Brussels warms to efforts to organise summit with Trump

The head of Europe’s largest media company, Thomas Rabe of Bertelsmann, seeks to revive the previously abandoned merger between French broadcasters M6 and TF1 as EU regulators may adopt a less stringent stance on corporate consolidation. Rabe emphasized that merging M6 and TF1 would create a strong competitor against US streaming services, and Bouygues, TF1's owner, agrees the merger has potential merit. With a shift in regulatory mindset in Brussels, Rabe is optimistic about revisiting...

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has indicated that the lessons from the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine remain unlearned as over 60 global leaders gather in London for a summit on energy security. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will host key figures, including Ursula von der Leyen and ministers from various countries, to discuss energy supply resilience amid ongoing international challenges. IEA head Fatih Birol emphasized the importance of diversifying energy...

European telecoms are pursuing mergers with hopes that new EU competition chief Teresa Ribera will relax merger regulations. Companies like Telenor and Telefónica are considering acquisitions, citing the challenge of market fragmentation in Europe, which has 41 mobile operators. While Ribera aims to factor in innovation and social goals in merger decisions, there are concerns from consumer organizations about potential negative impacts on prices and services, indicating a cautious approach to any changes in competition...

The EU, the largest single market globally, has the potential to reduce its dependence on exports to the US and China despite recent tensions with the Trump administration, which has imposed tariffs and questioned NATO commitments. To strengthen its position, Europe should complete its capital and banking unions, establish trade deals worldwide, enhance defense capabilities, support Ukraine militarily, and foster partnerships with countries that view the EU as a reliable ally. Additionally, attracting US tech...

A leaked report reveals that British cancer patients are suffering due to Brexit-related delays, which prevent access to life-saving drugs and disrupt clinical trials for innovative treatments. As cancer diagnoses rise amidst an ageing population and enhanced awareness, the need for global collaboration in developing new medicines has become increasingly crucial. The report underscores the human cost of these clinical trial setbacks, emphasizing that "children with cancer cannot wait" for timely access to essential treatments....

The EU is set to propose special youth visas at the upcoming summit, with a rebranded “youth opportunity scheme” expected to be a key topic, offering renewed travel opportunities post-Brexit. This development is particularly promising given anticipated new European train routes, potentially including direct connections from London to Italy. However, Brexit's consequences extend beyond travel, negatively impacting trade, productivity, healthcare with ongoing drug shortages, and hindering cancer research due to difficulties in attracting scientists and...