The key donors who contributed to the Brick by Brick campaign

The EU is preparing sanctions against two Chinese banks for allegedly facilitating banned trade with Russia, marking its first attempt to target a third-country lender involved in supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions, included in the European Commission's latest measures, require unanimous approval from EU member states and aim to close loopholes that enable Moscow's military supply chains. The decision comes amid heightened tensions, as trade between Russia and China has surged, and as...

The article discusses the challenges faced by European entrepreneurs in scaling companies, noting that no EU start-up has surpassed a €100bn market cap in over 50 years, with SAP being the last in 1972. It critiques the European Commission's "Startup and Scaleup Strategy," arguing that while better regulation and support are needed, heavy-handed intervention is counterproductive. The author advocates for a public sector-enabled, private sector-led approach to foster synergy between start-ups and industry, emphasizing the...

The UK is nearing a deal with Spain and the EU regarding Gibraltar’s post-Brexit status, a lingering issue since Brexit's implementation in early 2020. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy's recent meetings in Gibraltar and Brussels suggest progress, though officials warn that a final agreement is not yet guaranteed. Key points of contention include border policing and airport passport checks, with the UK prioritizing sovereignty while both Spain and the EU seek a role in managing...

Telefónica's Investment Strategy for Telecom ConsolidationTelefónica plans to invest in data centres and cyber security services to persuade European regulators to approve telecom mergers, aiming to lead consolidation in Europe. The company, under chair Marc Murtra, seeks to reduce the number of telecom operators from four to three in key markets, emphasizing that larger operators can enhance technological resilience. With the EU facing economic challenges, Telefónica is also considering acquiring the remaining 50% of Virgin...

This article discusses the European Union's latest sanctions package against Russia, which includes measures like banning the Nord Stream gas pipelines and reducing the oil price cap, but faces hurdles, particularly from Hungary and Slovakia. Blackstone plans to invest $500 billion in Europe, betting on economic reforms, while Denmark's climate minister emphasizes the need for a positive vision to achieve the EU’s ambitious climate goals. Amidst these challenges, the article highlights the narrowing gap between...

A German start-up, Proxima Fusion, has raised a record €130 million in funding to advance its fusion energy technology, focusing on developing a stellarator device, which is seen as a viable alternative to traditional tokamaks. This investment, led by Cherry Ventures and Balderton Capital, positions Proxima as a potential leader in fusion power, aiming to construct a unique magnet by 2027 and a demonstration plant by 2031, as emphasized by CEO Francesco Sciortino. With strong...