EUR News
LAST UPDATE: September 15, 2025
EU antitrust chief under pressure over slow pace of merger reform
Teresa Ribera is facing criticism for taking a cautious approach to reforming EU merger control rules, with stakeholders frustrated by the lack of clarity and the slow pace nearly nine months into her term. (フィナンシャル・タイムズ)
Insight
Her legitimacy and ability to manage expectations are at stake; reform is politically sensitive as it involves balancing traditional competition law with industrial strategy and geopolitical competitiveness.
US-UK nuclear energy accord unveiled ahead of Trump state visit
A US-UK nuclear energy agreement was announced ahead of President Trump’s state visit, aiming to accelerate investment, streamline regulatory approval, and build new nuclear capacity, including small modular reactors. (フィナンシャル・タイムズ)
Insight
The deal underscores energy security’s importance as a diplomatic priority, and reflects both countries’ interest in boosting clean energy infrastructure as well as economic and geopolitical leverage.
Starmer has until May to turn things around, say MPs and unions
MPs and trade unions have signalled that Prime Minister Keir Starmer must improve performance by May 2026 across issues such as public services and governance or face serious political consequences. (フィナンシャル・タイムズ)
Insight
This puts a limited time-horizon on Starmer’s government, increasing pressure to deliver visible results; failure could weaken internal party support ahead of future elections.
Bank of England Gilts Decision Risks £4 Billion Hit for Reeves
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves may have to find an additional £4 billion if the Bank of England stops actively selling government bonds, as this decision could undermine her budget projections ahead of the autumn fiscal plan. (ブルームバーグ)
Insight
This highlights the tight link between the Bank’s balance-sheet policy and the Treasury’s fiscal targets; cutting active gilt sales may reduce market risk but shifts pressure onto government revenue and spending decisions.
Poland’s CPI in August revised upwards, hopes for a rate cut remain
August inflation in Poland was revised up to 2.9% year-on-year from earlier estimates; core inflation eased slightly, keeping alive expectations for interest rate cuts later this year. (TradingView)
Insight
Though headline inflation is slightly higher, easing core inflation gives the central bank room to consider easing; however, policymakers will need to navigate risks like wage pressures, fiscal policy, and energy costs.
