July 3, 2025
Italy's film department head Nicola Borrelli resigns amid a $1M tax credit scandal linked to an unproduced film. The controversy deepens with producer Kaufmann's involvement in a double murder case.
France fines Shein €40 million for misleading practices and false discounts after a year-long investigation by DGCCRF. Shein claims to have implemented corrective measures, but scrutiny over sustainability and consumer protection intensifies, threatening its fast-fashion model.
The Eurozone Services PMI rose to 50.5 in June, signaling a slight recovery from May's contraction. Germany's manufacturing PMI hit a 34-month high, though risks remain from trade tensions and energy costs.
Germany's coalition government faces backlash for failing to lower electricity taxes for consumers, despite previous promises. Finance Minister Klingbeil's budget prioritizes industry tax cuts and pension benefits, citing budget constraints.
The European Parliament faces a scandal as the dissolved far-right Identity and Democracy group is suspected of misappropriating 4.3 million euros in EU funds. An audit reveals irregular payments to firms linked to the Rassemblement National, prompting plans for a criminal complaint and further investigations by EU bodies.
Portugal's government approved a cybersecurity framework in line with the EU's NIS 2 directive to counter rising cyberattacks. The plan aims to balance security with reduced bureaucracy and awaits parliamentary ratification.
Open Cosmos has acquired Portuguese IoT startup Connected, enhancing its space-based communication capabilities. The move includes a €50 million investment in Portugal, boosting Europe's space-tech sector.
Over one million preventable deaths were recorded in the EU in 2022, with Eastern Europe hit hardest due to weakened healthcare systems. Trade unions stress reversing austerity and increasing public investment to address healthcare worker shortages and improve services.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a significant increase in defense spending, declaring an end to reliance on U.S. security policies and urging Europe to take charge. Highlighting the Ukraine conflict, Merz emphasized Germany's commitment to defending European freedoms and aligning with NATO's defense spending targets.
The UK, EU, Spain, and Gibraltar have reached a historic agreement to eliminate border checks between Gibraltar and Spain, enhancing economic ties and cross-border movement. This deal, crucial for around 14,000 EU workers and millions of land-traveling tourists, aims to bolster Gibraltar’s economy and could serve as a model for resolving complex geopolitical issues.
Saint-Louis, France faces a public health crisis as tests reveal dangerous PFAS levels in tap water, leading to a consumption ban. The contamination, linked to firefighting foam, demands costly filtration measures and sparks widespread concern.
A European Parliament report accuses the National Rally (RN) of misappropriating over 4.3 million euros between 2019 and 2024, implicating Marine Le Pen's associates. Le Pen, recently convicted for similar offenses, denies the claims, calling them politically motivated.
The European Court of Human Rights ruled Cyprus mishandled a 2011 rape allegation, violating the victim's rights and ordered the country to pay €35,470 in damages and legal costs. The court criticized Cyprus for systemic failures, including gender biases and lack of psychological support, which led to the victim's secondary victimization.
French fintech Qonto has filed for a banking license in France, aiming to expand its services beyond its current payment institution status. CEO Alexandre Prot stresses this move aligns with their growth strategy, bolstering their competitive stance in the SME banking market.
French Senator Joël Guerriau faces allegations of drugging and intending to assault deputy Sandrine Josso, with Senate President Gérard Larcher pushing for ethics review. Despite being suspended from his party, Guerriau remains in the Senate under judicial control, denying charges amid additional accusations.
Stellantis is recalling 636,000 vehicles across Europe due to camshaft chain issues in the 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engines. This affects models from 2017 to 2023, including Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel, as the company addresses reliability concerns.
The French Senate is debating a contentious bill to allow some businesses to have employees work on May 1, traditionally a mandatory day off. This has sparked strong opposition from major labor unions, citing it as a threat to workers' rights.
Ryanair is set to expand its presence at Turin Airport by adding a third aircraft for Winter 2025/2026, marking its largest seasonal expansion there. This move aims to carry 3 million passengers annually, boost local employment, and increase connectivity with over 30 European destinations.
Spain has launched a new policy to expedite university access and work visas for foreign students affected by U.S. visa suspensions. This initiative, approved on June 24, 2025, aims to attract international talent and stimulate economic growth, contrasting with U.S. immigration restrictions.
The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has issued a new Statement to streamline GDPR compliance for smaller businesses, following a meeting in Helsinki. This initiative includes practical resources and aims to foster regulatory consistency across Europe, while engaging stakeholders to address compliance challenges.