European businesses

European governments are rolling out tax cuts and subsidies in an effort to cushion households and businesses from record-high fuel prices. The measures reflect growing political pressure across the continent as energy costs strain consumers and feed into broader inflation concerns. Officials are weighing how to keep relief targeted without worsening budget deficits.

Singapore's state-owned investor Temasek Holdings has bought a 9% stake in the management company of FSI, an Italian private equity firm. The deal marks a further step in Temasek's expansion into European asset management. Business observers are watching what the Singaporean capital presence could mean for FSI's investment strategy and Italy's private equity market.

The US government is seeking to insert itself into Elon Musk's €120 million legal fight with Brussels, according to The Register. The clash stems from European Union regulatory action against Musk's businesses, and Washington's decision to weigh in escalates what was already a high-stakes transatlantic standoff over tech regulation, adding diplomatic weight to an ongoing corporate-legal battle.

The European Union has updated its anti-greenwashing rules, tightening how companies can make environmental claims about their products. The revised law aims to ban vague or unverified sustainability labels and require claims such as 'climate neutral' to be backed by evidence. Businesses and marketers are watching closely to see how the changes will affect advertising and compliance obligations across the bloc.

The business secretary has warned that any renewed push for Britain to rejoin the European Union risks causing economic and political uncertainty. The comments come amid ongoing debate over the UK's post-Brexit relationship with Brussels, with some campaigning for closer ties or renewed membership. Critics of rejoining argue reopening the question would unsettle businesses and trade arrangements.

BMW's chief executive has said that some Chinese-made cars sold in Europe 'make no business sense,' while also supporting dialogue over tariffs rather than outright trade barriers. His comments reflect the tension facing European automakers as Chinese brands expand into Europe with competitively priced electric vehicles, prompting EU tariff discussions. The remarks signal BMW's call for a negotiated approach that protects European industry without escalating a trade conflict with China.

The Business Secretary has warned that a renewed campaign to rejoin the European Union risks creating uncertainty for businesses. The intervention comes as debate over the UK's relationship with Brussels resurfaces, with the minister arguing that reopening the question of EU membership would leave companies facing unclear long-term conditions for trade, investment and regulation.

The European Union's updated product liability framework is widening its scope so claims no longer hinge solely on physical damage. Under the new rules, compensation can cover data loss, psychological harm and damage from software and AI-enabled products. Commentators say the shift significantly raises exposure for manufacturers and tech firms selling into the EU market.

New software tools are making it easier for United States e-commerce sellers to enter European markets, according to an E-Commerce Times report. The tools are said to lower barriers such as logistics, compliance and cross-border payments, letting smaller merchants sell to European customers. Details on which tools and companies are involved were not provided.

OpenForum Europe has announced that the EU Open Source Policy Summit 2027 will take place on 29 January 2027 as a hybrid event, with an in-person gathering in Brussels, Belgium, and online participation available. The summit brings together policymakers, developers and businesses to discuss the role of open source software in European digital policy, and the announcement is now listed on the foss.events calendar.

Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former Fox News host and Donald Trump Jr.'s former partner who has been serving as US ambassador to Greece, is traveling Europe promoting business and investment deals. A Wall Street Journal report focuses on an unidentified man who keeps appearing at her side, raising questions about who he is and what role he plays in her European dealings.

Accenture and osapiens have announced a project to make packaging company DS Smith's global supply chain more transparent and compliant with evolving EU regulations. The initiative is aimed at helping DS Smith meet incoming sustainability and supply chain due diligence requirements from the European Union. The announcement was carried by Business Wire.