Militant Farmer Defence Force spreads to Belgium
Angry Belgian farmers have rallied behind the new Farmers Defence Force (FDF) to protest in Antwerp on August 18, echoing earlier demonstrations in the Netherlands.
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Economy
Latest reporting and analysis on economy.
EC says any talk of extending Ukrainian grain ban ‘is premature’
The European Commission said Eastern European countries should not be discussing the extension of the current ban on Ukrainian grain.
Russian moon-mission likely the ‘last hurrah’ for its space programme, expert says
Russia's latest moon mission will probably represent the "last hurrah" of the country's illustrious space programme, an expert has told Brussels Signal.
US approves German purchase of Israeli missile-defence system
The United States has given Germany approval to purchase a $3.5 billion missile-defence system from Israel, reports on August 17 confirmed.
The Netherlands joins Germany in recession
The Dutch economy has contracted for the second quarter in a row, meaning the country is officially in recession.
Russia’s central bank sharply hikes interest rates as ruble tanks
With the value of the Russian ruble in steep decline, its central bank is trying to stop the bleeding away of its value by increasing interest rates by 3.5 per cent.
Meloni’s Italian government coalition stung by bank tax move
Italy's governing coalition may be in trouble following a failed attempt to curb soaring tax bank profits.
Don’t be fooled: China’s investment in renewables is not about net zero – it is about preparing for war with the United States
History is a harsh mistress, especially for those who refuse to learn lessons from the past.
European Commission gave €10 million to “degrowth” research
While the debate on de-industrialisation in Europe is raging, the European Commission is pumping bags of cash into research exploring regrowth and the “planned…
Russian ruble tumbles, losing 30 per cent of its value
The Russian ruble has hit its lowest point since the beginning of the war in Ukraine as Western sanctions are seeming to squeeze the Russian economy.
Ryanair Charleroi airport strike frustrates Brussels holidaymakers
A strike by Ryanair pilots at Brussels’ South Charleroi airport looks set to frustrate holidaymakers and other travellers to and from the Belgian capital.
International Energy Agency foresees record oil demand and prices going up
The International Energy Agency's (IEA) latest Oil Market Report (OMR) predicts global oil demand to expand by 2.2 million barrels per day (mb/d) to 102.
Sánchez nominates Finance Minister for EIB amid tense premiership negotiations
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez nominated Nadia Calviño, his acting Deputy Prime Minister, for the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) top job.
‘Green Pope’ Timmermans in pole position to lead Dutch elections alliance
Timmermans was nominated by an internal commission that saw him as the ideal candidate to "spread the common ‘green’ and social philosophy" of the cooperating…
Breton brags about new German chip factory as businesses leave EU in droves
European Union internal market tsar Thierry Breton has lauded the announcement of a new €15 billion microchip factory in Dresden, Germany, as dozens of other companies…
No cash for emergency generators despite possible energy crisis, Brussels declares
The European Commission has rejected giving businesses support to buy emergency generators in preparation for a possible energy crisis.
Ariane 6 launch pushed back to 2024, leaving EU dependent on Musk’s SpaceX
Initially set for its first lift-off in 2020, the ESA spacecraft has experienced numerous delays, forcing European Union Member States to rely on US billionaire…
London Mayor calls on mobile phone manufacturers to sort out theft epidemic
With crime on the rise in London since Sadiq Khan was installed as Mayor in the UK capital in 2016, mobile phones thefts have become endemic.
‘No engines in existence’ can avail of EU ‘green’ energy scheme, MEP claims
There are no conventional fishing-trawler engines currently in existence that can effectively comply with the European Union's new "green" energy scheme, a French…
Lack of nuclear investment shows EU is ‘not serious about Net Zero’
European officials are "not serious" about achieving the EU's “net zero” goals as proven by the lack of investment in nuclear energy, Conservative think-tank…
Poland fires up legal assault on EC ‘green’ legislation ahead of elections
Poland is to challenge two key European Union environmental laws, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the Emissions Trading System (ETS), in the European…
Germany records 6 per cent drop in meat production
Germany has seen a 6 per cent drop in nationwide meat production so far this year, the country's Destatis central statistics office has revealed.
S&P Drops ESG scores from debt ratings after investor confusion
S&P Global Inc. will no longer publish ESG scores along with its credit ratings, as the company adjusts its approach in response to investor feedback.
European industry is disappearing. So be it? Not so fast. Brussels Commissioner dismisses view of former top economist
Brussels Commissioner Margaritis Schinas has distanced himself from Pierre Régibeau, the European Commission’s former chief economist.
Meta ‘to appeal $100k a day fine over data-privacy breaches’
Facebook owner Meta is to appeal a Norwegian decision to fine the social media giant just under US$100,000 a day over alleged data privacy breaches, a source inside…
France is Europe’s top power exporter as Germany turns importer
France has overtaken Sweden to become Europe’s top net power exporter, while Germany has moved from exporter to importer during the first half of this year.
German state police ‘stockpiling vegan rations over blackout fears’
Police in Germany's most populous federal state are planning to stockpile vegan and lactose-free rations in preparation for coming electricity blackouts, multiple…
Germany’s industry chiefs sound alarm as economy tanks
Industry executives have warned that Germany has entered a phase of “de-growth” dominated by nosediving industrial production.
Use only ‘extreme language’ to discuss climate change, German broadcaster says
A state-funded German broadcaster has advocated for only “extreme language” to be used when discussing climate change.
Poland presents EU with €1 billion bill for transit of Ukrainian grain
Poland is demanding €1 billion to pay for the infrastructure it says it requires to facilitate the export of Ukrainian grain and other produce through the Polish-Ukrainian…