Von der Leyen’s €1.4 billion Bauhaus struggles to leave its mark as new festival opens
This year's programme has placed affordable housing and what the Commission calls democratic engagement at its centre.
Economy
Latest reporting and analysis on economy.
Seven EU countries reject weaker car emissions rules
The Commission is due to review its CO2 standards for cars and vans and has signalled it would give hybrids and renewable fuels a bigger role beyond 2035.
German auto giants face deepening crisis as global rivals pull ahead
The German's challenge is combined by a broader slowdown across the global automotive sector.
Nine EU governments resist Brussels plan to electrify company fleets
The issue is due to be discussed at a meeting of EU transport ministers in Luxembourg on June 8.
EU talks on tobacco taxation hit a Swedish brick wall
Brussels wants to keep those taxes for its own budget and it is aiming for several billion euros in revenues.
Italian deputies back nuclear power return in boost for Meloni government
The framework provides for an independent Nuclear Safety Authority and a National Programme for Sustainable Nuclear Power.
European firms flee Cuba as US sanctions deadline bites
A wave of departures and suspended operations in recent weeks suggested the warning had worked.
Putin acknowledges contacts with Trump administration over Cuba
"Cuba is a friendly country. Our relations have developed over decades, and the US administration is aware of this".
Illicit tobacco trade surges across Europe as high taxes feed black markets
Countries with the highest taxes and strictest regulations are suffering the most severe black-market problems.
Andorra adds business and union bodies to EU association pact
The country, a microstate of about 80,000 people in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, is not an EU member.
Leading German Union wants to take 10 per cent of assets of the ‘super rich’
Germany faces significant budgetary challenges, including high energy costs, defence spending needs, and the costs of the green transition.
Tata Steel sacks ‘turncoat’ sustainability chief after one day over pro-apartheid past
Business director Jessica Mahn has taken over his responsibilities on an interim basis.
Bulgaria faces EU deficit procedure months after joining euro
The country's deficit reached 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) last year, above the 3 per cent ceiling set for euro members.
Russia bans jet fuel exports until November
Supplies to countries that maintain active intergovernmental agreements with Russia are exempt from the restriction.
France lands record €93 billion in foreign investment
"This edition of Choose France alone will make it possible to crystallise a record amount of €93 billion in confirmed investments, for more than 15,000 jobs,"…
Tusk government hurriedly signs scores of contracts funded from EU’s defence loan
The contracts followed the government signing an agreement for Poland to borrow €43.7 billion from the €150 billion SAFE programme.
Croatia’s Vujčić takes over as ECB vice-president
Vujčić has led the Croatian National Bank since 2012 and steered his country into the euro in 2023.
Nordic investors urge EU to hold firm on Arctic drilling ban
The appeal has come as the EU weighs revising its stance to prioritise energy supply.
The impossible debt: Europe arrives at the long run Keynes brushed aside
The European Central Bank holds close to 40 per cent of some governments' debt.
German Economic Council slashes growth forecast and warns of soaring social insurance costs
The downgrade is attributed primarily to the economic fallout from the Iran conflict, including sharply higher energy prices.
Meloni says that gigantic EU bureaucracy is smothering industrial development
Italian Prime Minister called for greater competitiveness, simplification and the cutting of red tape.
EU budget: Germany’s contributions could rise by 80 per cent, Belgian PM warns for ‘dizzying’ bill
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would like to have more than €2 trillion at her disposal between 2028 and 2034.
Northern EU states reject ‘Friends of Cohesion’ push to expand farm budget and stretch recovery debt repayment
The signatories argued in their statement that the CAP, the Common Fisheries Policy and Cohesion were "the only policies facing cuts in real terms".
Philip Morris International vows to transition to ‘smoke-free’ future
A visit to Philip Morris International’s (PMI) manufacturing and technology hub in Bologna offered Brussels Signal a firsthand look at the company’s ambitious…
‘Green’ electric Ferrari hated by car enthusiasts
European orders are due to open later this year, with US deliveries scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2027.
European Commission seeks Berlin’s backing for tougher China trade line
The push has come as Germany's long-standing reluctance to confront China has appeared to soften.
Spain doubles down on €9 billion green push, leaves blackout questions unanswered
"The energy revolution can't be just for those who can change cars, put up solar panels on their roof or renovate their homes without subsidies," Sánchez said.
Trump tempers hopes of imminent Iran deal as Hormuz blockade holds
The US president said talks with the Islamic Republic were progressing "in an orderly and constructive manner".
Germany’s housing crisis deepens as new apartment completions fall to a decade low
The country faces a significant structural housing deficit, estimated at between 550,000 and over 700,000 units.
IMF urges France to rein in public spending and accelerate fiscal consolidation
In assessment of the country, the Fund noted that France's public spending reached the highest level in the euro area.