Photo by Ivan Rohovchenko on Unsplash As the European Union maintains a unified stance on countering Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Hungary continues to chart a divergent course that increasingly aligns with Moscow’s interests. While Hungarian authorities insist on preserving pragmatic economic ties with Russia, the reality is more complex – and potentially more…
Business
Ukraine Builds, Europe Gains
Photo by CrowN on Unsplash As Europe navigates an increasingly unstable security environment, Ukraine is undergoing a profound transformation. No longer just a frontline state, Ukraine is becoming one of the fastest-growing defence manufacturing powers in Europe. Over three years of full-scale war, Ukraine has rapidly expanded its defence production capacity, developing into a strategic…
EU Crackdown on Toy Safety Welcomed by MEPs
Photo by Austrian National Library on Unsplash All toys sold in the EU will in future have to bear a clearly visible digital product passport (DPP) showing compliance with the relevant safety rules. The DPP aims to enhance the traceability of toys and make market surveillance and customs checks simpler and more efficient. It also…
Wine Intergroup Calls for Dialogue after Trump’s Tariffs
Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash The EU should demonstrate unity in responding to Donald Trump’s controversial tariffs. So says the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Wine, Quality Foodstuff and Spirits after it analysed the consequences of the 20% tariffs. The new additional taxes will be applied to all EU products starting from April 9. During a…
Aviation’s Most Ambitious Retrofit
The airline Emirates has announced a major retrofitting of its fleet, said to be the aviation industry’s most ambitious retrofit undertaking yet. It says that it will introduce Boeing 777s with upgraded cabins to eight more destinations on its route network, as the airline’s retrofit programme continues with an aircraft receiving its nose-to-tail facelift and…
Europe’s Preparedness for Crises
Photo by Maxim Ilyahov on Unsplash For preparedness for future crises, such as another pandemic, to be truly effective, SMEs must be fully engaged because Europe’s security and crisis response depends on strong, resilient businesses. That is the message from SMEunited, the body representing SME’s at EU level, in their reaction to the launch of…
New Addition to EU’s Protected List
Photo by Moritz Knöringer on Unsplash The European Commission has approved the addition of rio Negro wines to the register of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Rio Negro are white and red wines, produced in the province of Guadalajara, in Spain. They are known for their aromas: the whites offer citrus, floral, tropical, and apple…
Business Revulsion at US Tariff Chaos
Additional US tariffs on steel and aluminium are a lose-lose for both sides of the Atlantic, says Europe’s business community. So says BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer. His organisation is the representative body for the business community at the EU level. He was reacting to President Trump’s recent announcements on tariffs. Beyrer said, “It is…
Rapid Phase Out of Russian Gas Imports
Photo by Karsten Würth on Unsplash MEPs say the EU is now Ukraine’s primary strategic ally and must help the country uphold its right to self-defence. They have also welcomed the proposal for a 30 day ceasefire, reached on 11 March. They say they expect Russia to agree to it and follow it by ceasing…
Housing Should Top EU Agenda
Photo by Nomadic Julien on Unsplash A seminar held in Warsaw has stressed the need to provide all European people with access to decent, sustainable and affordable housing. Housing for all was the watchword highlighted at the seminar organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in cooperation with Poland’s European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN)…