Dutch ‘green transition hurts working class while rich reap subsidies’
In the Netherlands, low-income and vulnerable citizens are disproportionately shouldering the financial and health burdens of climate policies, whilst wealthier…
Economy
Latest reporting and analysis on economy.
Switzerland breaks tradition on arms exports, tests neutrality in Ukraine war
Switzerland has taken a historic step away from its traditionally restrictive stance on arms exports.
Danish EU Council’s presidency pushes for sweeping tobacco tax hikes
The Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, pressured by hard-line NGOs, is making a bold, last-minute push to significantly increase taxes on most…
Germany as ‘business location in free fall,’ industry association warns
The Federation of German Industries (BDI), one of Germany’s major business associations, has warned the government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz that the economy…
‘We won the war, now let’s make money’, Azerbaijan tells EU
Diplomacy between Azerbaijan and the EU has concentrated on the territorial dispute with Armenia, but since the outbreak of peace there's a new focus: Making money.
German cities pull plug on ‘too costly’ Christmas lights
Several German cities have scaled back or scrapped traditional Christmas illuminations this year, citing soaring costs and strained municipal budgets as the festive…
EU wants money from ‘oil-rich countries’ for biodiversity ahead of COP17
The European Union is aiming for "financial commitments from oil-rich countries" to support global biodiversity efforts ahead of the Conference of the Parties to…
French ecologist website calls for movement to become ‘less white’
Reporterre, an independent French online media outlet dedicated to ecology and environmental journalism, has published an in-depth exploration of the enduring “whiteness”…
‘Chocolate and coffee production at risk’ with EC deforestation law delay
MEPs have voted to delay the European Union deforestation law for the second time because of unresolved or "ill-prepared" IT systems.
Merz demands EU scrap ban on sale of combustion engine cars
Germany will urge the European Union to scrap a planned 2035 ban on the sale of combustion engine cars, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday, as Berlin battles…
One giant leap for mankind? European Space Agency secures record funding
The European Space Agency (ESA) has secured a record budget of €22.1 billion to fund its programmes for the next three years.
The European paradox on sanctions: Preaching morality, doing business
When eminent historians like Niall Ferguson speak, the Western elite listens.
Asbestos found in Chinese-built wind turbines
White asbestos has been detected in brake pads used in Chinese-manufactured turbines, sparking a safety scandal that has engulfed Australia's burgeoning wind energy…
French Socialists want to force ‘rich’ to lend interest-free to the State
Three French Socialist senators have tabled an amendment to the 2026 Finance Bill that would compel high-income households to provide interest-free loans to the…
Will EU replace reliance on Russian gas with reliance on Russian uranium?
European Union countries say they are turning to nuclear to reduce their dependence on Russia for gas and LNG.
Lack of housing set to end Spain’s economic ‘supercycle’
Spain's so-called supercycle of economic growth is predicted to slow next year as a much-needed housing boom remains elusive, a new study shows.
Dutch bank ABN Amro to cut 5,200 jobs by 2028 in AI-driven overhaul
ABN Amro, the State-backed Dutch lender, has unveiled plans to slash 5,200 full-time positions – nearly a quarter of its workforce – by 2028.
German climate activists to pay hefty damages for airport blockade
In a landmark ruling, the Hamburg Regional Court has ordered 10 members of the climate activist group Last Generation to pay more than €403,000 in damages to the…
EU mulls joint borrowing instead of seizing Russian assets amid growing risks
The European Union is weighing joint borrowing mechanisms to bolster financial support for Ukraine in 2026 and 2027 amid mounting obstacles to its preferred but…
Belgian Government agrees on budget after months-long battle
The Belgian Government, which was on the brink over difficult budget talks, has after months of infighting found an agreement on raising almost €10 billion in…
How EU regulatory maximalism undermines continental rearmament
The European Union continues to face a fundamental contradiction that threatens continental security.
State-owned bank Belfius pulls plug on Brussels region
Belgian State-owned bank Belfius has said it no longer wants to work with the Brussels Capital Region, citing the region's budget problems.
‘Spain’s electricity grid fast approaching saturation,’ warns power group
Limited capacity to connect new projects to the domestic electricity grid is costing Spain.
‘Don’t worry, we won’t poison you,’ Brazil tells EU
Brazil has told the European Union not to fear Mercosur imports, dismissing claims its products will “poison” the bloc's markets.
Euronext takes control of Athens Stock Exchange
Pan-European exchange operator Euronext has clinched a majority stake in the Hellenic Exchanges – Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX), the operator of Greece's historic…
India’s Bajaj Auto takes over KTM, Europe’s biggest motorcycle maker
Indian automotive group Bajaj Auto has gained control of KTM, Europe’s biggest producer of motorcycles.
German electricity system not ready for surge in demand, says report
Germany’s electricity system is struggling to keep up with rising industrial demand and fluctuations from renewables output.
EU struggling to renew its ageing farming workforce
Europe’s farms are facing a growing generational crunch.
China’s climate envoy humiliates the EU
The European Union came to COP 30 in Belem confident that it could supplant the absent Americans and lead the world with the example of its own plans to achieve…
Brussels budget minister warns total shutdown a real threat
The Brussels region's new budget minister Dirk De Smedt has warned that a full shutdown of public services is a real threat as the region is struggling to find money.