Romania
Slovak ruling party lawmakers criticised for meeting far-right influencer Andrew Tate
Smer politicians have become increasingly radical since the slump in the Slovak ruling party's popularity.
Romanian retailers warn of €2.1bn annual tax loss from non-EU online platforms
Study projects around 78mn low-value parcels will be shipped into Romania from companies like Shein and Temu in 2025.
Romania expected to hold policy rate at 6.5% until at least Q1 2026
Analysts forecast no change to policy rate at August 8 rate-setting meeting given inflation pressures from recent fiscal adjustments.
Retail sales growth in Romania slows to 1.8% y/y in Q2
Slowdown follows a sharp expansion in 2024 and comes ahead of fiscal and budgetary reforms expected to weigh on household consumption.
US effective tariff rate at 17% after July duties adjustment - Fitch
The United States’ effective tariff rate (ETR) has settled at 17% following the latest reciprocal duty announcements on July 27 and July 31, according to Fitch Ratings.
Renewables make up Dutch power supplies for the first time - OWID
For the first time, in 2024, more than half of the electricity produced in the Netherlands came from renewable sources, and almost all of it (45%) from solar and wind.
Trump Administration's trade deals so far - Statista
On July 27, the United States and the European Union agreed on a trade deal that is lowering tariffs of 30% on European goods threatened by August to 15%, including on cars.
COMMENT: Trump’s energy deal with the EU is delusional – Reuters
The energy deal that US President Donald Trump cut with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over the weekend is unrealistic, argues Clyde Russell, Reuters Asia Commodities and Energy Columnist.
Viktor Orban vows to block next EU budget in keynote speech in Transylvania
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban repeated his threat to block the next long-term EU budget and argued for a multi-speed Europe, while criticising the EU for supporting Ukraine in his annual keynote address at the Baile Tusnad summer university.
Romania avoids downgrade to junk
S&P affirms Romania’s fragile BBB- rating citing fiscal consolidation measures.
Romanian government plans overhaul of state enterprises to increase transparency
Reforms are part of broader government effort to support urgently needed fiscal consolidation measures.
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Romania signs €2bn air defence agreement with Israel’s Rafael
The SHORAD and VSHORAD systems are critical components in Romania’s efforts to modernise its military capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics.