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Germany must move quicker on reforms, say experts
Germany must move quicker on reforms, say experts
by  AFP

Germany must move quicker with potentially painful reforms, experts warned Thursday, in the latest sign of unease at Chancellor Friedrich Merz's efforts to turn the struggling economy around. The Bild newspaper also reported Tuesday that business associations had berated Merz behind closed doors for moving too slowly on reforms.

Dutch lead charge on electric inland vessels
Dutch lead charge on electric inland vessels
by  AFP

At a windswept container park near the sprawling port of Rotterdam, a crane slots a 30-tonne white battery into a transporter vessel, enough to provide eight hours of zero-emissions freight. ITG has 17 terminals connecting key locations in the Netherlands and Belgium with the sea ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam, handling one million containers per year.

Swiss central bank keeps zero-rate as tariffs take their toll
Swiss central bank keeps zero-rate as tariffs take their toll
by  AFP

Switzerland's central bank kept its policy rate at zero percent on Thursday, warning that massive US tariffs are weighing on the country's export-dependent economy. "The tariffs are likely to dampen exports and investment especially.

Nickel mining threatens Indonesia coral haven, NGOs warn
Nickel mining threatens Indonesia coral haven, NGOs warn
by  AFP

Nickel mining threatens one of the world's most important marine biodiversity and coral hotspots in Indonesia, despite the government revoking several permits, a report warned Thursday. In June, Indonesia's government revoked permits for four of the five nickel mining companies operating in the cluster of islands and shoals in Southwest Papua Province.

Apple asks EU to scrap landmark digital competition law
Apple asks EU to scrap landmark digital competition law
by  AFP

Apple asked the European Union to scrap its landmark digital competition law on Thursday, arguing that it poses security risks and creates a "worse experience" for consumers. Independently from the digital rules, Apple has faced the heat under different EU competition rules.

Asian markets slide as traders prepare for key US data
Asian markets slide as traders prepare for key US data
by  AFP

Stocks moved narrowly Thursday as traders continue to pull back from the buying that has propelled markets to record highs in recent months, with upcoming US inflation and jobs data seen as likely to be the next catalysts for action. While there appears to be some unease in recent days over the latest market rally, economists at Bank of America were upbeat.

France doubles down on threat to build future fighter jet alone
France doubles down on threat to build future fighter jet alone
by  AFP

France is in a position to develop a next-generation combat aircraft alone should negotiations with Germany and Spain fail, a government official said Wednesday. "Should we indeed not succeed in finding agreement on the programme's reorganisation, France will be able to build a fighter aircraft on its own," said the official, who asked not to be identified.