The finance policy battles shaping 2025
Expect a rerun of the same old fights — from green rules to defense spending.
Sustainable finance
Portugal’s commissioner hearing: Maria Luís Albuquerque on financial services — live updates
Albuquerque’s ties to the financial sector and ideas for boosting EU growth will be under scrutiny as MEPs probe her agenda.
Defense firms need full access to EU cash as Putin haunts Europe, Draghi says
Looming threats must spark major rethink of European defense policy, according to draft of new report seen by POLITICO.
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?
Strict EU sustainable finance rules deter emerging market investment, banks say
Development finance chief says Middle Eastern and Chinese groups are filling the gap
EU-regulated ‘sustainable’ funds invest £14bn in biggest polluters
Investigation finds funds touting ethical credentials include fast fashion labels and fossil fuel companiesFast fashion labels, fossil fuel companies and SUV-makers are present in EU-regulated “sustainable” funds that tout their ethical credentials in …
British banks head for a Basel win
SNEAK PEEK — U.K. banks look set to get capital relief for SME lending. — Lloyds sets aside £450 million amid FCA investigation. — Government criticized for delays on sustainable finance. Good morning! James’ excellent scoop got a mention by none other than the Money Saver himself, Martin Lewis. Not too shabby for a newsletter […]
The arms industry shapes European policies way beyond the military
In 2017 the arms lobby broke an EU taboo and won a European Defence Fund. The arms industry influence has then extended to many civil policies, even demanding access to sustainable finance in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Such a shift to…
Global deal to phase out fossil fuels is in trouble
UAE officials running the talks are warning it may be impractical to call for the complete death of fossil fuels — infuriating activists and vulnerable countries.
EU countries rally to exempt banks from new green and human rights rules
A potential compromise could see banks and insurers covered, while asset managers would be left out of the rules.
General Petraeus warns of urban warfare in Gaza
SNEAK PEEK — David Petraeus, ex-CIA director and four-star general who led coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, warns of carnage should Israel launch a ground invasion into Gaza. — Russia revoked ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, raising the specter of renewed nuclear testing. — The European Commission opened applications for funding under […]
From the UN General Assembly — world leaders gather in NY
Presented by Masdar.
The war against ‘woke capitalism’ is coming to the EU
If you think banks should focus less on climate change and diversity, here’s a strategy you can get behind.
The green transition is more urgent than ever. Here is a real solution.
A traffic-light taxonomy will help to drive billions into environmental action.