Economy

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

March 3, 2025

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.

German Central Bank Suffers First Loss Since 1979

February 25, 2025

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German Central Bank Suffers First Loss Since 1979

The Bundesbank posted its first annual loss since 1979, reporting a €19.2bn deficit in 2024 amid rapid changes in eurozone interest rate policy. While losses may continue in 2025, President Joachim Nagel noted that the worst appears to be over. The shortfall, driven by increased interest expenses and low yields on long-dated securities, has forced the bank to draw on its limited reserves. Despite the setback, the Bundesbank remains confident that future profits will eventually offset current losses, even as it focuses on maintaining price stability and a strong balance sheet.

Ukraine Agrees Framework Minerals Deal with the US

February 25, 2025

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Ukraine Agrees Framework Minerals Deal with the US

Ukraine has reached an agreement with the US on a framework deal to jointly develop its mineral resources, including oil and gas, in a bid to strengthen its ties with Washington and secure long-term support. The deal, which removes the previously proposed onerous terms demanding a US right to $500bn in potential revenue, will establish a fund where Ukraine contributes 50% of the proceeds from future monetisation of state-owned mineral resources excluding those already generating revenue for Naftogaz and Ukrnafta.

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

German Central Bank Suffers First Loss Since 1979

Ukraine Agrees Framework Minerals Deal with the US

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