What lawmakers should ask the EU’s new tech boss – POLITICO

What lawmakers should ask the EU’s new tech boss – POLITICO

— Q: Only 8 percent of European companies currently use AI, according to a report published in July. How do you want to reach the target of 75 percent by 2030? — Q: President von der Leyen instructed you to develop a “Cloud and AI development plan” to boost computing power and data storage to … Read more

How do we close Europe’s innovation gap? Start with advanced connectivity and a strong intellectual property rights framework  – POLITICO

How do we close Europe’s innovation gap? Start with advanced connectivity and a strong intellectual property rights framework  – POLITICO

Getting the IPR framework right now to unleash long-term innovation EU policies adopted in the next five years will be foundational for Europe’s innovative ecosystem to thrive in the long term, improving conditions for the next wave of intellectual property lifecycles that can take over a decade to bear fruit. A smart and strategic policy … Read more

Europe’s tech security czar-to-be faces China fight at home – POLITICO

Europe’s tech security czar-to-be faces China fight at home – POLITICO

“The total value of business in China for Finnish companies is estimated to be more than 20 billion euros per year,” a 2023 report from the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs said, which labeled China as “one of our most important trade partners.” “Chinese investments play the largest role in Finland compared to any other … Read more

India well-positioned to capitalise on new growth opportunities, says Nirmala Sitharaman

India well-positioned to capitalise on new growth opportunities, says Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said India is well positioned to capitalise on new growth opportunities despite the challenging global economic environment and hopes to emerge as a key partner for many countries seeking to diversify their supply chains. The future of global economic growth will be shaped by strategic partnerships instead of … Read more

The future is bright for beer – given the right policy framework – POLITICO

The future is bright for beer – given the right policy framework – POLITICO

Brewers have integrated environmentally friendly practices into every aspect of the production cycle and supply chain. Breweries use energy-efficient technologies, invest in the circular economy and reduce waste. For example, they’ve reduced the volume of water needed to produce each liter of beer. As for energy, breweries invest heavily in renewable sources like solar panels … Read more

Paris backs €15B sale of paracetamol-maker to US fund after winning guarantees – POLITICO

Paris backs €15B sale of paracetamol-maker to US fund after winning guarantees – POLITICO

“We have obtained guarantees that Opella will remain and develop in France,” Armand said. “Our demands regarding employment, production and investment will be respected.” The takeover has proven highly controversial in France, with politicians from across the political spectrum warning it could threaten manufacturing jobs and thwart Europe’s push to secure its supply chains for critical … Read more

EU betting on India and Vietnam for chips – POLITICO

EU betting on India and Vietnam for chips – POLITICO

Meanwhile, Vietnam has been allocated seed funding worth $2 million by the U.S. for semiconductor development initiatives, and there’s been increasing cooperation between Vietnamese and American companies on chip manufacturing. Not to be left behind, Infineon has also decided to expand hiring by hundreds in its Vietnam office as well. All this sounds positive — … Read more

Beijing won’t shift in EV tariff talks with EU, Chinese media report – POLITICO

Beijing won’t shift in EV tariff talks with EU, Chinese media report – POLITICO

Beijing will not make concessions as it negotiates on tariffs on electric vehicle imports with the EU, a social media account associated with the Chinese state broadcaster said. “While China is always willing to seek consensus and resolve issues through communication in the face of friction, this does not mean that China will make concessions … Read more

UK to again delay Brexit border checks on food – POLITICO

UK to again delay Brexit border checks on food – POLITICO

In a letter to industry, Environment Minister Sue Hayman confirmed that the government was again looking to delay the introduction of controls on fresh fruit and vegetables until July 1, 2025. The U.K.’s fresh produce sector has been warning that it is still in the dark over the scope of the controls — which already … Read more

Netanyahu blasts ‘shameful’ UK ban on Israel arms exports – POLITICO

Netanyahu blasts ‘shameful’ UK ban on Israel arms exports – POLITICO

But Labour is facing a domestic backlash from some quarters, with Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday asking: “Why are Lammy and [Keir] Starmer abandoning Israel? Do they want Hamas to win?” Britain’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said the announcement “beggars belief” and “will serve to encourage our shared enemies.” He questioned the timing … Read more