EUR News
LAST UPDATE: September 16, 2025
EU executive to target energy bottlenecks to stabilise prices
The European Commission, under Ursula von der Leyen, plans a “European Grids Package” by end‑2025 to address key electricity bottlenecks (e.g. Pyrenees, Trans‑Balkan pipeline, Oresund Strait, Sicilian Canal), fund needed projects, and create “energy highways” to stabilize electricity prices. (Reuters)
Insight
Improving infrastructure and energy flow is essential for EU to reduce regional price disparities, enhance energy security, and counter high energy costs — especially given geopolitical risks and transition pressures.
EU set to miss U.N. deadline for new climate targets, draft shows
A draft EU document shows the bloc is likely to miss its deadline this month to submit new 2035 climate targets to the UN. Disagreements over the 2040 goal have delayed progress; the EU is considering a provisional emissions reduction range of ~66.3‑72.5% from 1990 levels by 2035. (Reuters)
Insight
The delay undermines EU’s reputation as a climate leader and could reduce leverage ahead of COP30; member states’ divergence on ambition levels reflects internal political and economic trade‑offs.
EU falling behind on growth, reforms even more urgent, says Draghi
Mario Draghi warned that despite ambitious proposals, the EU is lagging in implementation of reforms, suffering from complacency, and that slow action threatens competitiveness vs. the US and China; he pointed to issues in AI development, trade deficits, and energy cost disadvantages. (Reuters)
Insight
Draghi’s warning highlights that policy design isn’t enough — execution, regulatory reform, investment, and institutional agility are key. Without speeding up reforms the EU risks losing ground in strategic sectors.
UK jobs market slows again as payrolls and wage growth dip
UK payrolls fell for the seventh straight month and wage growth cooled slightly, indicating a softening labor market.
Insight
These signs of economic cooling may reduce inflationary pressure and give the Bank of England room to pause interest rate hikes.
UK’s Starmer hopes Trump’s royal welcome will shield him from pitfalls
PM Keir Starmer hopes the ceremonial aspects of Donald Trump’s UK state visit will overshadow recent political troubles and highlight bilateral cooperation.
Insight
The event is a political gamble aimed at boosting public perception and emphasizing global partnerships, but may be vulnerable to backlash or missteps.
CPI in Poland around 3% in coming months, finance minister says
Poland’s finance minister Andrzej Domanski said inflation is expected to hover around 3% in the coming months, signalling a period of relative price stability.
Insight
Inflation stabilising near 3% could give the central bank scope to hold or cautiously adjust rates while monitoring energy and fiscal pressures.
