Keywords: Competitiveness


US envoy says European prosperity serves American interests but warns EU is taking the wrong path

The United States supports a prosperous Europe, but the European Union risks undermining its own economic potential through excessive regulation and barriers to investment, according to Andrew Puzder, the US ambassador to the European Union. In comments reported by the Financial Times, Puzder argued......

Renault’s Moroccan Industrial Advantages Draw Attention as Dacia Seeks Major Cost Cuts in Romania

Morocco’s energy prices, transport infrastructure and government support are emerging as key competitive advantages for Renault, according to Dacia Romania chief Mihai Bordeanu, as the automaker prepares a sweeping cost-reduction plan for its Mioveni factory. The industrial environment in Morocco......

Deep divisions threaten approval of the EU’s 2028–2034 budget

Negotiations over the European Union’s next long-term budget are facing significant obstacles, with disagreements over spending levels, funding sources and financial priorities raising doubts about whether the proposed plan can secure approval. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Parliament......

EU and Ukraine open two new clusters in accession negotiations

The European Union and Ukraine have opened negotiations on two additional policy clusters as Kyiv continues its efforts to join the bloc. Announced by the Council of the European Union on October 13, 2026, the new areas cover the internal market and competitiveness and inclusive growth, marking another......

Former Japanese ambassador says royal speech sets out clear vision for future cooperation

Morocco’s royal speech before members of both chambers of Parliament reflects a clear assessment of the country’s achievements and remaining challenges, while outlining priorities for the future, according to former Japanese ambassador to Morocco Takashi Shinozuka. In a statement to Morocco’s......

Twelve EU countries challenge France over access to future defence funding

Twelve European Union countries are backing a proposal to keep future EU defence programmes open to selected non-EU partners, putting them at odds with France's push for stricter European preference rules. The disagreement is emerging as member states negotiate the bloc's long-term budget for......

Volvo chief warns Europe’s car industry could face a Detroit-style decline

Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson has warned that Europe’s automotive industry risks losing industrial capacity if manufacturers continue to face high production costs and struggle to compete with lower-cost locations. In an interview with German business daily Handelsblatt, Samuelsson compared......

Global banks question London’s appeal as pressure mounts for higher taxes

London’s position as a leading global financial centre is facing renewed scrutiny as international banks warn that higher taxes and rising operating costs could influence future investment decisions in the United Kingdom. The concerns come ahead of the British government’s next budget, with......

Morocco emerges as the world’s lowest-cost automotive labor market

Morocco is emerging as one of the most cost-competitive locations in the global automotive industry, with a new analysis by consultancy Oliver Wyman identifying the country as the world’s lowest-cost market for automotive labor per vehicle in 2024. The study, titled “Getting Under the Hood......