Economy

EU Eases Emissions Rules on Petrol Cars to Support Auto Industry

March 3, 2025

EU Eases Emissions Rules on Petrol Cars to Support Auto Industry

The European Commission has introduced a more flexible framework for reducing CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars and vans, offering the auto industry additional "breathing space" until 2027. While the 2035 ban on petrol cars remains in place, fines for missing stricter emissions targets will be deferred, allowing manufacturers that underperform in one year to catch up in subsequent years. The move aims to align climate protection with industry competitiveness, as European automakers face rising production costs and stiff competition from overseas rivals.

UK to Extend Sick Pay to Low-Paid Workers from Day One

March 3, 2025

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UK to Extend Sick Pay to Low-Paid Workers from Day One

More than one million low-paid workers in the UK will soon receive 80% of their weekly salary as sick pay from the first day of illness, a major change under the new Employment Rights Bill. This policy shift, announced by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, aims to ensure that workers never have to choose between their health and their livelihood. However, critics warn that the measure could lead to increased absenteeism and create challenges for smaller businesses in managing shift cover.

Portugal’s Unemployment Rate Falls to 6.2%, Lowest in Over Two Years

March 3, 2025

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Portugal’s Unemployment Rate Falls to 6.2%, Lowest in Over Two Years

Portugal’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.2% in January 2025, its lowest level since October 2022, according to provisional figures from Statistics Portugal. The country’s employed population reached its highest level since 1998, while youth unemployment also declined to 19.5%. Proactive government measures including a new migrant employment support programme and streamlined work visa processing are credited with bolstering the labour market amid stable GDP growth.

Nations Agree to Finance Nature Protection with $200bn Annual Investment by 2030

March 3, 2025

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Nations Agree to Finance Nature Protection with $200bn Annual Investment by 2030

In a major breakthrough at the COP16 biodiversity talks in Rome, countries have agreed to secure at least $200bn a year by 2030 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. The deal, led by BRICS nations, follows a previous setback in Colombia and aims to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Key elements include establishing or strengthening a biodiversity fund, setting technical rules for monitoring progress, and committing nations to publish national reports on their biodiversity plans, even as US aid cuts continue to spark concerns.

French Inflation Hits Four-Year Low at 0.8% in February

March 3, 2025

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French Inflation Hits Four-Year Low at 0.8% in February

France’s consumer price index fell to 0.8% in February—the lowest level since February 2021—driven largely by a significant drop in electricity prices. This slowdown contrasts with higher inflation rates reported in Germany, Spain, and Italy. Despite the easing in price pressures, economic growth remains sluggish, with a slight contraction in GDP at the end of 2024, though modest rebound expectations persist for spring 2025.

EU and India Target Ambitious Trade Deal Amid Tariff Tensions

March 3, 2025

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EU and India Target Ambitious Trade Deal Amid Tariff Tensions

The EU and India have committed to pushing for a comprehensive trade agreement this year, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen describing it as potentially “the largest deal of its kind anywhere in the world.” Amid escalating tariff threats from US President Donald Trump, the talks aim to resolve longstanding differences over market access and non-tariff barriers while also exploring a future security and defence partnership. This renewed effort follows years of stalled negotiations and comes as both sides seek to boost economic ties and address geopolitical challenges.

Gatwick Second Runway Backed by Government

February 27, 2025

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Gatwick Second Runway Backed by Government

The UK government has signaled its support for expanding Gatwick Airport with a second runway, contingent on the inclusion of robust noise mitigation and public transport measures. The proposed £2.2bn expansion would convert the northern runway currently used only for taxiing into an operational departure runway, potentially boosting capacity by up to 50,000 additional flights per year.

Donald Trump to Impose 25% Tariffs on EU Imports, Targeting the Auto Sector

February 26, 2025

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Donald Trump to Impose 25% Tariffs on EU Imports, Targeting the Auto Sector

US President Donald Trump announced that his administration has decided to impose 25% tariffs on imports from the European Union, with the measures expected to hit the auto sector particularly hard. Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Trump warned that the levies would be applied broadly, while his strong criticism of the EU underscores a deepening trade dispute.

EU Eases Emissions Rules on Petrol Cars to Support Auto Industry

UK to Extend Sick Pay to Low-Paid Workers from Day One

Portugal’s Unemployment Rate Falls to 6.2%, Lowest in Over Two Years

Nations Agree to Finance Nature Protection with $200bn Annual Investment by 2030

French Inflation Hits Four-Year Low at 0.8% in February

EU and India Target Ambitious Trade Deal Amid Tariff Tensions

Gatwick Second Runway Backed by Government

Donald Trump to Impose 25% Tariffs on EU Imports, Targeting the Auto Sector

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