The Brussels Economic Forum (BEF) is the European Commission’s annual flagship economic event. For more than 25 years, it has brought together political leaders, business representatives, civil society, academics, and key economic actors to engage in forward-looking discussions on key issues shaping
EasyJet's board has accepted Apollo Global Management's cash offer of £7.15 per share, valuing the airline at £5.7 billion, surpassing Castlelake's previous bid. The airline faces regulatory hurdles within EU law regarding ownership and control.
In 2025, nearly one million people worldwide joined the ranks of US dollar millionaires, with the US leading in absolute numbers. Eastern European countries, particularly Lithuania, saw the fastest percentage growth in new millionaires.
ECB President Christine Lagarde stated the digital euro will complement, not replace, cash and is not designed for payment tracing. The European Parliament approved its negotiating mandate, moving closer to adoption by end-2026. Lagarde emphasized strengthening Europe's payment autonomy.
Spain's Finance Minister Carlos Cuerpo proposed a new "European Sovereign Facility" for joint EU borrowing to strengthen the euro's international role amid geopolitical uncertainty. The mechanism aims to centralize debt, reduce costs, and build a €5 trillion stock within five years, though some member states oppose further joint debt.
The European Commission has initiated an investigation into Chinese Peking duck imports following complaints from EU producers about unfairly low prices and alleged subsidies. This move escalates trade tensions between the EU and China, potentially impacting ongoing negotiations.
Volkswagen's management faces potential major conflict with unions over reported plans to cut up to 100,000 jobs and close four factories. IG Metall warns of strong opposition to restructuring aimed at addressing competition, EV margins, and US tariffs.
