European Commission only allows air conditioner for higher ups
The 13-storey building houses around 3,000 employees on the lower and middle floors, while von der Leyen’s office is on the 13th floor.
Economy
Latest reporting and analysis on economy.
Germany could restart five nuclear reactors within four years
Class 1 reactors could be restarted for well under €1 billion each, while Class 2 plants would require between €1 billion and €3 billion.
Putin admits fuel shortage as Ukrainian strikes hit refineries
At least 17 Russian regions have imposed mandatory restrictions on petrol and diesel sales.
EU green investment flagship InnoEnergy faces EPPO fraud investigation
Since 2010, the Netherlands-based organisation has received around €760 million in EU public funding through the EIT.
Volkswagen plans to double job cuts to 100,000 and close four German plants
The plans would roughly double the previously announced target of around 50,000 job reductions, already called historic at the time due to its impact.
TotalEnergies ordered by Paris court to account for customer emissions
The decision is the latest development in a long-running climate lawsuit brought by several NGOs, together with the City of Paris.
EU governments ease ‘green’ fund rules for fossil fuel firms
The move would loosen a proposal by the European Commission, which had sought to bar firms increasing the supply of coal, oil and gas.
Defence firms press ahead with European listings despite stock slump
Franco-German tank maker KNDS has announced plans to float on the Paris and Frankfurt stock exchanges.
Ex-nuclear plant bosses urge Merz government to reactivate German reactors
Former leaders of Germany's nuclear plants urge the Merz government to reactivate the recently closed reactors, citing the need for energy stability and technological…
Germany funds fridges in Colombia while removing them from domestic trains
The broader project has received additional international funding, but Germany has been a major contributor.
High energy prices force Playmobil to end production in Germany
Around 350 jobs are affected at the Dietenhofen site, which specialised in the manufacture of the popular toys.
EU regulator orders emergency checks on Airbus A380s over wing cracks
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued the airworthiness directive, requiring carriers to examine the wing mid-spar.
Merz backs pension overhaul lifting German retirement age towards 70
German Chancellor said the scheme would lift overall pension levels in the 2040s and 2050s, even through financial crises.
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European Parliament backs digital euro legislation
The European Central Bank has indicated it could be ready to issue the digital euro by 2029 if legislation is finalised this year or next.
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Europe’s rising heat mortality increases fuel debate over air conditioning barriers
The study used epidemiological modelling based on daily temperature and mortality data across 32 countries.
Philip Morris International urges EU to treat tobacco like any other legal industry
The appeal comes as the European Commission prepares major reviews of tobacco taxation and product rules.
Trump takes final swipe at outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
He wished him well while underscoring disagreements over North Sea oil production and net zero priorities.
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French Greens call for five days of ‘climate leave’ per year
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China hits 10 US defence and rare-earth firms with export curbs as trade truce frays
The measures were announced by China's Commerce Ministry, which said domestic exporters would be barred from supplying "dual-use" goods to the listed firms.
EU establishment rallies behind new ‘European’ and anti-Musk social network W
Among W's early users are Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa, and Christine Lagarde.
EU leaders stop short of China trade crackdown despite mounting deficit
The 27 asked the European Commission to study new measures, though Germany and Spain resisted a harder line on Beijing.
European Parliament approves EU-US tariff deal branded ‘unbalanced and unfair’
At the heart of the dispute has been Trump's drive to cut the US trade deficit with the EU and China under his "America First" agenda.
Rutte welcomes US-Iran deal and offers NATO help to keep Hormuz open
The agreement created an opportunity to ensure Iran never obtained a nuclear weapon, NATO Secretary General said.
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Lobbying in Brussels hits record high amid regulatory overhaul
The report identifies 173 companies and trade associations that each declare annual lobbying budgets of at least €1 million.
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EU member states clash over figures for next long-term budget
Ministers did agree the outline of several new instruments, including a single national and regional plan for each country.
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Trump threatens 100 per cent tariffs on French wine and champagne over digital tax
The US is France’s largest export market for wine, accounting for roughly one-fifth of total French wine and spirits exports.
Iran declares war with US and Israel ‘officially over’ as oil prices ease
Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the conflict had ended on all fronts.
Oil ships begin moving through Strait of Hormuz as US-Iran truce takes shape
Washington and Tehran reached a preliminary agreement on June 14 to halt hostilities and reopen the waterway.
G7 allies seek common ground with Trump after Iran accord
European leaders are impatient to see the Strait reopened after the limiting of shipping traffic during the war caused a spike in global energy prices.
Brussels welcomes US-Iran deal and presses for toll-free reopening of Hormuz
Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa and Kaja Kallas backed the deal.