Car-export reliant Italy caught between Washington and Beijing
Italy’s car industry, central to its exports and manufacturing base, has been caught between two rival powers whose trade decisions could shape its future.
Economy
Latest reporting and analysis on economy.
US lawmakers pressure Ireland over its ‘anti-Israel’ trade ban
A group of 16 Republican lawmakers in the US Congress, led by Representative Claudia Tenney, have put pressure on Ireland over its proposed Occupied Territories…
Danish wind-farm major Ørsted hammered by brutal financial storm
Danish wind farm constructor Ørsted has been left facing one of the most turbulent periods in its recent history, with its stock price having plunged to an all-time…
Rise in German bankruptcies shatters hope for quick economic revival
The number of companies in Germany filing for bankruptcy has unexpectedly jumped to its highest value since at least 2018.
Mercedes CEO : Europe risks ‘automotive collapse’ over CO2 emissions rule
Europe’s automotive sector faces collapse under the weight of the EU’s CO2 regulations and their “draconian penalties,” Ola Källenius, CEO of carmaker Mercedes…
French fighter jet maker slams Belgium’s decision to buy American planes
Belgium’s decision to expand its fleet of US-made fighter jets has provoked strong reactions in France, amid ongoing EU–US trade tensions and concerns over Europe’s…
US battery producer Lyten to take over remnants of bankrupt European competitor Northvolt
Californian battery start-up Lyten has agreed to buy the remaining assets of Northvolt, a Swedish battery manufacturer.
DSA : EU lawmaker slams US meddling – ‘We don’t take orders from Washington’
The European Democrats and their Secretary General, the Italian Liberal Sandro Gozi, have accused the United States of “political interference” after reports…
EU consumer sales rebound defies tariff tensions
European consumers are quietly rescuing EU growth — even while boycotting US brands.
Failed: German offshore wind power auction ends without a single bid
A major German auction for wind power installation in the North Sea has closed without a single company entering a bid.
Cash use is still growing, says ECB, while pushing ‘digital euro’
The European Central Bank is preparing to launch a digital version of the euro, while reporting that demand for physical banknotes is still rising.
Spain favours European options over US-made F-35 fighter jets
Spain has decided against purchasing US-made F-35 fighter jets and will instead opt for European-made options, the defence ministry said August 6, confirming a report…
Top buyer in world rice market to suspend imports
Rice prices have fallen to a record low after the Philippines announced it would suspend rice imports for 60 days.
Setback for German industry as new orders unexpectedly fall in June
Order intake for the German manufacturing sector has unexpectedly fallen, according to data published by the Federal Statistical Office.
US aims to put nuclear power on Moon and Mars first
The US was said to be rushing to put nuclear power reactors on the Moon and Mars and hoped to launch the first system within just a few years.
Ukraine seeks €120m loan from Poland to buy Polish weapons
Ukrainian foreign minister Adrii Sybiha confirmed his country was seeking a €120 million loan to fund the purchase of Polish-produced weapons.
US exports more gas globally amid trade negotiations and sanctions on Russia
The US has expanded natural gas exports through trade negotiations while applying parallel pressure on Russian energy flows — a dual strategy that has shifted…
NGOs look for plastics reduction treaty, without US if necessary
Countries from around the world are meeting in Geneva to try to agree on a global treaty to reduce plastic pollution.
France orders officials to drop foreign messaging apps over cybersecurity fears
France’s top officials and civil servants will ditch foreign‑owned messaging apps in favour of a home‑grown alternative.
Export-oriented Belgium’s unemployment rate rises as EU’s edges lower
Belgium’s unemployment rate rose to 6.5 per cent in June 2025, up from 5.5 per cent the year before.
BP reports largest oil and gas discovery in 25 years off Brazilian coast
British company BP has discovered a giant oil and gas reservoir via deep-sea drilling off the coast of Brazil.
India hits out at EU, US ‘targeting it over purchases of Russian oil’
India's foreign ministry said the European Union and US were "targeting" it due to its buying of Russian oil, adding that the moves were "unjustified" and that it…
Wind-turbine dismantling costs are more than claimed, study reveals
Completely dismantling wind turbines is significantly more expensive than many assume, according to a new Finnish study that cast doubt on the industry’s assumptions…
Jaguar CEO resigns after controversial ‘woke’ makeover of British brand
Adrian Mardell, CEO of British carmaker Jaguar Land Rover, has announced his resignation.
UK bans Coinbase advert criticising country
The UK has banned a musical advertisement that sharply criticised the situation for much of the population in the country.
Italy fines fast-fashion giant Shein for ‘green’ claims
Italy's competition watchdog (AGCM) said August 4 it has fined the company responsible for Shein's websites in Europe €1 million for false and confusing claims…
EU’s maths on costly ‘green’ hydrogen does not add up, says expert
The European Union’s hydrogen strategy is facing growing scrutiny as cost-efficiency concerns have mounted and deployment targets missed.
Urgent EU automation can curb migrant numbers and bring rapid industrial growth
Europe is being left behind on automation. With a fertility rate of 1.38 children per woman in 2023—that is, well below the 2.
Despite euro-fantasies, Trump, Xi and Putin do not regard the EU as a sovereign state
Much has been made of the lopsided deal Ursula von der Leyen struck with Donald Trump, which among other things traded zero tariffs on US goods for a 15 per cent…
EC retaliation on hold until Trump reveals details of trade deal
Brussels is delaying its €93 billion retaliation package against the United States, saying it must first see how US President Donald Trump implemented the terms…