By Beatrice Romano
Milan-based editor covering the eurozone, banking and the industrial heartlands of the continent.
Cognac's export crisis exposes EU trade policy blind spots
Cognac sales have fallen from 230 million to 140 million bottles since 2023 as US and Chinese tariffs bite. Producers say they are collatera
TotalEnergies boosts buybacks to $2.5bn and pledges higher dividends
TotalEnergies has increased its share buyback program to $2.5bn and committed to higher dividends. The move reflects confidence in its cash
Obesity costs Europe up to 1.4% of GDP, industry report finds
Obesity and overweight cost eight European economies up to 1.4% of GDP annually, according to a pharmaceutical industry report. The burden r
Rural French businesses struggle as Iran conflict drives up energy costs
In the Oise department, small businesses are hit hard by energy price surges linked to the Iran conflict. A baker's oil bill has nearly doub
US turns Armenia-Azerbaijan peace into trade push along Trans-Caspian corridor
The US is moving from diplomacy to investment in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, using a $201m fund to catalyse private capital. A New
Germany's startup revival: what's driving it and what still blocks growth
Germany recorded 3,053 new startups in the first half of 2026, the highest number since 2019, with a third tied to AI. Yet venture capital r
Volkswagen and Audi recall 2.8 million cars over steering flaw
Volkswagen and Audi are recalling 2.86 million vehicles globally over a steering gear screw that can corrode and break. The recall covers mo
Soaring fuel costs strain rural French businesses
In rural France, soaring fuel and heating oil prices are hitting businesses and households hard. Bakers and food truck owners in towns like
European bond yields steady after rout as US mortgage costs hit 7%
European government bond yields pulled back on Friday after one of the sharpest sell-offs in years. France's borrowing costs relative to Ger
Early childhood sugar rationing linked to lower adult anxiety risk
New research from the University of Surrey suggests that sugar restriction in early life may lower the risk of adult anxiety. The study, usi
ECB speeches move markets as much as rate decisions, study shows
ECB research shows that speeches and interviews by policymakers can move markets as much as formal rate decisions. The cumulative impact of
Dangote's Pan-African Energy Ambitions: From Lagos Refinery to Continental Powerhouse
Dangote Group is opening its refinery to public investors in what could be Africa's largest IPO, and plans new refineries and pipelines acro