Business
Indonesia expects B50 biodiesel to save Rp170 trillion in 2026 as the 50% palm-based fuel blend reduces dependence on imported diesel use.
Oil prices reached their highest closes since mid-June, with Brent above $88 and WTI above $82 after reduced Gulf tanker movements.
United States trade officials used Section 301 to add a 25% tariff on Brazilian goods after reviewing digital trade, ethanol and deforestation.
Higher energy prices and weak confidence push the IMF’s euro area outlook to 0.9% growth in 2026 and 1.2% in 2027, with inflation at 2.9%.
Volkswagen is examining up to 100,000 job reductions worldwide while existing German agreements cover about 50,000 positions by 2030.
The modernised EU-Mexico trade agreement receives Council approval, while Mexico’s procedures remain required for entry into force.
Russian gas exports to the EU increased in early 2026 as Yamal LNG shipments reached record levels and TurkStream pipeline flows also rose.
Italy factory output declined 0.3% in May after three gains, though annual industrial production increased 1.1% on an adjusted basis.
FAO’s 2026 flagship report finds diverse suppliers, predictable trade rules and targeted reserves can strengthen global food security worldwide.
European Parliament vote opens talks with EU governments on digital euro rules, consumer access, payment services and cash protections.
Apple’s Broadcom deal supports U.S. chip manufacturing with custom silicon, radio frequency components and connectivity technology.
Austria’s latest electric steel project adds CO2-reduced output capacity as Voestalpine upgrades production at Linz and Donawitz sites.
Global intangible investment crossed US$10 trillion for the first time in 2025, WIPO said, outpacing tangible asset growth.
Global food prices eased in June, with FAO reporting lower cereal, sugar and dairy costs despite higher meat and vegetable oil prices.
Eurostat said the EU current account surplus reached €113.4 billion in Q1, equal to 2.4% of GDP, with services rising.
Eurostat’s June flash estimate showed euro area inflation easing to 2.8%, with energy still the fastest rising price component in June.
News
Britain has outlined how its 2028 electric vehicle mileage tax would use odometer readings, annual estimates and MOT records for checks.
EU officials are developing common social media age rules for children, with phased access, privacy safeguards and platform duties.
Two Fontainebleau forest fires scorch over 1,300 hectares southeast of Paris, displacing residents and disrupting major transport routes.
Travel
Europe’s new Entry/Exit System reaches full operation on April 10, completing a six-month rollout and digitizing short-stay border checks for visitors.
Flight cancellations mounted nationwide as a late winter storm brought blizzard conditions, heavy snow, strong winds and severe thunderstorms.
EU visa strategy highlights possible change to Schengen Visa Code cap enabling longer multiple-entry visas for proven travelers and a shift to digital processing.
Technology
Automotive
BMW unveiled the new electric i3 sedan with dual motors, 800-volt architecture, 400 kW fast charging and first customer deliveries set for autumn 2026.
For 2027, Mercedes-Benz lists S 500 at 442 hp, S 580 at 530 hp, and plug-in hybrid S 580e at 576 hp, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive across the lineup.
The EU is easing its 2035 combustion engine ban, revising emissions targets to protect automakers while maintaining long-term climate neutrality goals.