We are pleased to announce the launch of our redesigned website.

This update reflects our ongoing commitment to improving user experience, accessibility, and clarity of information. The new design introduces a more intuitive structure, enhanced navigation, and a refined visual presentation, allowing visitors to access key resources and updates more efficiently.

As our global community continues to grow, it is essential that our platform evolves accordingly — ensuring that members, partners, and visitors can engage with our content in a seamless and professional environment.

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Dear users,

We would like to inform you that starting from March 16, 2026, our website will undergo scheduled technical maintenance and system optimization. The planned work is expected to continue for approximately 10 days.

The purpose of this update is to improve platform performance, enhance security, and introduce several infrastructure upgrades aimed at providing a more efficient and seamless user experience.

During this period, users may experience temporary disruptions in website availability, including slower response times or limited access to certain sections of the platform.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to improve our digital services. If you have any urgent inquiries, we recommend contacting our support team directly.

Thank you for your continued trust and cooperation.

On February 10, 2026, the European Business & Finance Award ceremony brought together leading representatives of the global business and financial community.
The event recognized outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, investment, and innovation, highlighting excellence across multiple industries.
Participants included executives, investors, and industry experts from various countries, reinforcing the international scope of the award.
The ceremony also served as a platform for networking and strategic collaboration, strengthening global professional connections.
https://imb-business.com/

On November 12, 2025, European financial institutions continued expanding innovation programs focused on AI, blockchain, and digital assets.

Collaboration between banks, startups, and technology companies is driving new financial solutions. Innovation hubs are playing a key role in this process.

Regulators are adapting frameworks to support innovation while maintaining financial stability.

The trend reinforces Europe’s ambition to remain a global leader in financial innovation.

On October 15, 2025, Santander announced the integration of its digital bank Openbank with its consumer finance division across Europe.

The move aims to streamline operations and improve digital services across multiple markets. It reflects a broader trend of digital transformation in the banking sector.

The integration will enhance customer experience and expand access to financial services.

Analysts view this as a strategic step in strengthening Santander’s competitive position.

On August 14, 2025, global investment trends showed increased cross-border activity, with Europe playing a key role in international financial cooperation.

Institutional investors are expanding partnerships and diversifying portfolios across regions. These developments are enhancing capital mobility and global integration.

Strategic investments are particularly strong in digital infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.

The trend highlights Europe’s continued importance as a central hub for global finance and investment.

On May 22, 2025, sustainable finance was reaffirmed as a key priority across European financial institutions. ESG principles are increasingly integrated into investment and corporate strategies.

The European Union continues to expand its sustainability framework, encouraging transparency and accountability in financial reporting.

Financial institutions are launching new green investment products focused on renewable energy and climate innovation.

Experts note that sustainable finance is becoming a central pillar of the European financial system, with long-term implications for global markets.

On March 18, 2025, industry reports confirmed continued growth in the European fintech sector, driven by innovation in AI, digital payments, and open banking.

Companies across Europe are actively developing new financial solutions that improve accessibility and efficiency. Embedded finance and digital ecosystems are becoming increasingly widespread.

Investment activity remains strong, with venture capital supporting emerging fintech startups. Collaboration between traditional banks and technology firms is also expanding.

Europe continues to strengthen its position as a global fintech hub, supported by progressive regulation and technological advancement.

On January 15, 2025, leading European financial institutions outlined key strategic priorities for the year ahead, focusing on resilience, digital transformation, and sustainable growth.

Banks and investment firms are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence, automation, and digital infrastructure. These technologies are expected to improve operational efficiency and enhance customer experience.

Regulatory developments also remain a central focus, particularly in ESG compliance and risk management. Institutions are aligning their strategies with evolving European standards.

The overall outlook for 2025 remains positive, supported by strong fundamentals and coordinated policy efforts across the European Union.

On December 6, 2024, reports highlighted strong momentum in the European private equity sector, driven by large-scale investments in technology companies. One of the most notable examples was the €19 billion valuation of Visma.

The development reflects increasing investor confidence in Europe’s digital economy, particularly in software and fintech sectors. Private equity firms continue to expand their portfolios with long-term strategic investments.

The sector is also benefiting from improved regulatory frameworks and growing cross-border capital flows. Institutional investors are actively supporting large-scale transactions across Europe.

Experts expect continued growth in 2025, with further expansion in high-value deals and public offerings.

On September 26, 2024, the European Commission hosted high-level roundtables in Brussels addressing barriers to financial market integration within the EU. The initiative is part of the broader Capital Markets Union strategy aimed at strengthening cross-border investment.

Industry leaders, policymakers, and institutional investors discussed harmonization of regulations and reduction of market fragmentation. The event emphasized the need for a more unified financial ecosystem to enhance Europe’s competitiveness.

A major focus was on increasing access to funding for innovative companies, particularly in technology and green sectors. Participants highlighted the importance of mobilizing capital to support economic growth.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating reforms, positioning capital markets integration as a strategic priority for the European Union.

On September 13, 2024, finance ministers of the Eurozone convened in Brussels for a key Eurogroup meeting focused on assessing the region’s economic trajectory amid ongoing global uncertainty. The discussion centered on inflation trends, fiscal discipline, and the resilience of European financial systems in the face of external shocks.

Particular attention was given to maintaining macroeconomic stability while supporting sustainable growth. Ministers emphasized the importance of coordinated fiscal policies, especially as several EU member states continue to navigate post-pandemic recovery challenges and evolving geopolitical conditions.

The Eurogroup also addressed structural reforms aimed at strengthening the banking sector and improving capital flows within the euro area. These measures are expected to enhance financial integration and reinforce the EU’s long-term competitiveness.

Participants highlighted the critical role of collaboration between national governments and EU institutions in ensuring financial stability. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to prudent economic governance and strategic alignment across the eurozone.

The European Union has increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in a move aimed at safeguarding its own automotive industry. The new tariffs, ranging from 17.4% to 37.6%, are in addition to an existing 10% duty applied to all electric cars imported from China. This decision could potentially raise the prices of electric vehicles (EVs) across the EU, making them less affordable for European consumers.

The imposition of these tariffs is a significant setback for Beijing, particularly as it grapples with ongoing trade tensions with Washington. The EU represents the largest international market for China's EV sector, which Beijing views as crucial for revitalizing its economy through high-tech exports.

EU officials have cited "unfair subsidization" as the reason for the increased tariffs, arguing that Chinese-made EVs were being sold at artificially low prices due to government subsidies. This allegation has been consistently denied by China, despite similar claims from the US and the EU.

While these new tariffs are set to take effect soon, they are currently provisional pending further investigation into state support for China's EV manufacturers. The EU's decision not only affects Chinese brands but also scrutinizes Western companies producing cars in China.

Brussels justifies its tariff policy as an attempt to rectify market distortions. Although the EU's actions may appear less severe than recent US measures—where tariffs were increased to 100%—the impact could be more profound, given the higher prevalence of Chinese EVs in the EU market compared to the US.

According to figures from Transport and Environment (T&E), Chinese EVs accounted for nearly 8% of the total EV market in the EU last year, up significantly from 0.4% in 2019. This growth trajectory suggests that brands like BYD and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), owner of MG, could potentially capture a 20% market share by 2027.

Despite these tariffs, not all Chinese-made EVs will be equally affected, underscoring the complexity and potential ramifications of this trade dispute.

Are you feeling optimistic about 2024? According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the answer might be a resounding "no."

Every year, the WEF surveys 1,500 of its community members—comprised of elite business leaders, academics, politicians, and more—about key global risks. This data is then analyzed in collaboration with Marsh McLennan and Zurich Insurance Group. The latest report, released ahead of the WEF's annual meeting in Davos this month, offers a bleak outlook.

The findings reveal that the Davos attendees have a largely pessimistic view of the world over the next two years, with expectations of worsening conditions over the next decade. Specifically, 54 percent anticipate "some instability and a moderate risk of global catastrophes" in the near term, while 30 percent foresee severe upheaval.

The global economy is decelerating, with many countries at risk of recession in 2023. In the United States, the Federal Reserve's aggressive interest rate hikes to combat inflation threaten to collapse the housing market and increase unemployment. The resulting strong dollar is exporting inflation to emerging markets, complicating their ability to service hard-currency debts. Europe is dealing with a severe energy crisis that is shuttering factories and straining consumers, with the extent of its downturn heavily dependent on winter weather conditions. Meanwhile, China is contending with a housing market crash and the instability caused by its zero-COVID policy, which imposes sudden, stringent lockdowns.

The first half of 2023 might offer some respite. Europe has sufficient gas reserves to survive a mild winter without a major crisis. Although commodity prices will remain high and volatile, avoiding the rapid price increases seen in 2022 could help reduce headline annual inflation somewhat, easing the immediate pressure on the Federal Reserve.

The term "permacrisis," chosen as the word of the year for 2022 by the editors of the Collins English Dictionary, captures the prolonged period of instability and insecurity characterizing the current global landscape as we enter 2023. Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine has triggered the largest land conflict in Europe since 1945, the most significant nuclear threat since the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the most extensive sanctions regime since the 1930s. These events have driven up food and energy prices, resulting in the highest inflation rates since the 1980s and presenting the greatest macroeconomic challenge in the modern era of central banking. Long-held assumptions—such as the inviolability of borders, the non-use of nuclear weapons, low inflation, and reliable energy in wealthy nations—are all under threat.

Three primary shocks have converged to create this turmoil. The foremost is geopolitical. The American-led post-war order is being contested, notably by Putin and more fundamentally by the deteriorating relations between the United States and Xi Jinping's China. The unified response of the US and European countries to Russia's aggression may have revitalized the concept of "the West," especially the transatlantic alliance, but it has also deepened the divide between the West and the rest of the world. Most people globally reside in countries that do not support Western sanctions on Russia. Xi Jinping openly rejects the universal values underpinning the Western order. Economic separation between the world's two largest economies is becoming a reality, and a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is no longer inconceivable. Additionally, cracks are emerging in other established geopolitical alliances, such as the strategic partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia.

Historically, pandemics have had significant political repercussions. For example, the 14th-century plague, which killed a third of Europeans, allowed laborers to demand better conditions due to a shortage of workers. The 1918-19 influenza pandemic, which claimed 20 million lives in India and another 30 million worldwide, fueled Mahatma Gandhi’s push to end British colonial rule. Pandemics can dramatically alter political landscapes. A study of 133 countries from 2001 to 2018 shows that political unrest often peaks two years after an epidemic begins, suggesting that 2022 could be particularly tumultuous.

In 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, global civil unrest increased by 10%, despite widespread restrictions on public gatherings. Some citizens blamed their governments for failing to control the virus, while others protested against stringent, economically damaging lockdowns. Additionally, there are those who distrust the safety of the vaccines being promoted by their governments.

Following a major UN climate summit, it's common for climate policy momentum to wane. This pattern is most evident in years after highly anticipated summits that fail to meet expectations, as seen in 2010 after the disappointing COP15 summit in Copenhagen, which promised a new global climate treaty but resulted in a significant delay.

However, regardless of the outcomes from COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021, 2022 cannot afford such a lull. In the first quarter of the year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is set to release two major reports on climate science. These reports will present the latest findings on how societies and ecosystems are vulnerable to climate change and the necessary measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

After 16 years of Angela Merkel's rule, the government of the Federal Republic of Germany is headed by Olaf Scholz. He came to power at the head of the "Traffic Light" coalition after a month and a half of consultations with partners

Olaf Scholz has become the new Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. He was elected to the post during a meeting of the German parliament, the Bundestag, Reuters reported.

Scholz succeeded Angela Merkel, who was Chancellor of Germany for the last 16 years.

At the elections held in Germany on 26 September, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, which for many years was headed by Angela Merkel, showed the worst result in history, gaining 24.1% of the vote. The SPD Social Democrats, led by Scholz, came first with 25.7 per cent. The Greens came third with 14.8 per cent, followed by the Free Democrats with 11.5 per cent, the Alternative for Germany (AdG) with 10.3 per cent and the Left with 4.9 per cent.

On 6 January 2021, a crowd of protesters supporting 45th US President Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election, in which he was defeated, stormed the US Capitol to disrupt a joint session of Congress meeting to count electoral votes and formalise Joe Biden's election victory. After breaking through security and causing damage, they occupied parts of the building for several hours. The assault led to the evacuation and closure of the Capitol building and suspended a joint section of Congress to count electoral votes and formalise Biden's victory.

The riots, according to statements from leading media outlets and politicians, were instigated by comments made by Trump at a rally immediately preceding the event. Following these events, the US House of Representatives launched a second impeachment proceeding against Donald Trump for "provoking an uprising", which was defeated in the Senate with 57 votes in favour and 43 votes against.

Oil prices have risen sharply after Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and Oxford University/AstraZeneca announced successful results from their phase 3 vaccine trials.

West Texas Intermediate crude is approaching $45 per barrel, nearly recovering from the losses incurred earlier this year, bolstered by recent missile attacks in the Middle East.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, eager to restart international flights, mentioned that the airline is considering updating its terms and conditions to require international travelers to be vaccinated before boarding.

Employers failing to enforce social distancing measures may face work suspensions and fines, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned.

In a joint statement with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry, the HSE stated it would take action against employers not adhering to social distancing and similar protocols. Potential consequences include advice, enforcement notices, fines for regulation breaches, or prohibition notices that shut down parts or all of a site.

The HSE also urged workers to report COVID-19 safety concerns to the HSE or local authorities if issues couldn't be resolved through their employer or trade union. The HSE had suspended routine inspections due to coronavirus safety concerns.

The statement emphasized that most employers are making significant efforts to ensure social distancing where possible. It also noted that firms that can operate safely and support livelihoods should not be closed due to misunderstandings of government guidelines.

Guidelines from Public Health England and the Construction Leadership Council mandate a minimum of two meters distance between workers. However, Construction News reported that many employees continue to work despite the inability to implement social distancing on site, with some workers' concerns being ignored or dismissed by senior colleagues.

Escalating blame over the coronavirus pandemic has rekindled tensions between the United States and China, jeopardizing the already tenuous trade agreement between the two largest economies in the world.

The pandemic has left the global economy in a far more vulnerable state than when the trade disputes began two years ago, and another trade war would be damaging for both nations.

Both countries have been severely impacted by the virus, with their economies experiencing significant contractions and tens of millions of jobs lost. Although China claims to have moved past the worst of the pandemic, the global economy is still far from recovery.

President Donald Trump's recent threats of new tariffs on China and Beijing's hints at retaliatory measures are particularly concerning under these circumstances.

"The timing of renewed trade tensions could not be worse," noted economists from S&P Global Ratings in a recent research report. "The risk of higher tariffs and a growing technology cold war could disrupt technology trade and investment, undermining what could be a crucial engine for recovery in 2020."

This year, the usually calm realm of Swiss banking was shaken by a scandal involving Credit Suisse, espionage, and a disagreement over trees. The controversy reached its peak with the resignation of Credit Suisse's chief operating officer, Pierre-Olivier Bouée, in October. The main figures in the saga were chief executive Tidjane Thiam and former head of wealth management, Iqbal Khan.

The two, who were neighbors as well as colleagues, reportedly fell out over trees that Mr. Khan had planted, which Mr. Thiam claimed encroached on his property. After Mr. Khan announced his move to rival firm UBS, it was revealed that Mr. Bouée had hired private investigators to follow him, fearing he might lure away Credit Suisse clients.

There is no evidence to suggest that Mr. Thiam was aware of the surveillance.

Johnson & Johnson has been mandated to pay $4.7 billion in damages to 22 women who claimed that the company's talc products led to their ovarian cancer.

A Missouri jury initially awarded $550 million in compensatory damages and an additional $4.1 billion in punitive damages. This verdict is part of the pharmaceutical giant's ongoing legal battle, with approximately 9,000 cases concerning its well-known baby powder.

Expressing disappointment, Johnson & Johnson announced plans to appeal the decision. During the six-week trial, the women and their families testified that prolonged use of baby powder and other talc products resulted in ovarian cancer. Tragically, six of the 22 women involved in the case have died from the disease.

The plaintiffs' lawyers argued that Johnson & Johnson had known about asbestos contamination in their talc since the 1970s but failed to inform consumers of the risks. Talc, a mineral often located near asbestos deposits, was alleged to have been contaminated.

Johnson & Johnson refuted these claims, asserting that their products have never contained asbestos and do not cause cancer. The company cited numerous studies affirming the safety of their talc and criticized the trial's outcome as the result of an "unfair process."

A study commissioned by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 2009 to 2010 tested various talc samples, including those from Johnson & Johnson, and found no asbestos. However, the prosecution argued in court that both the FDA and Johnson & Johnson employed flawed testing methods.

Social networks delete content uploaded by users without warning them about it, the European Commission said in a document.

Facebook and Twitter insufficiently fulfil EU rules on user protection, Brussels said. On Thursday, 15 February, the European Commission will publish a document which shows that the management of social networks refuses to comply with EU regulations. Part of this document is available at the disposal of the agency dpa.

The European agency points out that Twitter still changes its conditions for users without informing them about it. In addition, according to its data, both Twitter and Facebook delete content uploaded by users without notifying them.

As the document goes on to point out, the area of consumer protection is the responsibility of national authorities and the European Commission is not authorised to impose appropriate fines in case of infringements.

The document goes on to list the changes that the management of US-based social networks has undertaken at the request of Brussels since 2017. In particular, in March last year, EU authorities demanded that a number of companies remove unacceptable clauses from the general terms and conditions.

In particular, European users were to be given the right to sue social networks in their countries. In addition, according to European law, it is necessary to appropriately label advertisements and sponsored materials. These requirements were fulfilled by all companies, the European Commission said.Social networks delete content uploaded by users without warning them about it, the European Commission said in a document.

Facebook and Twitter insufficiently fulfil EU rules on user protection, Brussels said. On Thursday, 15 February, the European Commission will publish a document which shows that the management of social networks refuses to comply with EU regulations. Part of this document is available at the disposal of the agency dpa.

The European agency points out that Twitter still changes its conditions for users without informing them about it. In addition, according to its data, both Twitter and Facebook delete content uploaded by users without notifying them.

As the document goes on to point out, the area of consumer protection is the responsibility of national authorities and the European Commission is not authorised to impose appropriate fines in case of infringements.

The document goes on to list the changes that the management of US-based social networks has undertaken at the request of Brussels since 2017. In particular, in March last year, EU authorities demanded that a number of companies remove unacceptable clauses from the general terms and conditions.

In particular, European users were to be given the right to sue social networks in their countries. In addition, according to European law, it is necessary to appropriately label advertisements and sponsored materials. These requirements were fulfilled by all companies, the European Commission said.