Author: staff
A major energy deal between an Italian firm and the state oil company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) has been confirmed by the European Commission. The EC approved the acquisition of Italiana Petroli S.p.A. (IP) and its subsidiary MIP S.p.A. by Azerbaijan’s SOCAR, citing that the transaction does not raise competition concerns under EU merger rules. The decision was taken on 19 February under the EU Merger Regulation and cleared through simplified procedure by Brussels. The European Commission’s merger review process, under EU regulations, is typically reserved for cases where market overlaps are limited and unlikely to distort effective competition within the…
Germany’s government has drawn heavy criticism from environmental groups after it agreed to remove parts of a controversial law on heating homes. The legislation previously stated that newly installed heating systems were required to use at least 65 per cent renewable energy – such as a heat pump. The reform will now allow homeowners to use oil and gas instead. One critic has called the move “an unconditional fulfilment of all the wishes of the fossil fuel lobby”. Germany scraps renewable heating mandate The law on renewable heating sources was passed in 2023, and hailed by climate experts as one…
The European Parliament voted to support it in December. Some MEPs who opposed it said it infringed upon EU and national rules. The Commission said Thursday it “it is not necessary to propose a new legal instrument” because “EU support can already be provided relatively quickly by Member States willing to do so under existing instruments.” Countries can use the European Social Fund plus, the Commission said, “if in accordance with their national laws, to provide such support.” This has a budget of €142.7 billion and is largely used to support employment and welfare services. “The ESF+ can support the…
By Sophia Khatsenkova & AFP Published on 26/02/2026 – 15:35 GMT+1•Updated 15:36 Iranian national Mahdieh Esfandiari was sentenced on Thursday by a Paris court to one year in prison and permanently barred from French territory for glorifying terrorism. She could become a bargaining chip in possible talks with Tehran and in the event of a prisoner swap involving French nationals Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who are still waiting to leave Iran after being held there for more than three years. Iranian authorities have indicated that, once the French legal process is completed, they want their citizen to be exchanged for the two…
Some major clients did stick by the embattled agency, including banking giant Santander. Samir Dwesar, the bank’s senior public affairs and public policy manager told POLITICO the staff “don’t deserve this,” but predicted the “consummate professionals, who have deep expertise in their areas” would “all be snapped up pretty quickly.” Another public affairs professional at a company which employed Global Counsel said there had been “no discussions” about ending their contract. “Our assessment was that Global Counsel’s leadership had taken the correct decisions under incredibly difficult circumstances,” they said. “We were confident they’d get through it.” Many staff believed the…
The possession, manufacture and trafficking of illicit firearms could soon carry prison sentences ranging from two to eight years across the entire European Union, under a new proposal unveiled by the European Commission on Thursday. The draft directive presented by the EU executive in Brussels plans to harmonise how firearms-related offences are defined and punished across the 27 member states. It argues that the divergent national rules have created loopholes that criminal networks exploit when operating across borders. The creation, acquisition, possession or dissemination of 3D-printed firearm blueprints would for instance carry a maximum prison sentence of at least two…
Updated: 26/02/2026 – 14:46 GMT+1 A sinkhole formed suddenly in Omaha, Nebraska, Tuesday afternoon and swallowed two cars stopped at a red light. Omaha Police said the two drivers were able to get out of their vehicles — and the sinkhole — by the time emergency crews arrived. No injuries were reported. … More
It’s the latest apparent outreach by the Trump administration to far-right figures in Europe, and comes despite enhanced scrutiny of tourists traveling to the United States. “The World and the West is a better place when we fight for freedom of speech and no one has been on the front lines more than Tommy,” Rittenhouse posted. “Good to see you my friend!” A U.S. Department of State spokesperson told Reuters that Robinson attended “in an unofficial capacity on a tour” Wednesday. As part of the same U.S. trip, Robinson — whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon — also shared a…
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz should prioritise Germany’s €87 billion trade deficit with China and attract Chinese investment during his state visit this week, business leaders and China experts have told Euronews. Merz arrived in China on 24 February for his first trip to the country as chancellor, accompanied by a large cross-sector business delegation including numerous small and medium-sized enterprises. “Political relations have a direct impact on the business success of German companies in China,” said Oliver Oehms, managing director of the German Chamber of Commerce in North China. “It is therefore all the more important that the chancellor signals…
Published on 26/02/2026 – 10:20 GMT+1•Updated 10:24 The global demand for advanced chips is growing at an unprecedented pace. Innovation hubs such as the Belgian research centre imec, are shaping the next generation of technology by training talent and supporting startups to meet global challenges across computing, healthcare and AI. “If you open your phone or any modern device, you will see chips. Semiconductors have driven the renaissance in computing and communication, and today they’re enabling AI,” said Max Mirgoli, Chief Global Development, Partnerships and Venturing Officer and EVP at imec. Leading nanoelectronics Imec, headquartered in Belgium and often called…