By Beatrice Romano
Milan-based editor covering the eurozone, banking and the industrial heartlands of the continent.
One year on, the Turnberry deal faces its biggest test yet
The EU-US Turnberry trade deal marks its first anniversary amid fresh US threats after the EU fined Google €890 million. Brussels has built-
Varta files for insolvency as German battery sector struggles
Varta AG has applied for insolvency proceedings in Stuttgart, citing a structural funding gap from 2027. The loss of Apple as a key customer
AstraZeneca's Q2 profit rises 2% on cancer drug sales, reaffirms 2026 outlook
AstraZeneca's second-quarter net profit rose 2% to $2.51bn, beating analyst expectations. Strong sales of cancer and rare disease medicines
Strait of Hormuz crisis reignites European fuel prices after brief ceasefire relief
After a brief reprieve in June, the Strait of Hormuz crisis has sent oil prices soaring again, with crude surpassing $100 a barrel. Eastern
Oil prices slide as US and Iran hold fire in Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices dropped sharply on Monday as the US and Iran refrained from further military action in the Persian Gulf. Brent crude fell 4.66% t
Global Millionaire Count Surges by Two Million in 2025, Europe Sees Uneven Gains
The global high-net-worth individual population grew 7.9% to 25.3 million in 2025, adding nearly two million new millionaires. Europe's HNWI
Chickenpox outbreak surges in Gaza camps as vaccination gaps worsen crisis
Around 9,300 chickenpox cases have been reported in Gaza's displacement camps over two weeks, concentrated in Khan Younis. Doctors say overc
Russia's Central Bank Slashes 2026 GDP Forecast to Zero Amid Fuel Crisis
The Bank of Russia now expects 2026 GDP growth of just 0.0–1.0%, down from 0.5–1.5%. Inflation is forecast at 6–7% as fuel shortages push up
West Nile Virus Prevention: Simple Steps as Cases Rise Across Southern Europe
West Nile virus cases are climbing in southern Europe, with Greece and Italy reporting 21 confirmed infections each. WHO Europe urges preven
Europe's Hiring Mismatch: Employers Seek Yesterday's Talent in an AI-Driven Market
Applications per role have doubled since 2022, yet two-thirds of recruiters say finding qualified talent is harder than a year ago. Many com
Uzbekistan's Economy Grows 8.5% as Services and Investment Surge
Uzbekistan's GDP grew 8.5% in the first half of 2026, fueled by a 16.9% expansion in services and €24.6 billion in investment. Moody's upgra
Syria's Textile Industry Seeks Revival as Aleppo Hosts First Major Trade Fair in Years
Aleppo's Nas Tex 2026 exhibition drew over 300 companies from 20 countries, signalling a potential revival of Syria's textile industry. The