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Unions slam ‘rigged’ talks on EU plans to streamline regulation

The EU executive’s new focus on boosting the global competitiveness of European companies is causing alarm among civil society groups who sense a caving in to demands for deregulation.

Europe News

EU Commission accused of haste and secrecy in regulatory review

The European Commission has been criticised for giving too much space to industry and business interests in discussions over a fast-track streamlining of sustainability and due diligence reporting rules.

Europe News

EU is ready for 'tough negotiations' with Trump, says von der Leyen

"We will always protect our own interests – however and whenever that is needed," Ursula von der Leyen said after Donald Trump warned tariffs against the EU would happen "pretty soon."

Europe News

EU leaders avoid controversy as they discuss defence spending options

The Commission estimates that the EU needs to invest €500 billion in the sector over the coming decade so that it can continue to support Ukraine but also ensure it is in a position to defend itself following decades of under-investments.

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EU initiates 'strategic dialogue' with troubled European car industry

EU car industry faces high energy costs, EV transition, job losses, and US tariff threats. European Commission seeks solutions to boost innovation amid fierce competition from cheaper Asian manufacturers.

Europe News

Unions and NGOs fearful of EU Commission's new pro-business plan

Civil society groups and unions are nervous about the political turn taken by the European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen’s second presidency, and warn its new Competitiveness Compass could steer it away from green deal aspirations and workers’ rights.

Europe News

EU Commission aims to simplify its way to future growth

The European Commission has presented its new economic strategy for the coming years. Simplification features prominently in a package of proposals that is sorely lacking in novelty.

Europe News

Commission plans to set up anti-red tape brigade

As the EU steers a course towards deregulation in pursuit of global market share, an early draft of a forthcoming communication suggests today’s ‘Competitiveness Compass’ was only the first step in a concerted effort to tear up red tape.

Radio Schuman

EU bid to take on US, China competitiveness starts today

The European Commission will publish its Competitiveness Compass today in an attempt to secure the future EU economy.

Europe News

Sweden-Latvia undersea data cable damaged, EU vows support

A submarine cable was damaged in the Baltic Sea, the fourth case reported by the Nordic countries in the past two months.

Europe News

Can EU trade strategy counter the Trump tariff challenges?

As the Commission struggles to find new outlets for its exports, the question of whether this will be enough in the face of the tariffs Donald Trump is threatening to impose remains open.

Europe News

Von der Leyen on Trump: EU will be pragmatic but protect its interests

"A lot is at stake" in EU-US relations, Ursula von der Leyen said the day after Donald Trump's inauguration.

Europe News

EPP declares war on ‘excessive regulation’ from Brussels

The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) has called for a bonfire of EU red tape in a three-page statement adopted at a gathering of conservative leaders in Berlin.

Business

Davos 2025: What to expect at this year's World Economic Forum

The 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) takes place from 20-24 January in Davos, Switzerland. Here's a look at what can be expected at this year's meeting.

Europe News

Ursula von der Leyen attends EPP leaders summit in Berlin

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made her first appearance in Berlin following her recovery from severe pneumonia.

Europe News

Commission claims slashing of foreign offices still under negotiation

The European Commission said that ‘reflections are ongoing’ over the downsizing of the international hubs under the department for international partnerships.

Europe News

Exclusive: EU plans to slash 80 offices abroad amid refocus

The European Commission's department for international partnerships is undergoing a strategic downsizing of its worldwide offices in a shift of focus under the new mandate of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Europe News

Auto lobby renews plea for leniency over failure to meet CO2 standards

European auto industry’s new lobbyist-in-chief says carmakers have no chance of complying with EU environmental law this year, and renews call for emergency relief from impending fines that could run to billions of euros.

Europe News

Ursula von der Leyen wins Charlemagne prize for work on European unity

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been awarded the Charlemagne Prize 2025 in recognition of her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Radio Schuman

Why is European Commission silent on von der Leyen’s hospitalisation?

Last week, the European Commission confirmed a German press agency DPA report revealing that European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had been hospitalised for a week due to severe pneumonia.