Versace names Pieter Mulier as chief creative officer, effective July 1, following its acquisition by Prada Group. Mulier, known for innovative designs at Alaïa, succeeds Dario Vitale amid strategic changes.

Germany has enacted a law mandating streaming services and broadcasters to allocate eight percent of domestic revenues to German and European productions, with an annual fund of 250 million euros. While supported by the ruling coalition, industry reception is mixed, highlighting concerns about market impact and alignment with European standards.

Akkodis and POLITICO's Innovation & Tech Summit in Brussels focused on transforming AI research into practical applications across various sectors. Europe's aim is to balance regulatory leadership with scalable AI deployment, while addressing reliance on non-European infrastructures.

Berlin's BER airport halts departures due to severe freezing rain, impacting travel as de-icing proves impossible. Rail and urban transit face similar disruptions, with authorities urging caution and travel monitoring.

Alstom is establishing a new hub in Naples to enhance Italy's rail infrastructure, focusing on collaboration and innovation. The hub aims to bolster local employment and support regional mobility through advanced signaling and telecommunications projects.

Kembara, a European deep-tech fund by Mundi Ventures, has raised €750 million towards a €1 billion target to fuel climate tech startups in Europe. The fund aims to scale innovative companies with non-dilutive capital and equity to support global expansion.

Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against the European Commission, accusing it of violating EU law by inadequately assessing the Barroso project's environmental impacts. The case could set a precedent in balancing strategic energy projects with ecosystem protection, as concerns over water scarcity and biodiversity loss are raised.

Parliament is set to consolidate three bills with a government proposal to restrict foreign property sales, empowering the land registry director to block transfers breaching these rules. Aiming to close legal loopholes, the reforms target indirect acquisitions, addressing national security concerns amid geopolitical tensions like the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

France prioritizes its fight against ISIS, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visiting key Middle Eastern nations to bolster alliances and coordination against threats. Barrot's mission involves engagement with Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, focusing on regional security and Kurdish rights amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Ecraid, a pan-European clinical research network, aims to enhance Europe's infectious disease response with a ready-to-deploy infrastructure. Under new CEO Derde, the focus is on everyday preparedness and international collaboration, backed by EU funding to sustain a public-private research model.

Stuttgart experienced a citywide power outage on February 5, affecting public services and causing minor transit disruptions, but power was restored within seconds. Authorities prioritized safety and service restoration, with no major incidents reported beyond standard alarms and minor delays.

Volkswagen and Stellantis are urging the EU to implement a 'Made in Europe' strategy, tying market access for EVs to European production standards. The proposal aims to boost local manufacturing, providing subsidies and incentives while balancing competitive strength and resilience.

France unveils a comprehensive fertility reform plan, led by experts Samir Hamamah and Salomé Berlioux, to address high infant and maternal mortality rates. The initiative includes a birth registry by 2027, new egg-freezing facilities, and expanded care for conditions like PCOS, while maintaining ethical oversight.

Germany's chancellor prioritizes pension reform in 2026, with a commission set to deliver recommendations by mid-year. The plan aims to balance statutory pensions with private and occupational components.

Italy's defense minister hints Germany might join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), possibly moving away from the troubled FCAS project. The UK and Japan remain committed to GCAP, aiming for a sixth-gen fighter by 2035, despite Italy's soaring costs and domestic criticism.

Italy's visa halt from February 2026 disrupts European travel, complicating itineraries and impacting the Schengen multi-country trip system. Countries like Spain, France, and Switzerland face tourism challenges, while the UK sees a rise in UK-only plans.

The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) marks a significant shift in competition policy, introducing pre-emptive regulation for digital markets to enhance fairness and contestability. This framework empowers the European Commission and national authorities to enforce rules, aiming to balance market power and addressing geopolitical implications, while raising questions about its proportionality across diverse business models.

Cyprus is leveraging its European Presidency to advocate for a fair and sustainable future of work, coinciding with the informal Council of Ministers of Labour meeting on February 12-13. The agenda focuses on managing digitalization and the green transition, emphasizing social justice and strong social protection.

Greece is clamping down on short-term rentals in Athens and Thessaloniki to address housing shortages, with new registration freezes in key areas. Tax revenues from these rentals nearly hit €1 billion in 2025, highlighting their economic impact.