Made in Europe
From bottle stoppers to rockets: How Portugal is reinventing cork
Portugal produces around half of the world’s cork. Here, the world’s largest cork company, Corticeira Amorim, continues to open new markets by transforming this ancient natural resource into high-tech materials. In this report, we explore its methods, from harvesting to production.
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Economy
Serbia and Uzbekistan strike strategic partnership in Belgrade
Uzbek President Mirziyoyev's first official visit to Belgrade produced 20 signed agreements on transport, energy, digitalisation, and labour mobility, alongside preparations for a free trade agreement and support for the Middle Corridor linking Central Asia to Europe.
Business
Workers say AI makes them look more skilled than they are, study finds
A survey of nearly 10,000 employees across Europe and the Americas has found that most believe AI flatters their professional reputation, with 64% admitting they have used it to complete work they could not have done alone, raising an awkward question for managers deciding who to promote.
Business Series
Public-private partnerships open new investment opportunities
In partnership with Azpromo
Public-private partnerships are opening new opportunities for investment and development, from renewable energy and digital infrastructure to water and desalination. The episode looks at how cooperation between government and business could shape Azerbaijan’s next phase of growth.
Business Series
How the Middle Corridor is reshaping global trade
In partnership with Azpromo
The Middle Corridor is expanding from a regional route into an intercontinental trade link between Asia and Europe. With Azerbaijan at its centre, growing cargo volumes, digital logistics and expanding port capacity are reshaping the route's future.
Russia
Putin signs decree allowing state seizure of drone-hit businesses
The edict covers energy, transport, logistics and any facility deemed critical to national security, and can be imposed by presidential instruction alone. Experts called it "hybrid nationalisation," warning it would be used to seize assets from companies under the pretext of security failure.
Business
What the new US sanctions on Iran mean for European businesses
The US has unveiled a sweeping expansion of secondary sanctions intended to sever Iran's remaining links to the global economy, warning that companies anywhere in the world that keep trading with Tehran risk losing access to the dollar system.
Business
Nearly €1bn earmarked as five-part plan targets AI and exports
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the measures at annual dialogue with entrepreneurs in Khiva. They include lower energy prepayments, new credit guarantees and easier access to capital markets, alongside regulatory changes that will limit inspections and shift the burden of proof to the state.