By Beatrice Romano
Milan-based editor covering the eurozone, banking and the industrial heartlands of the continent.
UK Economy Shrinks in April as Iran Conflict Drives Energy Costs Higher
The UK economy shrank by 0.1% in April, ending months of growth as the Iran war drove up energy costs. Consumer-facing services fell 0.5% an
Remote Work in Europe: Why Your Location Determines Your Odds
In Finland, 20.5% of workers usually work from home, compared to just 1.3% in Romania. The divide is driven by job types, workplace culture,
Global Alcohol Consumption to Decline Until 2031, Europe Leads Shift
Global alcohol consumption is set to fall until 2031, driven by changing tastes and economic pressures in traditional markets like Europe. G
IMF Chief: Russia's Economic Weakness Persists Despite Oil Price Relief
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva says Russia's economic situation is weakening despite a slight growth forecast upgrade. Higher oi
IMF Warns EU Against Further Relaxation of Fiscal Rules Amid Economic Uncertainty
The International Monetary Fund has warned euro area governments against further relaxation of fiscal rules. The caution comes amid concerns
Lagarde Defends ECB Rate Hike as Robust Across Three Scenarios Amid Middle East Crisis
The ECB raised interest rates by 0.25% for the first time in three years, citing inflation pressures from the Middle East conflict. Lagarde
Poverty's Impact on Children's Brain Development Outweighs Parenting and IQ, Study Finds
Socioeconomic status explains 16% of brain function differences in children, surpassing IQ and parenting. Neighbourhood conditions and finan
China's Zero-Tariff Policy: Limited Gains for African Smallholders Amid Structural Hurdles
China's zero-tariff policy for African exports faces implementation hurdles as Zambian smallholders struggle with quality standards and cred
ECB Raises Rates for First Time in Three Years as Iran War Drives Eurozone Inflation
The ECB lifted its deposit facility rate to 2.25%, the first hike in three years, as the Iran war fuels energy-driven inflation. Eurozone in
European Markets Edge Higher Ahead of ECB Rate Decision
European stocks opened cautiously higher on Thursday ahead of the ECB's expected rate hike. Markets anticipate a 25-basis-point increase, wi
2026 World Cup Could Boost Portugal's Economy by Nearly €1 Billion, Study Finds
Portugal could see economic benefits of up to €945 million from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to IPAM. The study highlights digital con
EU Must Secure Long-Term Fertiliser Supplies to Avert Food Shortages, Commissioner Warns
EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen warns that without long-term fertiliser solutions, Europe will face food shortages. He calls f