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On September 18, 2025, hundreds of thousands of protesters across France staged strikes and demonstrations against proposed austerity measures under new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Unions oppose budget cuts, social welfare freezes, and pension reforms raising retirement age from 62 to 64. The government deployed 80,000 police to maintain order amid disruptions in transport, schools, and healthcare.
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The EU is considering a proposal to redirect approximately €180 billion in Russian assets held at Euroclear to fund loans for Ukraine. This move aims to leverage frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv's war effort, amid ongoing debates over legality and political implications. The plan is still under discussion as of late September 2025.
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Recent US tariffs and trade negotiations are reshaping global supply chains. Europe and Southeast Asia face new barriers, while US allies like South Korea and Australia grapple with demands for large investment packages and tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. The impact on regional economies is significant today, October 6, 2025.
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European allies are close to agreeing on a mechanism to provide Ukraine with loans that avoid asset seizures, aiming to support Ukraine's economy and military purchases. The EU plans to finalize this at a Brussels summit next week, marking a significant step in Ukraine's financial security amid ongoing conflict.
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Eurozone growth remains weak, hindered by US tariffs and sluggish German and Italian economies. The ECB keeps rates steady despite the US Federal Reserve cutting rates. Meanwhile, the US faces rising debt levels, with the IMF warning of surpassing Greece and Italy in debt-to-GDP by 2030.
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ECB President Lagarde advocates for reforms in EU governance, corporate law, and mutual recognition to reduce internal barriers and boost growth. She praises recent increases in defense and infrastructure spending, emphasizing their positive impact on Europe's economy.