-
Prada has finalized its acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings for €1.25 billion ($1.38 billion). This strategic move aims to bolster Prada's position in the luxury market amid a slowdown, while Versace seeks revitalization after recent financial struggles. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025.
-
The EU is considering a youth mobility scheme allowing young Europeans to live and work in the UK for up to 12 months. This proposal aims to facilitate a post-Brexit reset in relations, focusing on migration, trade, and defense. Discussions are ongoing, with varying opinions within the UK government regarding the scheme's implementation.
-
Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized the importance of the UK's trading relationship with the EU over the US during her Washington visit. This comes amid rising trade tensions following recent US tariffs on UK exports. Reeves aims to secure a deal that benefits both parties while maintaining EU ties.
-
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is in Washington for the IMF spring meetings, advocating for a trade deal with the US amid ongoing tensions from Donald Trump's tariffs. She aims to negotiate reductions on tariffs affecting UK exports, particularly in the automotive and steel sectors, while emphasizing the importance of British national interests.
-
Spain has announced a €10.5 billion investment plan to meet NATO's 2% defense spending target by 2025, while Italy is under pressure to increase its military budget amid U.S. demands. Both countries face political challenges as they navigate public sentiment and fiscal constraints.
-
As of April 25, 2025, U.S. CEOs express growing concerns about an economic slowdown, despite President Trump's optimistic trade rhetoric. Business leaders are wary of the impact of tariffs and the potential for recession, particularly affecting Middle America. The outlook remains uncertain as negotiations with China continue.
-
As of April 25, 2025, central banks are responding to economic pressures from U.S. tariffs. The Bank of Russia maintained its key rate at 21%, while the Reserve Bank of India cut its rate to 6%. The European Central Bank has also lowered rates to 2.25%, reflecting growing concerns over inflation and economic growth.
-
During a recent meeting at the White House, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about a potential trade deal between the U.S. and the European Union. While Meloni's visit marked a significant diplomatic moment, concrete progress on tariffs remains uncertain.
-
On April 24, 2025, China condemned US tariffs during a UN Security Council meeting, asserting they violate international trade rules. The US dismissed the meeting as insubstantial. Tensions escalate as both nations impose significant tariffs on each other's goods, impacting global trade dynamics.
-
As of April 18, 2025, crude oil prices have fallen to around $51 per barrel, the lowest in two years. This decline is attributed to escalating tariffs and fears of a global economic slowdown, impacting both U.S. and Russian oil producers while benefiting consumers at the pump. The situation remains volatile as OPEC+ plans to increase production.
-
China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic agreed to start negotiations on electric vehicle pricing and investment ties. This follows a broader dialogue between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and EU leaders, aiming to address trade frictions exacerbated by U.S. tariffs. The discussions signal a potential thaw in relations amid ongoing economic challenges.
-
On April 14, 2025, EU foreign ministers sanctioned seven Iranian individuals and two organizations for the detention of EU citizens, labeling it state-sponsored hostage-taking. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans, targeting officials linked to human rights violations in Iranian prisons, particularly Evin Prison.
-
On April 15, 2025, a London conference aimed to unify international responses to the ongoing Sudan crisis, despite Sudan's absence. The EU and UK pledged significant aid, while Sudan criticized the gathering for excluding its representatives amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian needs.
-
On April 14, 2025, Hungary's parliament passed a constitutional amendment banning public LGBTQ+ events, including Pride. The ruling Fidesz party, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, claims the amendment protects children's rights but critics argue it undermines human rights and freedom of assembly. Protests erupted in response to the legislation.
-
Supermarkets in the UK are facing backlash for deep discounts on vegetables, with prices as low as 8p for 2kg bags of potatoes. Farmers warn that such pricing undermines the true cost of production. Retailers argue that discounts promote healthy eating, but concerns about long-term impacts on the agricultural sector persist.
-
On April 9, 2025, President Trump announced significant tariff increases on China, raising them to 104%. This follows reciprocal tariffs from China and aims to counteract their retaliatory measures. The executive order also triples tariffs on low-cost parcels from China, intensifying the ongoing trade conflict.
-
Italy has begun transferring rejected asylum seekers to Albania, marking a controversial shift in its migration policy. This move, part of a broader strategy to manage migration, has faced legal challenges and criticism from human rights advocates. The first group of 40 men arrived in Albania on April 11, 2025.
-
Mark Zuckerberg's testimony continues in the FTC's antitrust trial against Meta, focusing on the company's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The FTC argues these purchases were part of a strategy to eliminate competition, potentially forcing Meta to divest these platforms. The trial is expected to last several weeks.
-
Ecuador's incumbent president, Daniel Noboa, has won the presidential runoff against Luisa González, securing 55.8% of the vote. González has rejected the results, alleging electoral fraud and demanding a recount. Noboa's victory comes amid rising violence linked to drug trafficking and economic challenges in the country.
-
On April 14, 2025, the European Union unveiled a €1.6 billion aid package for Palestinians, aimed at bolstering the Palestinian Authority amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. The funds will support governance reforms, economic recovery, and infrastructure development over three years, with a significant portion allocated for direct budget support.
-
On April 15, 2025, Hungary's parliament passed a constitutional amendment that restricts LGBTQ+ rights, declaring children's rights to moral development supersede other rights, including peaceful assembly. The ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition's move has sparked protests and criticism, with implications for upcoming elections and civil liberties.
-
On April 15, 2025, President Trump announced probes into semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports, signaling a potential escalation in the ongoing trade war. While considering temporary exemptions for auto imports, the administration faces backlash from markets and trading partners amid fears of economic damage.
-
On April 25, 2025, Serbian students began a 2,000-kilometer run from Novi Sad to Brussels to draw EU attention to their protests against corruption and demand justice following a deadly train station canopy collapse. This relay-style marathon follows a previous cycling journey to Strasbourg, highlighting ongoing discontent with President Vucic's government.
-
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico plans to attend the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow, despite EU concerns. Kaja Kallas, Estonia's Prime Minister, emphasized that participation in the event will not be taken lightly by EU member states, given Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
-
On the second anniversary of the Sudan conflict, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced the formation of a rival government, the 'Government of Peace and Unity.' This comes as the humanitarian crisis worsens, with 13 million displaced and no peace in sight. Analysts warn of potential permanent division in Sudan.
-
On April 16, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a historic agreement aimed at improving global pandemic preparedness and response. Following three years of negotiations, the treaty will be presented for adoption at the WHO's annual assembly next month, despite the absence of the United States from the discussions.
-
The US has imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, reaching an effective rate of 145%, while China retaliates with a 125% tariff on US imports. This trade war is expected to significantly impact global trade, with predictions of a 0.2% decline in 2025. The situation remains fluid as both nations navigate escalating tensions.
-
As of April 17, 2025, Europe's financial markets are experiencing a resurgence, attributed to shifts in global trade dynamics under Donald Trump's policies. The euro has reached a three-year high, and European assets are outperforming their American counterparts, signaling a significant change in market sentiment.
-
The European Union has designated seven countries as 'safe' for migrants, expediting asylum applications to three months. This decision has drawn criticism from rights groups concerned about human rights violations in these nations. The list includes Kosovo, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Morocco, Colombia, and Tunisia.
-
Blue Shield of California disclosed on April 23, 2025, that it shared sensitive patient data with Google from 2021 until January 2024. The breach affects approximately 4.7 million individuals, with personal health information exposed due to a misconfiguration in Google Analytics. The insurer is notifying affected members as required by law.
-
The International Monetary Fund has downgraded global growth forecasts due to President Trump's recent tariff increases, which have created uncertainty for U.S. businesses and prompted retaliatory measures from other countries. The IMF now expects U.S. growth to slow significantly in 2025, raising inflation concerns as well.
-
On April 17, 2025, the European Central Bank (ECB) lowered its benchmark interest rate to 2.25% to stimulate economic activity amid slowing growth and rising trade tensions due to U.S. tariffs. This decision follows a series of rate cuts aimed at addressing inflation that has recently stabilized.
-
On April 17, 2025, President Trump announced a revived minerals deal with Ukraine during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The agreement aims to allow U.S. access to Ukrainian mineral deposits in exchange for financial and military aid, signaling a potential thaw in U.S.-Ukraine relations.
-
President Trump warned that the US may withdraw from peace negotiations aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict unless rapid progress is made. This follows comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating a shift in US diplomatic strategy. Meanwhile, Russia continues military operations, complicating the situation further.
-
The IMF has revised its global growth forecast down to 2.8% for 2025, citing the impact of U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty. U.S. growth is projected at 1.8%, with recession odds rising to 37%. The report highlights a significant slowdown in major economies, including the UK and China.
