clarification on Trump’s intentions. “At this point in time, we do not have that, and it’s not up to us to provide it. A deal is a deal,” said European Commission spokesman Olof Gill in Brussels. “We are simply saying to the US, it’s up to you to clearly show to us what path you are taking to honour the agreement.”

In a Truth Social post, Trump warned, “Any Country that wants to ‘play games’ with the ridiculous supreme court decision, especially those that have ‘Ripped Off’ the U.S.A. For years, and even decades, will be met with a much higher Tariff, and worse, than that which they just recently agreed to. BUYER BEWARE!!!”

The White House has not responded to inquiries regarding potential exemptions for Australia or other countries with which the US maintains a trade surplus, nor has it addressed questions about whether the tariff rate will ultimately increase to 15 percent.

Analysis by the Switzerland-based Global Trade Alert suggests that a blanket 15 percent tariff would result in a trade-weighted average tariff increase of 0.77 percentage points for the EU compared to pre-ruling levels. For Australian exports, the increase would be 1.84 percentage points. Conversely, Brazil, China, and India would see significantly lower average tariffs.

Meanwhile, FedEx has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in the Court of International Trade, seeking a “full refund” of the tariffs previously imposed using the emergency powers deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court. The company has not disclosed the amount of the refund it is seeking. The Court of International Trade initially struck down the tariffs last year and is the designated venue for challenges related to refunds, as directed by the Supreme Court.

Trump dismissed the lawsuit as “crazy,” suggesting litigation would continue for years. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated he does not anticipate the American people will receive an estimated $175 billion in potential refunds.

Montreal drivers seeking hassle-free parking now have a streamlined option with Clicknpark, a platform offering real-time access to available spaces across the city. The service aims to alleviate the stress of finding parking, particularly in busy areas like Downtown Montreal, by allowing users to reserve spots in advance via a mobile application. Clicknpark currently operates in several Canadian cities, including Toronto, Quebec City, Calgary, Gatineau, Ottawa, Vancouver and Edmonton, providing a growing network of parking solutions.

The core benefit of Clicknpark lies in its convenience. Users can browse available parking spaces, book a spot for a specified duration – from hourly to monthly – and manage their reservations remotely. This contactless system eliminates the need for physical tickets or payment machines, streamlining the entire parking process. According to the company, over 300,000 drivers are already utilizing the app, highlighting a growing demand for digital parking solutions in Canada. The platform also offers features like favorite spot saving and the ability to log in different vehicles, enhancing user experience.

How Clicknpark Works

Clicknpark simplifies the parking experience through a three-step process: browse, book, and breathe. Users download the application and can quickly browse available parking spaces near their destination. Once a suitable space is identified, it can be booked for the required time frame. The app then allows users to easily manage their parking arrangements, including adding time or securing payment, all from their mobile device. This is particularly useful for those needing flexible parking arrangements, such as for events or extended stays in the Greater Toronto Area, as noted by Clicknpark.

The service offers a completely contactless solution, eliminating the need for physical interaction with parking infrastructure. Everything, from reservation to payment, is handled through the mobile app, enhancing both convenience and security. This approach significantly reduces the steps required to park and pay, offering a faster and more efficient experience. Clicknpark also provides directions and instructions to the reserved spot, further simplifying the process for drivers.

Expanding Parking Options for Property Owners

Clicknpark isn’t just for drivers. it also provides a platform for property owners to monetize unused parking spaces. The company allows individuals and businesses to rent out their parking spots, potentially earning up to $2,000 per year in additional income. This feature extends to a variety of property types, including parking lots, office buildings, apartment complexes, hotels, churches, and schools. Clicknpark offers seamless parking solutions tailored to the specific needs of these businesses, allowing them to outsource parking management and focus on their core operations.

The company has a physical presence across Canada, with offices in Montreal (1136A ave. Van Horne Montréal Qc H2V 1J8), Quebec (190-b, Dorchester Bureau 50.3, Quebec, Qc G1K 5Y9), Gatineau (25, rue de Villebois, Gatineau, QC J8T 8J7), Ottawa (2250 Gladwin Crescent, Ottawa, ON K1B 4S6), Toronto (150 Ferrand Dr, 6th Floor, Toronto, ON M3C 3E5), Vancouver (1200 W 73rd Ave #1415, Vancouver, BC V6P 6G5), Calgary (444 5 Ave SW #400 Calgary, AB T2P 2T8), and Edmonton (9373 47 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 2R7).

Montreal Parking Solutions

Specifically in Montreal, Clicknpark offers access to available parking spaces in real-time, addressing a common concern for residents and visitors alike. The platform allows users to reserve parking by the hour, day, or month near their desired destination in Downtown Montreal. This service aims to eliminate the frustration of circling the block in search of an available spot, offering a more predictable and convenient parking experience. A $5 discount is currently available for Toronto bookings using the promo code TORONTO5, as reported by clicknpark.com.

As urban centers continue to grow, the demand for efficient parking solutions will likely increase. Clicknpark’s expansion across major Canadian cities suggests a growing recognition of the need for digital parking platforms. The company’s focus on contactless payment and remote management positions it to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements in the parking industry. The future will likely see further integration of smart parking technologies and increased emphasis on sustainable transportation solutions.

What are your experiences with parking apps in Montreal? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with anyone who might find it helpful!

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, concerns are mounting over Russia’s escalating efforts to destabilize Europe through a multifaceted “hybrid” warfare strategy. This includes not only conventional military actions but also covert operations targeting critical infrastructure and economic pressure tactics, according to recent assessments from French naval intelligence. The increasing frequency of Russian naval activity near European coasts, coupled with reports of sabotage and a vast network of vessels circumventing sanctions, is raising alarm among European security officials.

French Chief of Naval Staff Nicolas Vaujour detailed the scope of the threat on Monday, describing a pattern of aggressive behavior and deliberate attempts to undermine European security. Vaujour highlighted the presence of a “ghost fleet” – an estimated 1,000 vessels actively working to bypass European sanctions on Russian oil exports. This fleet, alongside incidents of underwater cable sabotage and drone incursions, represents a significant escalation in Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics.

The French naval chief revealed that Russian vessels, including submarines, are regularly encountered in European waters. “Approximately one Russian ship or submarine passes along our coasts each week,” Vaujour stated in an interview with France 2, as reported by Le Figaro. In the Baltic Sea, these encounters have been particularly aggressive, with Russian vessels engaging in maneuvers deemed unacceptable by French naval units. In response, French forces are actively monitoring and shadowing these vessels, demonstrating a clear indicate of force.

“Ghost Fleet” Tactics and Sanctions Evasion

The “ghost fleet” is central to Russia’s strategy of circumventing international sanctions imposed in response to the invasion of Ukraine. These vessels employ tactics such as sailing without visible flags and utilizing complex ownership structures to obscure their origins and destinations. One such vessel, the Boracay (also known as the Pushpa), a member of this fleet, was intercepted off the French coast in September 2025 although carrying Russian oil destined for India. French prosecutors have since requested a one-year prison sentence and a €150,000 fine for the vessel’s commander, the maximum penalty under French law.

Beyond sanctions evasion, Russia is also accused of engaging in more subtle forms of destabilization. Vaujour cited instances of drone overflights in countries like Poland and deliberate damage to underwater communication cables. He described these actions as “typically Russian, unclaimed, and aimed at destabilizing us,” suggesting a deliberate strategy of creating uncertainty and undermining European infrastructure. The damage to underwater cables, sometimes attributed to innocent accidents like anchors dragging along the seabed for up to 100km, is nonetheless considered a serious security concern.

Broader Geopolitical Context and European Response

These actions occur against the backdrop of a prolonged conflict in Ukraine, where Russia’s military objectives have faced significant setbacks. While Moscow continues to assert its aims in Ukraine, its broader strategy appears to encompass a wider effort to challenge the existing European security order. The increased naval activity and hybrid warfare tactics are seen as attempts to exert pressure on European nations and divert resources away from supporting Ukraine.

France, along with other European nations, is responding to these threats through increased naval patrols, enhanced intelligence gathering, and closer cooperation with international partners. Vaujour emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach, stating that France is capable of responding with both military and judicial action. “We continue with all administrations, which is our strength today – being able to go from military action to judicial action,” he said.

The situation underscores the growing complexity of modern warfare, where traditional military conflicts are increasingly intertwined with cyberattacks, economic coercion, and covert operations. European nations are now grappling with the challenge of defending against these multifaceted threats while simultaneously supporting Ukraine and maintaining internal stability.

Looking ahead, continued vigilance and international cooperation will be crucial in countering Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics. The focus will likely remain on tracking and disrupting the “ghost fleet,” protecting critical infrastructure, and strengthening European resilience against future attacks. Further investigations into incidents of sabotage and drone incursions are expected to shed more light on the extent of Russia’s destabilizing activities.

What are your thoughts on the evolving security landscape in Europe? Share your comments below.