Germany grinds to a halt as transport workers apply the brakes
Bus and tram stations across Germany have been at a standstill, disrupting millions of commuters and travellers as 90,000 public transport workers were called out…
Economy
Latest reporting and analysis on economy.
French farmers to lift blockades after Government caves in to demands
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced a string of concessions regarding French farmers in response to their mass protests.
Hungary agrees to EU aid package for Ukraine
All 27 leaders of the European Union on February 1 reached a deal on a €50 billion aid package for Ukraine.
EU shifts budget priorities from climate to defence as Ukraine takes centre stage
The European Union's budget priorities are shifting rapidly away from solar cells to bullets as the Ukraine conflict replaces the stalled Green Deal in leaders'…
German companies begin four-day working week experiment
Some 45 German companies have made a radical change; their employees will be able to work one day a week less for the same salary.
Italy defence minister warns of Red Sea ‘threat’ for Europe’s ports
Ongoing disruption in the Red Sea threatens to destabilise Italy's economy and marginalise ports in southern Europe, Italy's defence minister said.
Farmers bring EU quarter to a standstill
Men and women from across the bloc burned hay and tyres from early in the morning on Luxembourg Square, in front of the European Parliament, while dozens of tractors…
EC appears to give ground in farmers’ dispute
In response to the mass protests by angry farmers across Europe, the European Commission proposed to put some limits on agricultural imports from Ukraine and loosen…
Eurozone economy flatlined in 2023 with little hope of new life this year
The Eurozone economy stagnated last year, underperforming the rest of the world as former powerhouse Germany struggled with an industrial malaise that has no end…
Meloni’s grand plan for Africa: Oil wheels of investment to drive down migration
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni unveiled her vision regarding Italy’s Africa relationships with the presentation of the “Mattei plan” - named after…
EC leaves Amazon/iRobot merger no room to manoeuvre
An organisation representing Europe's technology industry has expressed anger after the European Commission pulled the plug on a proposed merger between US firms…
Sanctions nearly always fail: That is the lesson the EU and the United States should take from their vain attempts to curtail Russia and China
The last year has shown significant shortcomings when it comes to West’s ability to use economic statecraft as a tool in international politics.
‘EU will hurt Hungary if it blocks further Ukrainian aid’
Secret documents show the European Union is planning to intentionally damage Hungary's economy if the country decides to reject more funding for Ukraine at an upcoming…
Germany’s Scholz calls for completion of EU capital markets union
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on Sunday for the European Union to complete its creation of a banking and capital markets union, so the bloc can compete with…
Paris ‘under siege’ as farmers’ demonstration escalates
Farmers in France have launched a "siege of Paris" after the country's Government failed to roll back various “green” restrictions on the agriculture sector.
Paris leads race for EU’s new AMLA HQ but Dublin ‘gains momentum’
Several countries are competing to house the European Union's newly formed anti-money laundering authority (AMLA).
Despite a foot in both EU and UK markets, Northern Ireland still can’t flourish
Uniquely, Northern Ireland has full access to both the EU and UK market but its economy has still struggled to take advantage, economists and civil society leaders…
Red tape ties up most of €800 billion EU ‘green’ fund
An €800 billion European Union programme set up to fund the bloc’s “green” and digital transitions has been held up by red tape, with fewer than a third…
Plan to ‘shield’ EU against Chinese tech set to ruffle Member States’ feathers
The European Commission has unveiled new "economic security" proposals mainly aimed at managing European Union relations with China and aligning more with the US.
Climate scientist fired for refusing to fly returns after 72 days of ‘slow travel’
In October, Italian climate scientist Giancula Grimalda refused on environmental grounds to take a plane home after research in Papua New Guinea.
Many ECB staff ‘not impressed’ with Lagarde
Lagarde, the first ECB President without a background as a trained economist, has lost the confidence of more than a thousand of her staff, according to a survey…
Polish farmers join Europe-wide protest movement
Poland’s farmers have demonstrated in at least 180 locations against the implementation of the European Union's Green Deal programme and the uncontrolled influx…
Tesla CEO Musk: Chinese EV firms will ‘demolish’ rivals without trade barriers
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Wednesday that Chinese automakers will "demolish" global rivals without trade barriers, underscoring the heat the U.S.
Digital euro ‘could significantly destabilise banking system’
"Central Bank Digital Currencies use blockchain technology but in a different way than cryptocurrencies.
Belgium led by ’emperor with no clothes’ as it joins Club Med
Belgium has managed to break into the so-called "Club Med" - Mediterranean countries with higher government debt to GDP ratios - and has surpassed Portugal in such…
French farmers dig heels in against European Green Deal with mass protests
French farmers declared a week of intensive protests targeting the European Green Deal, amid ongoing demonstrations against the plan across the continent.
EU tightens purse-strings on money laundering – football clubs and crypto outfits may be injured
MEPs and the European Council reached a final agreement over further measures to strengthen the European Union's arsenal against sanctions evasion, money laundering…
EU budget clampdown risks ‘economic and democratic suicide’ Green Group leader warns
Splits in the pro-EU European Parliament coalition are emerging after the Green Group broke ranks to oppose the bloc's proposed budget reforms.
Polish Government hot under the collar over new nuclear-power plant site
The Polish Government and the deputy head of a regional Polish authority in the Baltic Coast region have questioned the location of the country’s first nuclear…
Bonn Climate Prize recognizes local heroes for environmental innovations
Bonn, Germany In the wake of the devastating 2021 floods that swept through German towns, Monika Hallstein found a renewed purpose.