Wars are won with code, says German military AI maker
Helsing is riding the wave as Europe seeks defense tech leadership.
Investing
Fly green or die: EU urged to stop reforming and start investing in aviation
The industry has had enough of new regulations to reduce emissions. Now it wants the money to do so.
Revealed: How Liz Truss lobbied for UK role in project now linked to Mozambique massacre
In the summer of 2020 Britain’s then-trade secretary defied her Cabinet colleagues to secure financial support for the controversial development.
Keir Starmer must not yield to rightwing opposition over EU youth mobility | Letters
Readers call for the prime minister to do the right thing by investing in future generations through European schemeWho or what is Keir Starmer frightened of? With July’s landslide victory under his belt, he doesn’t have to face the electorate for anot…
A ‘dramatic break’ with China would be a ‘big mistake’, former ECB chief Trichet says
France’s public debt is very much in the spotlight. The country’s recently appointed prime minister, Michel Barnier, calls it a “sword of Damocles” hanging over future generations. Indeed, for many countries, paying interest on the national debt depri…
Russia and China’s cooperation in the Arctic is a rising nuclear threat
While Beijing and Moscow have been working to establish a strategic foothold in the region for more than a decade, Washington and Brussels are just now waking up to the danger.
Mission Possible: Working together to reshape the future of cancer care
Q&A with Greg Rossi, Senior VP, Head of Oncology Europe and Canada at AstraZeneca.
EU betting on India and Vietnam for chips
Looking to be less dependent on China and Taiwan, the West is keen to have alternative suppliers and are pushing at an open door with New Delhi and Hanoi.
Building a future-proof regulatory system
Simpler, faster, better – let’s not miss the opportunity to revamp the EU pharmaceutical regulatory framework to transform lives.
‘All must be beheaded’: Revelations of atrocities at French energy giant’s African stronghold
Mozambican soldiers operating out of TotalEnergies’ natural gas plant abducted, raped and killed dozens of civilians.
Hold China responsible for helping Russia, Danish PM says
Moscow could not sustain a full-scale invasion of Ukraine for this long “without help from China,” Mette Frederiksen says.
Show me the money, Gastein says
SNEAK PEEK — Gastein day 1 kicks off with a plea to ramp up investment in health — and ways to do it. — Can tech help to close the gender health gap? Some think so, but only if its funded and reaches all in need. — Is COP29 the breakthrough year for health and […]
Establishing criteria for unmet medical needs: let’s not leave people living with chronic diseases behind
The narrow definition of unmet medical need used in the General Pharmaceutical Legislation may hinder rather than help efforts to find new treatments.
Solid science in Europe: a farewell song?
Maintaining the highest standards is the only avenue to strengthen the EU health sector.
Von der Leyen’s first 100 days: What she’s promised, what it means and what she’ll really deliver
The Commission president is promising to move quickly with far-reaching reforms. How credible is her plan?
Tech policy: 20 people to meet at Labour conference
We break down the 20 figures inside and outside government shaping Labour’s tech policy.
Starmer ‘very interested’ in Italy’s plan to offshore asylum applications in Albania, says Meloni – as it happened
UK to contribute £4m to Italian project on irregular migration, PM announcesHere are some pictures from Keir Starmer’s meeting with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, at the Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome. They seem to be geting on pretty well.Rach…
Joe Biden preps to sell the economy — to boost his legacy and help Harris
Biden is determined to convince a skeptical public that he strengthened the economy.
The job no one wants: EU health commissioner
Health policy is looking like the poor cousin and is likely to be downgraded this mandate.
Europe’s most dangerous train station exposes Brussels’ failures
Shootings, stabbings and rampant shoplifting: The Belgian capital’s main railway hub is a magnet for trouble. Why is no one stepping up to fix the problem?
Scandal, party infighting and more: US primary season comes to a dramatic close
New Hampshire, Delaware and Rhode Island are all holding primary contests on Tuesday.
Germany’s Lindner rejects Draghi’s common borrowing proposal
“Germany will not agree to this,” country’s finance minister tells POLITICO.
Michel Barnier’s new secret EU mission
Can the former chief Brexit negotiator, now France’s prime minister, grease the wheels on budget talks with Brussels?
Europe’s Draghi report unleashed: These are the 5 things to watch
A blueprint to make the EU more competitive with the rest of the world is published on Monday. It’s likely to prove controversial.
How the West’s $50B Ukraine loan could be undermined by Kamala Harris’ brat summer
The Democratic candidate’s voter support means resolving differences between the EU and U.S. no longer seems so urgent.
Deutsche Bank chief tells Germans: Work longer and harder
CEO adds that political instability could hurt Germany’s appeal as an investment destination.
Europe’s ESG funds more than double defence holdings amid Ukraine war
Sector’s shares have soared and asset managers in debate on whether investing in it can be seen as sustainable
Trump’s Orbán embrace sparks some US Republicans to sound the alarm
Groups seeking the former president’s favor have highlighted pro-Russian Hungarian leaders and talking points.
Farmers call for government action as severe drought in Serbia forces early harvests
Meanwhile, the Vojvodina regional government claimed it was preventing the area’s desertification by investing in the local hydrologic system.
Italian government ramps up pressure on carmaker Stellantis
Industry Minister Adolfo Urso confirmed the government is courting Chinese carmakers.
Meloni’s head-on collision with Italy’s only carmaker
The prime minister is pressing the heir of the once mighty Fiat to make more cars in Italy.
The final piece of the Senate puzzle, another ‘Squad’ primary and more races to watch on Tuesday
Primaries are taking place in Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont and Wisconsin.
Trump embraces Musk and his electric vehicles — but not Biden’s rules
Trump’s recent change in tone reflects a softening in rhetoric about EVs on the campaign trail.
How the City of London is preparing for climate change
Historic financial centre is investing £68mn in an ‘extreme weather’ plan — but is it enough?
Wary of Trump, Azerbaijan, businesses shun COP climate talks
Companies are anxiously wondering: Can we get hotel rooms? What about the autocratic regime hosting? What if Trump wins?
Berlin wants to pump defense spending numbers by including military mobility
Germany wants to keep defense spending at 2 percent of GDP, but budget constraints make that difficult.
Seine water quality ‘marginally acceptable’ at latest Olympics race, new samples show
The pollution levels in the Paris river’s murky waters have come under scrutiny during the Olympics, with several swimming competitions held in the river.
Why the stock market is plunging — and what it means politically
The odds that the U.S. will fall into recession are still relatively low, particularly given that consumers continue to spend at a healthy clip. But the risks are mounting.
UK port operators to seek compensation if post-Brexit trade barriers are lowered
British Ports Association reportedly warns government it faces huge losses after investing in border control postsUK port operators have reportedly said they must be compensated by the government if it negotiates a deal to lower trade barriers with the…
EU finally sends €1.5B from Russian assets to Ukraine
Most of the funds will be used to buy weapons for Kyiv.
To do: 6 thorny issues lurking in MEPs’ inboxes
From creating an EU-wide money market to protecting kids online, POLITICO looks at what lies ahead for lawmakers.
Stoltenberg bashes China for creeping closer to NATO
The Chinese-Belarusian anti-terrorism exercises, conducted not far from the border with NATO ally Poland, coincide with the NATO summit.
2 percent on defense? That is so last year.
One of the NATO Summit’s biggest guessing games this week: What should members spend on defense?
Tony Blair admits UK will need ‘a little persuading’ to embrace digital ID
The former prime minister’s suggestion is already causing a headache for the new Labour government.
Labour’s top policy priorities
A deep dive into what Keir Starmer’s government will tackle in their first 100 days and then in their first year.
Europe has avoided the nuke question for decades. No longer
America has protected Europe with is nuclear umbrella for more than 70 years. In the era of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, the continent is quietly debating a different nuclear future.
Starmer will have to walk a US-China tightrope
There’s already some discord between the two countries when it comes to China, but there are areas where they could work on similar approaches.
EU leaders chided Rutte over opposition to joint defense spending, Tusk says
“It was a bit awkward,” Tusk said.
A more humane approach to asylum is in Europe’s interest
In the coming years, there’s a real opportunity for fresh thinking that both protects those seeking safety and benefits newcomers and EU citizens alike.
The hottest political issue European politicians aren’t talking about
Europe’s cities reckon with the affordable housing crisis,
Von der Leyen pledges €1.4B for investments in Ukraine
Banks will be able to apply for EU budget support when investing in equity funds active in Ukraine, von der Leyen said.
What will it take to end the HIV epidemic in Europe?
Governments, civil society and industry share views on the EU mandate we need to achieve the 2030 UNAIDS goals in Europe and beyond.
Is the EU already in a trade war with China?
Even if they aren’t yet, things could soon get nastier as Brussels’ investigation into Chinese electric vehicles nears its conclusion.
What the Chelsea Flower Show can teach you about investing
‘In my father’s view a portfolio should be like a garden — a real garden, not a show garden’
EU needs to catch up with US in research and development, lobby warns
Les Entreprises du médicament en France (Leem), an association of French pharmaceutical companies, unveiled its manifesto on Friday (May 17) ahead of June’s EU elections, with the focus on investing in research and development (R&D) to avoid fallin…
Nickel, guns and foreign powers: How France’s New Caledonia reached the brink of ‘civil war’
Violent protests have erupted in France’s South Pacific archipelago as decades-old tensions come to a head.
Europeans overwhelmingly support investment in ‘international solidarity’, survey finds
The vast majority of Europeans, and especially Italians, are in favour of their country investing in development aid outside of EU borders, according to a survey published by the French Development Agency (AFD) on Tuesday (14 May).
€3B assets package ‘almost nothing,’ Ukrainian minister says
“We need hundreds of billions in order to win the war,” said Denys Maliuska.
China’s clean car manufacturers find a European foothold in Hungary
Years of under-investment in electric vehicle technologies and supply chains have left European carmakers struggling to keep up with their Chinese competitors. But even as the EU debates putting up trade barriers against electric vehicles imported fro…
Dominic Cummings steps up plan to replace Tories with new party
Boris Johnson’s nemesis runs focus groups across the U.K. as plan to eclipse Britain’s Conservatives takes shape.
A robust EU cohesion policy – a cure to counteract depopulation [Promoted content]
Depopulation poses a significant challenge for the entire EU, but the cohesion policy offers a solution. By investing in areas like construction, transport, energy, digital and social infrastructure, it aims to improve our lives.
Investing in Europe’s future – how private equity and venture capital is building European resilience [Advocacy Lab Content]
A report by Invest Europe reveals that €130bn was invested by private equity and venture capital in 2022, marking the second-highest year for investment. More than 9000 companies were backed, helping drive innovation, jobs and green growth.
German mothers face countless hurdles to get back to work
Women make up nearly half the active population in Germany, but the arrival of a baby completely changes their position in the labour market. More than 70 percent of mothers of children under the age of six work part time. Mothers – particularly in th…
Britain moves to a war footing — but where should the extra money go?
Updating our defense posture isn’t just about increasing conventional combat mass. The full spectrum of warfare — including cyber, space, gray zone, training and the ability to rapidly replenish stockpiles — must all be factored in.
Court testimony indicates Jim Biden was in business with ‘members of the Qatari government’
The alleged arrangements would be some of the closest known links between a Biden relative and a foreign government.
Azerbaijan president: COP29 won’t stop us investing in ‘god-given’ gas
President Ilham Aliyev used a Berlin climate speech to push for major foreign investments to boost its natural gas exports to Europe.
Britain sends a message to Trump: NATO is worth investing in
UK pledge to hike defense spending is designed to keep US on side.
Strong intellectual property is critical to competitive edge
European intellectual property policies are weakening Europe’s competitive edge at the very moment that EU leaders have recognized the importance of restoring the region’s status as a global economic superpower.
Is Buildings Renovation Bad News for Households? [Promoted content]
New rules for buildings approved this month can be lifechanging for millions of EU citizens. Contrary to some of the arguments heard ahead of agreement on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, the health, climate, financial and employment bene…
China is a threat to Europe’s gunpowder supply, defense boss warns
Saab boss warns Beijing dominates supplies of a key component to make powder to fire shells, and metal for submarines and warships.
‘We won’t write blank checks’: Biden urges Congress to pass Ukraine and Israel aid
“There are moments in history that call for leadership and courage. This is one of them,” the president wrote.
Time for a European single market ‘with teeth’ to take on China, India, leaders told
Former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta tells POLITICO that government subsidies should become a “European tool.”
Does the EU have what it takes to fight China on green tech?
If you aren’t sure what the difference is between an anti-subsidy probe and an investigation into foreign subsidies, we’ve got you covered.
Londongrad forever? Why the UK may never seize Russian assets.
Pledges to take Russian money to help Ukraine face a litany of legal and tactical quandaries.
Why Germany’s Scholz is bowing to the Chinese dragon
Ignoring pressure from Washington, chancellor seeks Beijing’s embrace.
The value of consulting
It’s time to wake up to the value of modern British management consultancy.
Spain to scrap cash-for-visas scheme
Sánchez said golden visas are “not the model of the country that we need.”
Built fjord tough: Why one American ally is surging defense spending
Oslo’s $152B military spending plan ranks as the most ambitious long-term commitment to security in the country’s history.
Going underground: Behind the growing demand for luxury doomsday bunkers
‘Existential angst’ about the threat of a global conflict has led to a growing number of people investing in doomsday bunkers.
Germany, France and Poland: This moment may define our children’s future
European allies should shoulder their fair share of NATO’s collective burden and demonstrate readiness to take more responsibility for Europe’s defense.
Can Zelenskyy win over Trump?
If all else fails, Ukrainians hope their president can use his powers of persuasion to ensure continued U.S. support.
Behind the Macron-Lula bromance
The presidents showered each other with affection and papered over the cracks on the war in Ukraine and a contentious trade pact.
Why Portland failed where Portugal succeeded in decriminalizing drugs
Oregon lawmakers gave it three years. Portugal’s program took longer to show results.
Sh*t hits the fan as Britain’s politicians squabble over record sewage spills
England’s reputation as a green and pleasant land takes a knock.
As ammo runs out, Ukraine still hopes it won’t need that ‘ride’
Support from Kyiv’s allies has proven underwhelming, but Ukraine itself has yet to pull the trigger on recruitment ahead of an expected Russian push.
Risk of ‘lost decade’ as EU countries face economic cliff edge
Tighter rules and a halt in EU funding will leave capitals looking for cash.
Pressure on UK to follow US in toughening stance on TikTok
London risks getting caught up in Washington’s burgeoning battle with China over the app.
‘Pussyfooting around Putin doesn’t work’: Canada’s deputy PM is calling out the West
Chrystia Freeland is fighting for Ukraine — and for political survival.
EU set to seal multi-million investments deal in Egypt amid EU election campaign
The EU is set to seal a highly sensitive and strategic deal worth up to €8 million with Egypt on Sunday (17 March), continuing its strategy of investing in the countries of origin or transit of migration flows.
City vs government in Russian freeze to seize debate
SNEAK PEEK — U.K. government scared of seizing Russian assets, MP says. — Treasury talks tough on fraud with new rules for banks. — City minister summons banks to chat growth. Good morning readers! Absolute ripper of a newsletter today, if we do say so ourselves. Read on to get the latest on why an […]
SNCF, France’s national railway calls for investment in infrastructure
Making rail transport more competitive, investing in infrastructure, and greening transport are top priorities for SNCF, France’s state-owned railway company, according to its manifesto outlining recommendations for the next European Commission and Eur…
Building Europe’s Green Transition and Retirement Security – Listed Real Estate’s Dual Role in Global Megatrends
Exploring the property sector’s contribution to the European economy, green transition, retirement security for millions of people and the market’s clear demand for regulatory stability.
Politicians must not ignore security threats in space
Increased military reliance on space brings new threats and challenges along with it, and Western policymakers need to urgently adapt.
Climate case against ING: what does it mean for monetary policy?
Annelieke Mooij, Assistant Professor,
Tilburg University
Photo credit: Sandro Halank, via Wikimedia
Commons
The Dutch climate
organization “milieudefensie” had threatened to start a case
against the Dutch ING bank. The 14th of February 2024 the…
Big banks vs little banks in the battle of who pays for failure
SNEAK PEEK — Banks: who pays if smaller ones collapse? — Budget highs, lows, and no-gos. —City minister meets with top female finance gurus ahead of International Women’s Day. Good morning! Today we’ve got battling banks, budget chat and crypto. Keep reading! DRIVING THE DAY BIG BANKS AND SMALL BANKS BATTLE OVER WHO SHOULD PAY […]
Budget bonanza
SNEAK PEEK — Budget expectations, from National Insurance cuts to inheritance tax latest. — Bank capital treatment of SMEs might scupper retail-heavy budget plans. — FCA investigates banks’ loans to small businesses amid “super complaint.” Good morning … IT’S BUDGET DAY! POLITICO reporters have been running around like headless chickens trying to get the goss. […]
Big debt and little budget
SNEAK PEEK — Government should measure debt management better, MPs say. — Budget latest as Hunt looks to play it safe. — Banks try to solve Companies House mystery. Good morning readers! Budget day beckons … are you excited? Today we’ve got a damning report from MPs, budget goss, and depressing mortgage stats. Just another […]
Under fire: France insists it’s no slacker on military aid to Ukraine
Berlin has accused Paris of not pulling its weight on helping Ukraine. France begs to differ.
Welcome to budget week
SNEAK PEEK — Wednesday’s budget looms and we’ve got the details. — Bank of England told to clamp down on excessive compliance breaches. — Change of rules to allow fractional shares in ISAs set for delay. Good morning readers! We probably don’t need to remind you that it’s budget week this week. It’s going to be […]
EU balks at Microsoft’s deal with French AI startup
Mistral’s AI pact with U.S. tech giant Microsoft comes after bitter lobbying over how Europe can push into the next tech wave.