Insight EU Finance Monitoring Weekly 13 – 18 January 2025
We offer delayed access to the headlines of our Insight EU specialized monitoring emails, typically
21/01/2025
ON THE TOP
EU Auditors: Consumers still affected by unjustified geo-blocking
A Special Report from the EU auditors highlights progress in addressing geo-blocking within the EU. However, enforcement remains uneven across member states, and key areas such as audiovisual services are still excluded from the current regulations.
21/01/2025
Banking sector: ECB and EBA launch 2025 EU-wide stress test
The European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Banking Authority (EBA) today launched their 2025 EU-wide stress test and released the macroeconomic scenarios. This year’s exercise is designed to provide valuable input for assessing the resilience of the European banking sector in the current uncertain and changing macroeconomic environment.
20/01/2025
U.S. President Trump publishes his “America First” Priorities
The U.S. White House has published the priorities of U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” plans, including the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.
20/01/2025
LATEST NEWS TICKER
BUSINESS
EU Commissioner Šefčovič hosts EU-India High Level Trade and Investment Dialogue
As part of the EU-India High Level Trade and Investment Dialogue, both sides took stock at political level of progress in the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, notably on core issues of economic interest to both partners.
21/01/2025
EU Commission announces €116m support package for Ukrainian children in Polish schools
In Poland, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxanna Mînzatu, unveiled today a package to aid the integration of 30,000 Ukrainian pupils into Polish schools, together with the Polish Minister for Funds and Regional Policy, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz.
21/01/2025
EU Commission clears acquisition of Tricentis by GTCR and Insight Partners
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Tricentis Corporation by GTCR LLC and Insight Venture Management, LLC, all of the US. The transaction relates primarily to the information technology, software and computer services sectors.
21/01/2025
EU Commission clears acquisition of business segments of Leoni by Luxshare
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of one business segment of LEONI AG of Germany by Luxshare Limited of China; and of joint control of another business segment of Leoni by Luxshare and Mr Stefan Pierer of Austria. The transaction relates primarily to the manufacturing of wiring and electronic equipment for motor vehicles.
21/01/2025
Insight EU Finance Monitoring Weekly 13 – 18 January 2025
We offer delayed access to the headlines of our Insight EU specialized monitoring emails, typically
21/01/2025
A transatlantic trade and tech agenda based on common EU and US concerns about China – EU-ISS
In both Washington and European capitals, strengthening economic security and technological resilience has become a core objective. But the EU and the US disagree on the how. The EU’s proposal to develop economic security standards with like-minded partners offers the most promising starting point for achieving shared goals.
21/01/2025
Banking sector: ECB and EBA launch 2025 EU-wide stress test
The European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Banking Authority (EBA) today launched their 2025 EU-wide stress test and released the macroeconomic scenarios. This year’s exercise is designed to provide valuable input for assessing the resilience of the European banking sector in the current uncertain and changing macroeconomic environment.
20/01/2025
Main results of the Eurogroup, 20 January 2025
The Eurogroup discussed the priorities and challenges of the euro area in the context of the new European policy cycle. Ministers explored the use of innovative technologies in wholesale transaction settlements and reviewed progress on the digital euro project.
20/01/2025
Liechtenstein: IMF staff concluding statement for the 2025 Article IV Mission
Liechtenstein has a high per capita income and a fiscal framework that has ensured no deficits since 2013, virtually no public debt, and accumulation of large fiscal buffers. Activity is underpinned by specialized and export-oriented manufacturing, and private banking and wealth management oriented financial services. Liechtenstein is globally integrated, with close ties to Switzerland and the EU.
20/01/2025
U.S. President Trump publishes his “America First” Priorities
The U.S. White House has published the priorities of U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” plans, including the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.
20/01/2025
Complete version of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Inaugural Address
As of now, a complete transcript of President Donald Trump’s inauguration speech from January 20, 2025, has not been officially released. However, several reputable news outlets have provided detailed summaries and key excerpts from the address.
20/01/2025
EU-Tanzania: A partnership for regional peace and prosperity
Tanzania has long been a beacon of stability and a force for peace in the Great Lakes region, which, despite its vast potential, continues to be plagued by recurring conflicts in parts of its territory. As the European Union is deepening its commitment with the Great Lakes Region, Tanzania plays an important role as a key partner in the quest for a sustainable peace.
20/01/2025
U.S. companies in Europe expect tougher transatlantic business climate, survey finds
As President Donald Trump assumes office, a new survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) reveals that nine out of ten U.S. companies in Europe expect the EU-US trade and investment relationship to deteriorate.
20/01/2025
DIGITIZATION
A transatlantic trade and tech agenda based on common EU and US concerns about China – EU-ISS
In both Washington and European capitals, strengthening economic security and technological resilience has become a core objective. But the EU and the US disagree on the how. The EU’s proposal to develop economic security standards with like-minded partners offers the most promising starting point for achieving shared goals.
21/01/2025
EU Auditors: Consumers still affected by unjustified geo-blocking
A Special Report from the EU auditors highlights progress in addressing geo-blocking within the EU. However, enforcement remains uneven across member states, and key areas such as audiovisual services are still excluded from the current regulations.
21/01/2025
MEPs discuss how to enforce the Digital Services Act
On Tuesday, Christel Schaldemose (S&D, DK) Vice-President and Chair of the Working group on the implementation of the DSA will give a press conference in Strasbourg after a plenary debate on enforcing the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms.
20/01/2025
Royalties for EU high-tech sector: EU challenges China at WTO
The EU Commission requests consultations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to remove unfair and illegal trade practices by China in the sphere of intellectual property. China has empowered its courts to set binding worldwide royalty rates for EU standard essential patents, without the consent of the patent owner. This interferes with the competence of EU courts for European patent issues.
20/01/2025
Future of the European Automotive Industry: Strategic Dialogue to start on 30 January
The European Commission is launching a Strategic Dialogue with the European automotive industry, social partners and other key stakeholders on 30 January. This initiative underscores the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the future of a sector vital to European prosperity, while at the same time advancing its climate goals and broader objectives.
20/01/2025
Countering illegal hate speech: Revised Code of Conduct as part of Digital Services Act
Brussels, 20 January 2025 The EU Commission and the European Board for Digital Services welcome
20/01/2025
President von der Leyen and College members to participate in World Economic Forum
The President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will travel to Davos next week to participate in the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. Executive Vice-Presidents Ribera, Virkkunen and Séjourné, together with EU Commissioners Šefčovič, Dombrovskis, Hoekstra, Kubilius, Kos, Síkela, Roswall, Serafin, Jørgensen, and Tzitzikostas will also participate.
18/01/2025
EU Commission addresses additional investigations to X in the ongoing DSA proceedings
The Commission requests X to provide internal documentation on its recommender systems and any recent changes made to it, by 15 February 2025. In addition, a ‘retention order’ requires the platform to preserve internal documents and information regarding future changes to the design and functioning of its recommender algorithms, between 17 January and 31 December 2025.
18/01/2025
U.S. MEP National Network: “Rethink Your Supply Chain Strategy for Better Outcomes”
Traditional approaches to supply chain management, which often emphasize cost-per-unit, no longer provide the flexibility manufacturers need to create the innovative solutions necessary for achieving long-term success. In today’s highly competitive environment, optimizing supplier relationships requires more than just negotiating the lowest price: It’s essential to move beyond transactional vendor relationships and focus on building strategic partnerships, the MEP National Network Whitepaper states.
17/01/2025
Remarks by U.S. President Joe Biden in a Farewell Address to the Nation
“My eternal thanks to you, the American people. After 50 years of public service, I give you my word, I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands, a nation where the strengths of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure. Now it’s your turn to stand guard. May you all be the keeper of the flame. May you keep the faith. I love America. You love it too” – U.S. President Joe Biden on January 15, 2025.
17/01/2025
Chips for Europe Initiative: Milestone event for first pilot lines
The launch of these pilot lines represents a major step forward for Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem, aligning with the European Chips Act’s strategy to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and industrial-scale manufacturing.
17/01/2025
SECURITY
A transatlantic trade and tech agenda based on common EU and US concerns about China – EU-ISS
In both Washington and European capitals, strengthening economic security and technological resilience has become a core objective. But the EU and the US disagree on the how. The EU’s proposal to develop economic security standards with like-minded partners offers the most promising starting point for achieving shared goals.
21/01/2025
NATO Allies and EU Defence Commissioner discuss defence production and security
On Monday, Secretary General, Mark Rutte welcomed the new European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, to NATO Headquarters for a meeting with Allies in the North Atlantic Council.
21/01/2025
U.S. President Trump publishes his “America First” Priorities
The U.S. White House has published the priorities of U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” plans, including the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.
20/01/2025
Complete version of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Inaugural Address
As of now, a complete transcript of President Donald Trump’s inauguration speech from January 20, 2025, has not been officially released. However, several reputable news outlets have provided detailed summaries and key excerpts from the address.
20/01/2025
EU-Tanzania: A partnership for regional peace and prosperity
Tanzania has long been a beacon of stability and a force for peace in the Great Lakes region, which, despite its vast potential, continues to be plagued by recurring conflicts in parts of its territory. As the European Union is deepening its commitment with the Great Lakes Region, Tanzania plays an important role as a key partner in the quest for a sustainable peace.
20/01/2025
U.S. companies in Europe expect tougher transatlantic business climate, survey finds
As President Donald Trump assumes office, a new survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) reveals that nine out of ten U.S. companies in Europe expect the EU-US trade and investment relationship to deteriorate.
20/01/2025
North Atlantic Council: Speech by EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius
“Defending Ukraine means defending Europe. Every missile, every drone shot down by Ukraine – is one that will not threaten Europe, one that will not threaten NATO. Every day Ukraine stands fast, is a day of delay. A day Putin cannot turn his full might against us. Every day Ukraine fights on, is a day the European Union and NATO can grow stronger. We can prevent Russian aggression if we are strong”, EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius.
20/01/2025
Eurojust: Branislav Boháčik starts as national member for Slovakia
Before joining Eurojust, he worked as a judicial cybercrime specialist in the international department of the Prosecutor General’s office. In this capacity, Mr Boháčik gained extensive experience in working with the Agency as a Member of the Board of the European Judicial Cybercrime Network (EJCN).
20/01/2025
Royalties for EU high-tech sector: EU challenges China at WTO
The EU Commission requests consultations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to remove unfair and illegal trade practices by China in the sphere of intellectual property. China has empowered its courts to set binding worldwide royalty rates for EU standard essential patents, without the consent of the patent owner. This interferes with the competence of EU courts for European patent issues.
20/01/2025
EPP leaders discuss the group’s priorities and European competitiveness in Berlin
European People’s Party (EPP) leaders, invited by EPP President Manfred Weber and the CDU Chairman Friedrich Merz, met on 17 and 18 January in Berlin. During their discussions, they emphasized the need to make the EU’s economy more competitive on the global stage through the reduction of over-regulation and unnecessary bureaucratic burden. Learn more about the two major statements they adopted in Berlin.
18/01/2025
Israel/Palestine: EU High Representative welcomes ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza
The EU warmly welcomes the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which will allow the phased release of the hostages – ending their terrible ordeal that has lasted for more than 15 months – end hostilities and ease the humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
18/01/2025
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announces procurements and ramping up arms production
“We are working on expanding procurements and ramping up arms production within Ukraine” – address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
18/01/2025
EU Commissioner McGrath launches collaboration with Eurojust
As a key player in global criminal justice cooperation, Eurojust works together with the European Commission to keep Europe safe. To mark the start of his mandate, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law Michael McGrath visited Eurojust’s headquarters in The Hague.
18/01/2025
SUSTAINABILITY
Joint article on Just Energy Transition Partnerships
The joint article on Just Energy Transition Partnerships is signed from Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds (UK), Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Markets Alexia Latortue (US), State Secretary Jochen Flasbarth (Germany), Deputy Minister of the Environment and Energy Security Vannia Gava (Italy), Secretary of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships Thani Mohamed Soilihi (France), Climate Ambassador Catherine Stewart (Canada), and Director General Climate Action, Kurt Vandenberghe (EU Commission).
20/01/2025
U.S. President Trump publishes his “America First” Priorities
The U.S. White House has published the priorities of U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” plans, including the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.
20/01/2025
Complete version of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Inaugural Address
As of now, a complete transcript of President Donald Trump’s inauguration speech from January 20, 2025, has not been officially released. However, several reputable news outlets have provided detailed summaries and key excerpts from the address.
20/01/2025
ACER: Call to join new Expert Group on EU-wide flexibility needs assessment
ACER is establishing an Expert Group to assess flexibility needs in the EU electricity system. We are looking for professionals with expertise in power market modelling, energy markets, energy systems, energy economics, energy policy and energy regulations.
20/01/2025
EU Commission seeks different views on the future European Ocean Pact
Interested parties will have until February 17, 2025 to provide input. The feedback gathered will be used to shape the European Ocean Pact, which the Commission intends to present in time for the third UN Ocean Conference in June 2025.
20/01/2025
Future of the European Automotive Industry: Strategic Dialogue to start on 30 January
The European Commission is launching a Strategic Dialogue with the European automotive industry, social partners and other key stakeholders on 30 January. This initiative underscores the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the future of a sector vital to European prosperity, while at the same time advancing its climate goals and broader objectives.
20/01/2025
IEA sees a “new era for nuclear energy beckons” as projects and investments increase
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nuclear power is set to reach a new record in 2025 and can improve energy security as electricity demand accelerates. But costs, project overruns and financing must be addressed, the agency states.
18/01/2025
World Economic Forum annual report again highlights environmental risks
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorologic Organization (WMO), will engage with the public and private sector leaders in Davos to strengthen collaboration against escalating global risks.
18/01/2025
MEPs hail conclusion of new Global Agreement between EU and Mexico
The agreement reflects the deep political and geopolitical ties between the European Union and Mexico, underscoring our shared dedication to the principles of multilateralism and international cooperation. As longstanding like-minded partners, the EU and Mexico are uniquely positioned to strengthen the global rules-based order and address urgent global challenges.
18/01/2025
President von der Leyen and College members to participate in World Economic Forum
The President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will travel to Davos next week to participate in the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. Executive Vice-Presidents Ribera, Virkkunen and Séjourné, together with EU Commissioners Šefčovič, Dombrovskis, Hoekstra, Kubilius, Kos, Síkela, Roswall, Serafin, Jørgensen, and Tzitzikostas will also participate.
18/01/2025
European Health Union: Action to address nurse shortages shows positive impact
The EU Commission is launching the first EU action to support Member States in retaining and attracting nurses, with a budget of €1.3 million under the EU4Health programme. This takes place in Warsaw during a meeting of the chief medical, nursing and dental officers, in the context of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
18/01/2025