EU faces trade war on many fronts

The EU's efforts to enhance private sector pensions amid an ageing population have been deemed ineffective by the European Court of Auditors, revealing that the cross-border pension product launched three years ago has attracted only 5,000 users and less than 0.0002% of its €700bn target. The report highlights the reliance on state pension systems in many EU countries and the pressing need for supplementary pensions as the over-65 demographic is projected to rise significantly. Challenges...

The inaugural Europe’s Best Employers covers 1,000 companies across 26 industries, examining various aspects of employment. The report highlights Germany’s employee-employer decision-making model, the appeal of financial services, the necessity of strong management, the benefits of good employment practices in retail, and the advantages of working in technology. Through these insights, the report emphasizes the importance of effective management and positive workplace environments for attracting and retaining talent across diverse sectors. Full Article

A temporary truce in the US-China trade war highlights a new era of economic friction, negatively impacting global growth. While targeted tariffs may have merit for national security, broad permanent tariffs aimed at boosting US wealth are misguided, as free trade enhances welfare through specialization, as demonstrated by David Ricardo's principles. The shift towards tariffs jeopardizes trade benefits, as seen in the US-Canada aluminum example, where domestic production may not be feasible, stressing the need...

In 2023, IT spending in Europe reached approximately $1.1 trillion, driven by increased demand for AI technology and the necessary infrastructure. While European tech firms struggle to compete with higher salaries and more prestigious roles offered by US companies, they provide attractive work-life balance and benefits, as highlighted by the Financial Times' ranking of top employers, with OneAdvanced leading due to its supportive culture and employee development initiatives. SAP, now Europe's most valuable company, emphasizes...

With a historical lens, the UN is marking 2025 as the centenary of quantum mechanics, prompting a reflection on the ambiguity present in atomic phenomena. Similarly, Britain's relationship with the EU mirrors a quantum superposition, as it remains outside the EU yet is impacted by its rules, leading to a continuous negotiation dynamic. The article argues that as Britain navigates its status, any attempts to redefine its ties with the EU will face challenges, revealing...

Brussels is pushing for EU governments to prioritize European bidders in public procurement tenders, termed the "Buy European Act," as a response to US trade policies and a move towards greater self-sufficiency in strategic sectors like technology and defense. Stéphane Séjourné, the EU's executive vice-president for industry, emphasized the need for harmonized internal market rules and the potential to bar foreign companies from bidding on government contracts, despite the risks of violating international trade agreements....