Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to lead Italy’s longest-lasting government since World War Two, surpassing a record previously held by Silvio Berlusconi. Her government has benefited from political stability and improved investor confidence, particularly through tighter control of Italy’s public finances. However, analysts warn that the stability may not last
Italy’s population is projected to fall by almost 4 million by 2050, raising concerns over the country’s economy and welfare system as its population continues to age. The national statistics agency ISTAT said the population could decline from 58.9 million in early 2025 to around 55 million by 2050, before falling further to 45.8 million […]
Icelanders voted on Saturday in a closely contested referendum on whether to reopen negotiations to join the European Union. The vote has divided the country, with polls showing supporters and opponents of renewed talks almost evenly matched. Key issues include the cost of living, high interest rates, national sovereignty and control over fishing waters. Supporters […]
Europe’s increasingly frequent heatwaves are causing major financial losses for businesses, while traditional business interruption insurance often fails to cover the disruption. In Italy’s Padua, hospitality businesses have seen customers avoid outdoor dining during peak heat, with more than 80% of surveyed businesses reporting turnover declines of around 20%. The
Factory output across the euro zone grew at its fastest pace in nearly four and a half years in July, according to the latest S&P Global Manufacturing PMI survey. The headline manufacturing PMI rose to 51.9 from 51.4 in June, while the output index climbed to its highest level since March 2022, signalling continued expansion […]
Record-low water levels in Europe’s major rivers are disrupting electricity generation, cargo transport and business operations as prolonged heatwaves and drought continue across the continent. The shrinking waterways have reduced hydropower output, affected nuclear plant cooling systems and highlighted the growing economic impact of climate change. Countries
Inflation increased across four major German states in July, according to preliminary figures, signalling that the country’s national inflation rate is also likely to rise. Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Lower Saxony all reported higher inflation compared with June, reflecting continued price pressures. The German government expects inflation
The European Central Bank (ECB) expects inflation in the eurozone to return to its 2% target within the next year, according to ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane. Speaking after the central bank kept interest rates unchanged, Lane described the current inflationary pressures as a “medium-sized” shock that requires a measured policy response rather than aggressive
Poland and Hungary have introduced stricter measures to limit the employment of non-EU workers as both governments seek to address public concerns over immigration. Poland has reduced work permits for non-EU citizens, while Hungary has stopped issuing worker visas to applicants from several countries, including the Philippines, Georgia, and Armenia. Business groups and
Investor confidence in Germany improved sharply in July, exceeding market expectations, according to the latest survey by the ZEW economic research institute. The economic sentiment index more than doubled to 26.3 points, up from 10.5 in June, outperforming analysts’ forecast of 17.5 points. ZEW President Achim Wambach said the stronger outlook reflects growing optimism









