Author: Sam Allcock

Marc Lemaître, the Director-General for Research and Innovation in the European Commission, recently emphasised the need for EU policymakers and research funders to prioritise economic impact, as part of the Commission’s new competitiveness agenda. Speaking at the annual Science|Business conference, Lemaître called for a shift in focus towards research and innovation’s role in boosting the EU’s competitiveness, acknowledging that in future, performance will largely be judged based on this factor. The European Commission unveiled its “Competitiveness Compass” last week, outlining a comprehensive approach to reinforcing Europe’s global position through strategic technologies. This document has sparked concern within the research community,…

The European Commission is considering a major revision to its carbon border levy, potentially exempting 80% of companies from the scheme while still maintaining its environmental impact. This move is part of the EU’s broader strategy to ease regulatory burdens on businesses without compromising its climate goals. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), set to take effect in 2026, will impose costs on imported goods such as steel, aluminium, and cement based on their embedded carbon emissions. However, EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra revealed that a new analysis found that 97% of emissions covered by CBAM come from just 20%…

The European Union is considering a proposal to reduce import tariffs on American cars in an effort to avert an escalating trade war with the United States under former President Donald Trump’s administration. The move comes as both parties look to avoid a detrimental trade conflict that could impact businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. According to Bernd Lange, head of the European Parliament’s Trade Committee, the EU is willing to lower its current 10% import tax on US vehicles to bring it closer to the 2.5% rate imposed by the US on European cars. This gesture…

The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Europe is accelerating rapidly, with five businesses incorporating AI into their operations every minute, according to AWS’s “Unlocking Europe’s AI Potential 2025” report. Over the last year, 42% of European businesses are now consistently using AI, and more than 90% of these companies have reported an increase in revenue or productivity due to the technology. This pace of growth is astonishing, surpassing that of mobile phone adoption in the 2000s, when growth peaked at just 18% between 2007 and 2008. The rise in AI adoption represents nearly three million businesses across the continent,…

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has expressed concerns that European Union (EU) regulations could limit the region’s access to artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Speaking at an event at the Technical University of Berlin on February 7, Altman discussed how the EU’s regulatory framework could potentially slow the development and deployment of AI advancements in the region. Altman explained that while OpenAI would love to build a European counterpart to its recently announced AI infrastructure project, Stargate, its ability to do so largely depends on the EU’s regulatory stance. He emphasized the company’s desire to deploy its products in Europe at…

Nova Gorica, Slovenia, and Gorizia, Italy, have officially launched the European Capital of Culture for 2025, with a grand opening in Europe Square—the symbolic heart of both cities. As the sun set, the celebrations moved to an open-air stage in front of Nova Gorica’s municipal building, where an unforgettable cultural spectacle unfolded. Throughout 2025, GO! 2025 will bring over 1,000 exciting cultural events to the region, spanning concerts, theatre, art exhibitions, film screenings, culinary experiences, and more. These events will reflect the unique spirit of the cities, offering visitors an immersive celebration of creativity, culture, and unity. European Capital of…

The Irish tourism sector is entering 2025 with optimism, following a strong showing in 2024 that showcased resilience and growth. Visitor numbers and overall expenditure saw a boost last year, thanks to an increase in supply and well-executed price adjustments. In 2024, over 300 new attractions and events were introduced across the country, contributing to the sector’s recovery and ongoing strength. One of the standout moments in Irish tourism in recent weeks has been the success of events like the Dublin Lunar New Year celebrations and St Brigid’s Weekend. Aimée van Wylick, creative producer of the Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating…

The European Union (EU) Commission is set to hold ‘reality checks’ with workers as part of efforts to balance the concerns of both business leaders and employees, according to a leading trade union representative. During a private meeting between European Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, and trade union leader Esther Lynch on Wednesday, a commitment was made to give workers a genuine platform to share their perspectives. However, Lynch noted that while this gesture could address some of the concerns about potential negative impacts of the EU’s push for deregulation, the details remain unclear. Lynch, who represents 45 million workers…

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland is in “full preparatory mode” as the country braces for potential tariffs on imports to the United States, according to Tánaiste Simon Harris. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Harris urged calm, stressing the importance of taking a measured approach in response to the situation. Harris, speaking in a recent statement, noted that US President Donald Trump is “transactional” in his approach to both business and politics. He referenced how Trump had previously paused tariffs on Mexico and Canada, illustrating the fluid nature of such trade decisions. Despite this, Harris pointed out that tariffs,…