🏛️💶 European payment networks sign MoU for cross-border payments (0.83)

On February 3, 2026, major European payment networks signed a memorandum of understanding to enable seamless cross-border payments by 2027. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on Visa and MasterCard, enhancing payment sovereignty across Europe. The agreement covers 13 countries, representing 72% of the EU and Norway's population. A central interoperability hub will be established to facilitate the new payment system, allowing consumers and merchants to benefit from a unified payment solution. read →

⚖️🇪🇺 ECA warns of EU delays for critical raw materials (0.83)🎁

The European Court of Auditors has highlighted significant delays in licensing for critical raw materials projects in the EU, particularly in Portugal and Finland. The report, published on February 2, 2026, warns that these delays threaten the EU's renewable energy transition. Complex procedures and legal challenges are major obstacles, prompting calls among MEPs for dedicated EU funding to strengthen the Critical Raw Materials Regulation. The EU's reliance on non-EU countries for essential materials poses risks to energy security and competitiveness. read → 🎁 today's freebie

🏦📉 ECB survey reveals tightening corporate credit standards amid rising demand (0.8)

The ECB's latest Bank Lending Survey reveals that eurozone banks have tightened corporate lending standards due to economic uncertainty, particularly in Germany and France. Despite this, demand for corporate loans is expected to rise further in early 2026. The ECB is likely to maintain its key deposit rate at 2.0% as it assesses the implications of these developments on economic growth. read →

🏛️ EU launches investigation into Goldwind's foreign subsidies (0.73)

The European Commission has launched an investigation into Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind over potential foreign subsidies that may distort competition in the EU market. Announced on February 3, 2026, the probe follows concerns raised during a preliminary review initiated in April 2024. Major European manufacturers, including Vestas and Siemens Energy, have expressed worries about unfair competition from cheaper Chinese imports. Goldwind may propose remedies to address the Commission's concerns, which could significantly impact the EU wind energy sector. read →

🏛️ Venezuela opens oil sector and initiates transition talks with the U.S. (0.92)

Venezuela has approved a new hydrocarbons law that opens its oil sector to private investment, marking a significant shift from past nationalization policies. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez met with U.S. chargé d’affaires Laura Dogu to discuss a potential political transition following the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Additionally, a proposed amnesty law for political prisoners aims to address past political violence. These developments signal a potential change in Venezuela's political and economic landscape, though skepticism remains regarding the government's commitment to genuine reform. read →

🏛️🤝 Trump announces US-India trade deal with tariff cuts (0.89)

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a trade agreement with India on February 2, 2026, reducing tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18% in exchange for India's commitment to stop buying oil from Russia. The deal aims to increase U.S. exports to India by over $500 billion. Following the announcement, Indian markets reacted positively, with significant gains in stock indices and the rupee. However, many details remain unclear, particularly regarding the specifics of the commitments made by both countries. read →

💥🇺🇦 Russia resumes massive drone and missile strikes on Ukraine amid cold wave (0.76)

Russia has launched a major attack on Ukraine, firing over 450 drones and 70 missiles at key cities and energy infrastructure, just before U.S.-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi. The strikes have left thousands without heating amid extreme cold, with temperatures dropping below -20°C. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the attacks, emphasizing the need for increased international pressure on Russia to end the conflict. The humanitarian impact is severe, with significant damage reported across multiple regions. read →

🌍⚖️ EU investigates Goldwind for potential unfair subsidies (0.75)

The European Commission has opened a formal investigation into Goldwind, a Chinese wind-power company, to assess whether it has benefited from public subsidies that distort competition in the EU market. The inquiry, initiated under the foreign subsidies regulation, aims to determine if Goldwind's competitive position has been unfairly strengthened through state support, including direct subsidies and tax breaks. The investigation underscores the EU's commitment to ensuring fair competition in the renewables sector while pursuing its climate goals. read →

🕊️🤝 Iran prepares for direct negotiations with the US in Turkey (0.73)

Iran is set to engage in direct negotiations with the United States on 6 February in Istanbul, contingent on a threat-free environment. President Masoud Pezeshkian has mandated Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to lead the talks, which will be facilitated by regional powers including Turkey and Qatar. The discussions aim to address nuclear issues amid heightened military tensions following US threats of intervention. This marks the first contact between the two nations since negotiations stalled in June 2025. read →

🇪🇺🤝 EU and UK explore customs union talks amid shifting political landscape (0.7)

The EU has expressed a willingness to discuss a customs union with the UK, a significant shift in post-Brexit relations. Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU's Economy Commissioner, indicated this openness during meetings with UK ministers, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Labour leader Keir Starmer is advocating for deeper economic ties with the EU, aiming to reconnect the UK with Europe through sectoral agreements. However, a customs union could complicate existing trade deals with non-EU countries. Ongoing discussions also include a veterinary agreement and youth exchange programs. read →

🏛️ Government splits pension and social shield decrees for 2026 (0.92)

The Spanish government has approved two separate decrees for 2026, one focusing on a 2.7% pension increase and the other on social protection measures, including an eviction moratorium for vulnerable families. The separation of these decrees aims to secure legislative approval after an omnibus decree was rejected by opposition parties. The new social shield will exclude small landlords from the eviction ban, addressing their concerns while protecting vulnerable tenants. Ongoing negotiations with various parliamentary groups are crucial for the success of both measures. read →

🏛️ Spain to ban social media access for under-16s (0.87)

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a ban on social media access for users under 16, set to be approved by the Council of Ministers next week. The new regulations will require platforms to implement age-verification systems and hold executives accountable for failing to remove illegal content. Additionally, the government will criminalize algorithm manipulation and establish a system to track hate speech. This initiative aims to enhance digital safety for minors and combat disinformation, aligning Spain with similar measures in France and Australia. read →

⚖️💶 CNMC fines Repsol €20.5 million for anti-competitive practices (0.84)

The CNMC has fined Repsol, Solred, and Campsa €20.5 million for anti-competitive practices during the 2022 energy crisis. The regulator found that Repsol engaged in an "abusive margin squeeze" that harmed independent service stations by raising wholesale prices while offering discounts at its own stations. In addition to the fine, the companies are barred from public contracts for six months. Repsol plans to appeal the decision, claiming the CNMC's investigation was flawed. read →

🏛️ Nearly 1,000 unaccompanied migrant minors relocated to mainland Spain (0.8)

Spain has relocated 926 unaccompanied migrant minors from the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla to the mainland as part of an immigration reform aimed at alleviating pressure on border regions. The government aims to complete all transfers by March 2026, but disparities in relocation rates persist, particularly from the Canary Islands. Minister Ángel Víctor Torres has called for increased cooperation from regional authorities to expedite the process, ensuring that minors can attend school and live normal lives. read →

🚆⚖️ Adamuz rail accident: aid, investigations, and service cuts (0.8)

In the wake of the Adamuz rail accident that killed 46 people, the Spanish government has approved aid for victims, allowing applications until 4 May 2026. The Prosecutor's Office is investigating the accident's causes, requesting an expert report on potential weld failures. Adif has also implemented temporary service reductions on the Madrid-Barcelona line due to track issues, while Transport Minister Óscar Puente faces scrutiny amid ongoing investigations and union protests demanding accountability. read →

⚖️🛑 Supreme Court proceedings in Ábalos mask procurement case (0.76)

Former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos has requested to appear via videoconference for his Supreme Court trial set for April 2026, citing health concerns due to prison transport conditions. He faces serious charges, including bribery and embezzlement, with a potential 24-year prison sentence. The Supreme Court has ruled that the Popular Party will lead the accusations against him, rejecting requests from other parties to separate their claims. The trial is expected to draw significant public attention due to the serious nature of the allegations. read →

⚖️📜 CGPJ advances sanction proposal against two judges for derogatory remarks (0.76)

The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) in Spain has proposed sanctions against judges Eloy Velasco and Manuel Ruiz de Lara for derogatory comments about public figures, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and former minister Irene Montero. The proposal, initiated by disciplinary prosecutor Ricardo Conde, will be reviewed by the Disciplinary Commission. Velasco criticized Montero's background, while Ruiz de Lara referred to Sánchez's wife in a derogatory manner. The case highlights ongoing debates about judges' conduct and social media use, with potential penalties ranging from fines to suspension. read →

🏛️ Aragón election campaign heats up as parties focus on pensioners' votes (0.69)

As the Aragón regional elections on 8 February approach, the PSOE is focusing its campaign on pensioners, a crucial voter demographic. Pilar Alegría emphasizes the government's pension reforms to attract older voters, who make up over 22.5% of the population. Recent polling suggests a potential historic low for the PSOE, trailing behind the PP and Vox. Meanwhile, the deadline for mail-in ballots is approaching, adding urgency to campaign efforts. Post-election, the PP is preparing to negotiate with Vox, indicating a shift in voter dynamics. read →

🏛️🌧️ Portugal announces emergency support after Storm Kristin (0.92)

Portugal's government has announced an emergency support package for regions affected by Storm Kristin, including a simplified layoff scheme covering 80% of salaries for impacted workers. Tolls on major highways will be waived for one week to facilitate recovery efforts. Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento indicated that further support measures may be introduced as damage assessments continue. A state of calamity has been declared for 69 municipalities, with ongoing evaluations to determine additional aid needs. read →