EUBizNews Editorial

EUBizNews Editorial

Editorial Desk

EUBizNews Editorial covers business, investment, startups, energy, mining, infrastructure and EU–Latin America economic relations.

Articles by EUBizNews Editorial

354 articles
Food multinationals expand sales in Latin America, but profitability comes under pressure
Latin America

Food multinationals expand sales in Latin America, but profitability comes under pressure

Latin America remains a growth engine for some of the world’s largest food and beverage groups, yet stronger sales are not translating proportionally into earnings. Currency volatility, higher input costs, intense competition and pressure on household purchasing power are squeezing margins, forcing companies to balance price increases with the need to protect volumes and market share.

Merlin Properties and Telefónica emerge among Spanish value picks for top European fund managers
Markets

Merlin Properties and Telefónica emerge among Spanish value picks for top European fund managers

Spanish equities represent only around 5% of portfolios in Europe’s large-cap value fund category, but two Madrid-listed companies are attracting renewed interest. Merlin Properties offers exposure to the booming data-centre infrastructure market, while Telefónica’s restructuring and focus on Spain, the UK, Germany and Brazil are supporting the investment case despite persistent competitive pressures.

Europe’s economy may lag the US, but its companies are telling a different story
Europe

Europe’s economy may lag the US, but its companies are telling a different story

Eurozone growth remains modest, yet investors are finding opportunities in globally dominant European companies, from ASML and luxury groups to banks, defence manufacturers and electrical infrastructure specialists. With around two-thirds of listed European companies’ revenues generated outside the region, the investment case for Europe increasingly depends less on GDP growth and more on the global reach of its corporate champions.

Spain’s inflation climbs to 3.6% as energy costs reignite price pressures
Europe

Spain’s inflation climbs to 3.6% as energy costs reignite price pressures

Consumer prices accelerated again in July, reaching their highest annual rate in more than two years. Electricity and fuel are driving the rebound amid renewed tensions in global energy markets, while food inflation continues to ease. The divergence highlights an increasingly uncomfortable challenge for Spain: maintaining strong economic activity while external energy shocks return to household and business costs.

Sweden’s Lovable raises €347 million and reaches an €11.5 billion valuation in Europe’s AI race
Companies

Sweden’s Lovable raises €347 million and reaches an €11.5 billion valuation in Europe’s AI race

The Stockholm-based “vibe coding” startup has secured one of Europe’s largest technology funding rounds of 2026. The deal more than doubles its valuation in just months and brings the EU-backed Scaleup Europe Fund into the company’s investor base, strengthening Europe’s effort to finance global technology champions without forcing them to relocate to the United States.

Europe’s extreme summer could wipe €180 billion from EU economies in 2026
Europe

Europe’s extreme summer could wipe €180 billion from EU economies in 2026

Heatwaves, drought, wildfires and disruptions to energy, transport and agriculture could cost the European Union close to 1% of GDP this year, according to an analysis by Triodos Bank. France emerges as the most exposed of the bloc’s major economies, while the economic consequences of extreme temperatures are increasingly turning climate adaptation into a competitiveness issue for European businesses.

Switzerland moves to tighten bank bonus rules as post-Credit Suisse reform gathers pace
Policy

Switzerland moves to tighten bank bonus rules as post-Credit Suisse reform gathers pace

The Swiss government has launched a public consultation on a new regulatory package that would force banks to link variable remuneration more closely to sustainable long-term performance. The reform would give FINMA stronger enforcement powers and impose tougher requirements on systemically important institutions such as UBS, as Bern continues to overhaul financial supervision following the collapse of Credit Suisse.

Spanish Supermarket DIA Accelerates Potential Exit from Argentina and Searches for Buyer
Companies

Spanish Supermarket DIA Accelerates Potential Exit from Argentina and Searches for Buyer

Argentina remains a valuable business because of its scale, logistics infrastructure and brand recognition, but persistent operating difficulties have weakened the subsidiary's contribution to the group. Market estimates cited around the potential transaction have put its possible value at approximately €400 million to €450 million, although DIA has not announced an official valuation.

Fastmail Launches EU Data Region as European Demand for Digital Sovereignty Grows
Companies

Fastmail Launches EU Data Region as European Demand for Digital Sovereignty Grows

Australian email provider Fastmail has introduced an EU data region, allowing customers to keep the primary copy of their email and files on company-operated infrastructure in Amsterdam. The move responds to growing European demand for greater control over where corporate and personal information is stored. However, the architecture remains partly transatlantic, meaning the option improves data residency without eliminating transfers or storage in the United States.

Household Income Slows Across the OECD as Greece and Austria Record Sharp Declines
Europe

Household Income Slows Across the OECD as Greece and Austria Record Sharp Declines

Household purchasing power is showing signs of weakness across advanced economies despite continued economic growth. Real household income per capita increased by just 0.2% across the OECD in the first quarter of 2026, while real GDP per capita grew by 0.3%. Greece and Austria recorded the steepest income declines, while Hungary and Chile stood out with strong gains, highlighting an increasingly uneven economic picture.

Volkswagen’s Major Shareholders Urge Swift Action to Restore Competitiveness
Companies

Volkswagen’s Major Shareholders Urge Swift Action to Restore Competitiveness

Volkswagen’s principal shareholders have intensified calls for decisive action to strengthen the automaker’s long-term competitiveness, backing management’s restructuring efforts as the company faces mounting pressure from rising production costs, slowing profitability and fierce competition from Chinese manufacturers. The debate comes at a critical moment as Europe's largest carmaker seeks to redefine its strategy for the coming decade.

Latin American Airlines Challenge Global Rivals with Strong Profitability and Leaner Business Models
Latin America

Latin American Airlines Challenge Global Rivals with Strong Profitability and Leaner Business Models

After years marked by financial restructuring and market turbulence, Latin America's largest airlines have emerged as some of the industry's strongest performers. Supported by disciplined capacity management, streamlined operations and resilient demand, leading carriers such as LATAM Airlines and Copa Airlines are posting profitability levels that rival—or even surpass—many major airlines in Europe and North America.

European Stock Markets Reach Record Highs as Defense, AI and Financial Shares Lead 2026 Rally
Markets

European Stock Markets Reach Record Highs as Defense, AI and Financial Shares Lead 2026 Rally

European equity markets have climbed to historic highs in 2026, supported by resilient corporate earnings, easing monetary conditions and strong investor appetite for sectors such as artificial intelligence, defense, banking and industrial technology. Several companies have delivered triple-digit share price gains, highlighting the broad transformation underway across Europe's capital markets.

EU Food Standards Spark Debate Over Future of UK Meat Imports
Markets

EU Food Standards Spark Debate Over Future of UK Meat Imports

Proposed changes linked to the evolving UK–EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) framework have reignited debate within Britain's agricultural sector over the potential impact of future meat imports. Farming organisations have expressed concerns that regulatory alignment and changes to import rules could increase competition from overseas producers, while government officials argue that the agreement is designed to simplify trade without compromising food safety standards.

TGS Advances Multi-Billion-Euro Investment Plan for Landmark Natural Gas Liquids Project
Companies

TGS Advances Multi-Billion-Euro Investment Plan for Landmark Natural Gas Liquids Project

Argentine energy infrastructure company Transportadora de Gas del Sur (TGS) is moving ahead with its long-term capital expenditure programme for its flagship Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) project, one of the largest energy infrastructure developments in Argentina's history. With a total investment of approximately €2.6 billion, the initiative aims to unlock additional value from Vaca Muerta's natural gas production while significantly expanding the country's export capacity.

European Banks Shift Focus to Operational Excellence as Interest Rate Windfalls Fade
Europe

European Banks Shift Focus to Operational Excellence as Interest Rate Windfalls Fade

European banks are entering a new phase in which operational excellence, cost efficiency and digital transformation are becoming the primary drivers of profitability. As the extraordinary earnings generated by higher interest rates begin to moderate, financial institutions are increasingly focused on improving productivity, streamlining operations and investing in technology to sustain long-term growth.

Virtual Agrifood Business Forum Generates More Than €21 Million in Trade Opportunities Across Latin America and the Caribbean
Latin America

Virtual Agrifood Business Forum Generates More Than €21 Million in Trade Opportunities Across Latin America and the Caribbean

More than 700 companies from Latin America and the Caribbean participated in a virtual agrifood business matchmaking event that generated prospective commercial agreements worth more than €21 million. The initiative reinforced regional trade integration by connecting producers, exporters and buyers from across the Americas through a digital platform.

MAIRE Wins €1.3 Billion Contract to Build Latin America’s Largest Urea Production Complex in Argentina
Companies

MAIRE Wins €1.3 Billion Contract to Build Latin America’s Largest Urea Production Complex in Argentina

Italian engineering group MAIRE, through its subsidiary Tecnimont, has secured a €1.3 billion contract to develop what will become the largest urea production complex in Latin America. The project, commissioned by Fértil Pampa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pampa Energía, will strengthen Argentina’s fertilizer production capacity and reduce the region’s dependence on imports.

Spain Nominates Pablo Hernández de Cos for Historic Bid to Lead the European Central Bank
Policy

Spain Nominates Pablo Hernández de Cos for Historic Bid to Lead the European Central Bank

Spain has formally nominated Pablo Hernández de Cos, former governor of the Bank of Spain and current General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), to become the next President of the European Central Bank (ECB). The move marks Madrid's first attempt to secure the institution's top position and reflects the country's ambition to strengthen its influence over eurozone monetary policy.

EU-Mexico Trade Pact Set to Deepen Investment, Market Access and Business Cooperation
Policy

EU-Mexico Trade Pact Set to Deepen Investment, Market Access and Business Cooperation

The modernized trade agreement between the European Union and Mexico is expected to significantly strengthen economic ties by reducing tariffs, expanding access to public procurement markets and enhancing the protection of geographical indications (GIs). The updated framework is designed to boost bilateral trade, encourage investment and create new opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

ECB Decision and PMI Data Set the Tone for Global Markets Next Week
Markets

ECB Decision and PMI Data Set the Tone for Global Markets Next Week

Investors will closely monitor next week’s preliminary business activity data from the eurozone, the United States and the United Kingdom, alongside the European Central Bank’s latest monetary policy meeting. The combination of PMI indicators, interest-rate guidance and persistent geopolitical uncertainty is expected to shape market expectations for economic growth and central bank policy during the second half of the year.

Fourthline and Veridas Merge to Create Global Digital Identity and Compliance Platform
Companies

Fourthline and Veridas Merge to Create Global Digital Identity and Compliance Platform

European digital identity specialists Fourthline and Veridas have announced a merger aimed at creating one of the world’s largest independent identity verification and compliance providers. The new company will combine AI-powered biometric authentication, Know Your Customer (KYC) technologies and fraud prevention solutions to serve financial institutions, governments and regulated industries worldwide.

ASML Raises Forecast as AI Boom Fuels Europe's Most Valuable Company
Companies

ASML Raises Forecast as AI Boom Fuels Europe's Most Valuable Company

Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML has raised its 2026 revenue forecast after reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly results, reinforcing confidence that the global artificial intelligence boom continues to drive demand for advanced chips. The upgraded outlook strengthens ASML's position as Europe's most valuable listed company and highlights the continent's growing role in the AI supply chain.

European Central Bank Selects 36 Payment Providers to Advance the Digital Euro Project
Markets

European Central Bank Selects 36 Payment Providers to Advance the Digital Euro Project

The European Central Bank (ECB) has selected 36 payment service providers to participate in the pilot phase of the digital euro, marking a major milestone in the development of the European Union's future central bank digital currency. The year-long pilot will begin in the second half of 2027 and is intended to test the technical infrastructure, payment processes and user experience ahead of a potential launch in 2029.

Europe's Corporate Debt: Which Countries Rely Most on Borrowing?
Europe

Europe's Corporate Debt: Which Countries Rely Most on Borrowing?

Corporate debt levels vary sharply across Europe, reflecting differences in financial structures, economic models and access to capital markets. While countries such as Luxembourg, France and Sweden rank among those with the highest levels of corporate borrowing relative to GDP, other economies—including Romania, Lithuania and Bulgaria—maintain far lower corporate debt ratios. The figures highlight how financing strategies differ across the European Union and what they mean for competitiveness and investment.

BBVA to Stand Trial in Spain's Villarejo Case, Marking a Major Corporate Governance Test
Companies

BBVA to Stand Trial in Spain's Villarejo Case, Marking a Major Corporate Governance Test

Spain's National Court has ordered BBVA, its former chairman Francisco González and several former executives to stand trial over the long-running Villarejo case, one of the country's most significant corporate governance investigations in recent years. The proceedings are expected to test the effectiveness of corporate compliance, internal controls and executive accountability in large financial institutions.

Energy Transition Minerals Expands Spanish Mining Strategy as Europe Seeks Critical Mineral Security
Companies

Energy Transition Minerals Expands Spanish Mining Strategy as Europe Seeks Critical Mineral Security

Energy Transition Minerals (ETM) is accelerating its search for new mining opportunities in Spain while awaiting the outcome of a long-running dispute over its flagship rare earth project in Greenland. The move highlights Europe's growing urgency to secure domestic supplies of critical minerals essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies and industrial competitiveness.