By Beatrice Romano
Milan-based editor covering the eurozone, banking and the industrial heartlands of the continent.
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
US Imposes New Tariffs on 60 Nations Over Forced Labour, Including EU States
The US will impose new tariffs of 10-12.5% on 60 countries, including EU states, over forced labour allegations. The measures replace expiri
US Trade Chief Warns EU Google Fine Threatens Transatlantic Trade Deal
The US Trade Representative warns that the EU's €890 million fine against Google under the Digital Markets Act jeopardizes ongoing trade tal