Three-quarters of councils expect to abandon or delay house building projects in blow to Labour’s plans

Germany's audit regulator, Apas, expressed concern over Republican plans to dismantle the US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), questioning the potential negative impact on audit quality and international cooperation. In a letter to PCAOB chair Erica Williams, Apas leaders highlighted the importance of the PCAOB's independence and its role in safeguarding investor interests through bilateral agreements, particularly as German firms audit significant US issuers. The proposed reform, aimed at transferring oversight to the SEC,...

Preparations for a post-Brexit "reset" of UK-EU relations faced setbacks as EU member states demanded concessions from London regarding fishing rights and youth mobility, just five days before a summit. EU diplomats highlighted the need for long-term access to British waters for fishermen and equal tuition fees for EU students at UK universities to lower trade barriers. The proposed agreements include a youth mobility scheme and an arbitration panel for disputes, but the UK government...

The EU’s general court has ruled against the European Commission regarding the publication of private text messages between president Ursula von der Leyen and Pfizer’s CEO during Covid-19 vaccine negotiations. The New York Times had sued for the disclosure of these messages, and the court determined the commission failed to provide a credible explanation for their unavailability, breaching the principle of good administration under EU law. This ruling emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability...

Denmark is considering lifting its 40-year ban on nuclear energy to better manage its electricity supply and prevent blackouts like those recently experienced in Spain and Portugal. Climate Minister Lars Aagaard announced that the government will spend a year analyzing the implications of reviving nuclear power, particularly focusing on new technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs). With rising energy security concerns and backing from private investors, including a €350mn fund by billionaire Joachim Ante, the...

Sir Keir Starmer will meet EU leaders in Tirana, Albania, this week to finalize post-Brexit relations ahead of the EU-UK summit on May 19. Key issues, including fisheries, youth mobility, and agrifood trade, remain under negotiation, with both sides optimistic about a security and defense pact. However, tensions persist over fishing access and trade agreements, with some UK ministers open to aligning with EU rules, while the EU seeks improved access for EU students to...

Turkey's military is gaining prominence, marked by the successful launch and landing of a TB3 attack drone from a Turkish aircraft carrier, a first for self-piloted vehicles. President Erdoğan emphasizes Turkey's strategic significance to European security amidst democratic backsliding, as NATO members seek closer ties with Ankara. The Turkish defense industry is booming, with ongoing military support to Ukraine and efforts to engage in EU defense discussions, reflecting Turkey's growing influence in regional and global...