Business

Belgium moves to nationalize its nuclear power plants

The Belgian government signed on Thursday a Letter of Intent to acquire Electrabel's (ENGIE) entire nuclear operations in the country. Such a move would reverse the phase-out of nuclear energy legislation adopted in the early 2000s amid safety concerns.

Could the EU Introduce a Windfall Tax on Oil Companies?

The dramatic rise in energy prices in the wake of the Iran war has led to calls for the European Union to introduce a so-called windfall tax on oil and gas companies, to use some of their profits to help governments fund relief schemes.

Pezeshkian: US Blockade 'Doomed to Fail'

Skip next section World facing a 'major economic and energy challenge,' IEA head says April 30, 2026 World facing a 'major economic and energy challenge,' IEA head says The head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, has told a Paris climate conference that the world "is facing a major economic and energy challenge" amid

Germany's Economy Expands Despite Iran Conflict

Skip next section Germany agrees to split heating costs in reform April 30, 2026 Germany agrees to split heating costs in reform Germany's coalition government has agreed to split key heating costs between landlords and tenants as part of a revised heating law.

Iran conflict strains India's pharmaceutical supply chain

India's pharmaceutical industry, the backbone of global generic drug supply, is coming under pressure as the Iran war disrupts energy markets and trade routes. India is the largest producer of generic drugs, which are cheaper pharmaceutical products made to match brand-name drugs in quality and performance as well as safety.

EU Parliament Pushes Larger 2028–34 Budget and New Taxes

The European Parliament has voted in favor of a 10% increase to the EU's next long-term budget and the introduction of new revenue streams. Supporters of the proposal want more funding for agriculture and for poorer regions, calling for nearly €100 billion more than already proposed by the European Commission.

Germany budget strains amid Iran war and spending pressures

Skip next section Sugar, booze, tobacco: what new health-based levies is the government planning? April 29, 2026 Sugar, booze, tobacco: what new health-based levies is the government planning? One new budget proposal that seemingly won't be finalized in time for 2027, but is planned for introduction by 2028, is a tax on sugary drinks.

Controversial pipeline deal risks Bosnia's EU bid

The Southern Interconnection pipeline, designed to connect Bosnia-Herzegovina to a liquefied natural gas terminal in neighboring Croatia, could scupper Bosnian aspirations to join the European Union. The project is strategically important for the country, as it would reduce Bosnia's dependence on Russian gas.

How Legacy Airlines Undermined Spirit’s Low‑Fare Model

Spirit Airlines is having trouble Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Justin Sullivan/Getty Images About a month ago, Aran Darling booked a cheap red-eye flight from Los Angeles to New York for a work event. Darling and his significant other, Izzy de la Meme, own a small business named Froot Stand.

Powell's Last Fed Meeting Before Leadership Change

The Senate Banking Committee votes Wednesday on Kevin Warsh's nomination to serve as the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images North America hide caption toggle caption Andrew Harnik/Getty Images North America Change is coming to the Federal Reserve — even as interest rates are expected to hold steady.

Can Santa Marta Spur a Global Fossil-Fuel Exit?

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, Colombia's Environment Minister Irene Vélez Torres and Dutch Minister of Climate and Green Growth Stientje van Veldhoven attend the International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia, on April 28, 2026.

UAE Withdraws from OPEC Amid Energy Shock

April 28, 2026 The United Arab Emirates is withdrawing from the OPEC and OPEC+ oil cartels as the Iran war drives a historic energy shock and rattles the global economy.