By Beatrice Romano
Milan-based editor covering the eurozone, banking and the industrial heartlands of the continent.
Caspian-Central Asia Trade Corridor Faces Growing Infrastructure and Security Strains
The Caspian-Central Asia corridor is under pressure as trade volumes exceed infrastructure capacity. Officials in Baku highlight the need fo
Deutsche Bank, Santander, UBS Post Record Profits Amid Iran Conflict Volatility
Deutsche Bank, Santander, and UBS all posted record or above-forecast profits in the first quarter, driven by trading volatility linked to t
Jet Fuel Crisis Threatens Europe's Regional Airports with Existential Collapse
Regional airports across Europe are facing an existential threat from soaring jet fuel prices linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Traffic
Barcelona Researchers Map Organ-by-Organ Aging in Menopause Using AI
Scientists at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center have created the first large-scale atlas of female reproductive system aging using AI. The
Finnish Kone Acquires German TKE in €29.4 Billion Mega Merger
Finnish lift manufacturer Kone has announced the acquisition of German competitor TKE for €29.4 billion. The merger will create a global lea
Oil Prices Climb as UAE Exits OPEC and Iran Ceasefire Remains Fragile
The UAE has formally withdrawn from OPEC after decades of membership, citing production quota disputes. Oil prices initially fell but reboun
Qatar Unveils Business Relief Package Amid Iran Conflict and Regional Instability
Qatar has introduced a business relief package providing up to 40% financial support on eligible local investment costs. The measures aim to
AI Forces Central Banks to Rethink Inflation and Interest Rate Strategies
The European Central Bank and Bundesbank are already using machine learning to track inflation risks in real time. Policymakers are split on
Finland Opens Europe's First Complete Lithium Mine-to-Refinery Operation
Finland has launched Europe's first complete lithium production chain, from mining to refining, at the Syväjärvi site in Kaustinen. The €783
World Bank Warns Iran Conflict Could Trigger Sharpest Energy Price Spike Since 2022
The World Bank's Commodity Markets Outlook predicts a 24% rise in energy prices this year, the largest spike since Russia's 2022 invasion of
Iran War Drives BP Profits and Barclays Trading Gains in First Quarter
BP's underlying replacement cost profit more than doubled to $3.2bn in Q1 2026, driven by exceptional oil trading amid the Iran war. Barclay
Qatar Advances North Field Expansion Amid LNG Disruptions and Regional Tensions
Qatar is pressing ahead with its North Field West expansion, awarding a key contract to US-based Baker Hughes. The project aims to raise LNG