By Beatrice Romano
Milan-based editor covering the eurozone, banking and the industrial heartlands of the continent.
Oil prices drop as OPEC+ raises output and US-Iran tensions ease
Brent crude fell more than 5% to $83.39 a barrel on Monday after OPEC+ confirmed a September output hike. US President Donald Trump called o
HIV funding cuts threaten to reverse global progress, experts warn
External financing for the global HIV response fell by 18% in 2025, the largest drop in nearly two decades. Experts warn that without renewe
Portugal's housing market: why €400,000 no longer buys a home
The average asking price for a home in Portugal has reached €430,500, pushing the €400,000 threshold out of reach for many. A shortage of co
How many minutes of work does a scoop of ice cream cost across Europe?
In Germany, a scoop costs about 7.4 minutes of net working time, while in Greece it's nearly 21 minutes. The UK, Belgium and Italy fall in b
EU accuses Temu of obstructing antitrust inspection in Dublin
The European Commission has accused Temu of obstructing a surprise inspection at its Dublin subsidiary in December 2025. Regulators say the
EU advisers urge shift to long-term heatwave planning after 16,000 deaths
Europe's health security committee warns that public health systems remain insufficiently prepared for extreme heat. It recommends a whole-o
BP puts North Sea assets up for sale after six decades
BP has begun marketing its North Sea oil and gas business for sale, potentially ending over 60 years of production in the region. The portfo
Apple's record quarter fails to reassure investors as outlook disappoints
Apple reported record revenue of $109.42bn for the June quarter, driven by strong iPhone and Mac sales. However, shares fell as much as 8% i
EU's October deadline with China: why trade concessions look unlikely
The EU's October deadline for tangible trade concessions from China is unlikely to yield major results. Structural imbalances, Beijing's lev
Azerbaijani pipelines are vital arteries for Caspian gas to Europe, SOCAR says
Azerbaijani pipelines are critical arteries connecting Caspian gas to Europe, says a SOCAR executive. Exports to the EU have risen 56% since
Uzbekistan's decade of reforms: from GDP surge to everyday economic change
Uzbekistan's economy has grown dramatically since 2017, with GDP rising from €21 billion to €130 billion. The government now prioritises tra
Invasive mould infections pose greater threat than previously recognised, CDC study warns
A US study estimates hospitals see 3–5 invasive mould cases per 100 inpatient beds annually. The threat is expected to rise with climate-dri