European businesses

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said measured interest rate increases remain the appropriate tool to bring eurozone inflation back down. Her remarks, reported by Reuters and financial outlets, signal the ECB intends to keep tightening policy in careful steps rather than pause or accelerate, as policymakers weigh persistent price pressures against slowing economic growth across the euro area.

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 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 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.

The European Union's new rules banning greenwashing come into force on Sunday. The measures restrict companies from making unverified environmental claims about their products, such as vague labels like 'eco-friendly' or 'climate neutral' without proof. The change is aimed at giving consumers reliable information and holding businesses accountable for misleading sustainability marketing across the bloc.

Elon Musk is locked in a €120 million legal fight with the European Union, and the United States government has moved to insert itself into the case. Washington's involvement signals that the dispute over Brussels' treatment of Musk's business is no longer just a corporate clash but a transatlantic political issue, with potential implications for US-EU relations and tech regulation.

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 European Union has updated its anti-greenwashing law, tightening rules on how companies make environmental claims about their products. The measures aim to stop vague or unverified sustainability labels, such as generic terms like 'eco-friendly' or 'climate neutral', unless backed by evidence. Businesses operating in the EU market will need to review their marketing, and consumer groups have broadly welcomed the stricter standards.

A new survey finds that 21% of German companies report that climate change is already having an adverse impact on their business operations. The finding, highlighted by investor commentator Peter Klement, points to climate risks shifting from a future concern to a present-day reality for a significant share of German firms, with discussions focusing on what this means for the wider European economy.

US-based scientists are increasingly exploring opportunities abroad, and European businesses and governments may stand to benefit by attracting this research talent. Fortune reports on the trend, raising the question of whether European industry can successfully recruit American scientists who are reconsidering their futures. The discussion touches on Europe's ability to compete for skilled researchers and the potential economic gains from welcoming them.

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.

Zalando's Partner Day event centered on artificial intelligence in online fashion, examining both the opportunities and the limits of the technology for e-commerce. Discussions reportedly covered what AI can and cannot do for the fashion retail business, drawing attention from industry watchers tracking how major European platforms adopt AI tools.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pirum has selected Sanner to lead its expansion across French-speaking Europe. The appointment signals the post-trade services firm's intention to deepen its presence in francophone markets, including France, Belgium and Switzerland. Industry coverage suggests the move is part of a broader growth strategy, with Sanner expected to drive business development and client relationships in the region.