HSBC Malta staff, represented by the Malta Union of Bank Employees (MUBE), launched a sit-in strike on September 22, 2025. The industrial action stems from a compensation dispute related to the bank's impending €200 million sale to Greek lender CrediaBank, with MUBE demanding €50-60 million in terminal benefits.
Next PLC CEO Lord Simon Wolfson has cautioned that the UK economy faces 'anaemic growth' despite the retailer reporting a 13.8% rise in half-year pre-tax profits to £515 million. He cited declining job opportunities, new regulations, government spending, and rising taxes as hindrances to economic progress.
Türkiye's Trade Ministry announced new tariffs on passenger car imports, reaching up to 30% or $8,500 per vehicle, effective 60 days after their publication on Monday, September 22, 2025. The measures target imports from non-EU and non-FTA countries, aiming to protect domestic production, safeguard jobs, and reduce the current account deficit.
Labour MP Zarah Sultana has withdrawn her legal threat against Jeremy Corbyn, citing an 'act of good faith' to reconcile differences within their new left-wing political venture, 'Your Party'. The dispute arose from an 'unauthorised' membership drive and Sultana's claims of being 'sidelined' by a 'sexist boys' club'.
Slovakia's government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, is facing intense scrutiny over a new austerity package designed to reduce the country's significant budget deficit. Measures include tax hikes, increased insurance contributions, and spending cuts, drawing widespread criticism from opposition leaders and prompting nationwide protests.
The European Union has warned Greece it faces losing crucial farm subsidies unless it submits an improved action plan by October 2 to combat widespread fraud involving agricultural funds. The scandal, which has seen hundreds of millions of euros siphoned off, has led to political resignations and ongoing investigations by EU and Greek authorities.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced plans for discussions with Japan regarding the nation's potential entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). A key point of contention is South Korea's import ban on Japanese fishery products.
The Swedish Post and Telecom Agency (PTS) has proposed deregulating radio and television broadcasting via terrestrial networks, citing the dominance of internet streaming and widespread broadband access. The move, set to take effect from January 1, 2026, aims to adapt regulations to current market realities where digital platforms increasingly serve consumer needs.
The European Parliament's S&D group has called on the EU to intervene in the case of Serbian student Bogdan Jovicic, detained since mid-August on charges of violent behavior. Concerns for his safety have escalated following a hunger strike and his appearance in chains at his father's funeral, prompting calls for transparency from Serbian authorities.
The Slovenian Enterprise Fund (SEF) has launched a new call offering €20 million in liquidity loans to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The program provides financing from €15,000 to €100,000 at a fixed annual interest rate of 1.8%, with flexible repayment periods and a moratorium option, to support current operations and small investments.
North Macedonia's national broadcaster, MRT, is currently reviewing its potential participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The decision hinges on a thorough assessment of financial and production capabilities, past performance, and overall strategy, following withdrawals from the 2023 and 2024 contests due to economic factors. A final decision is expected by mid-December.
The Netherlands will dispatch an agricultural trade mission to Romania from October 30-31, 2025, led by Ralf van de Beek. The mission, focusing on covered horticulture, aims to foster collaborations and address Romania's demand for year-round fresh produce, leveraging Dutch expertise in protected cultivation.
Trade talks between South Africa and the United States are progressing as Pretoria seeks relief from the 30 percent tariffs imposed by Washington in early August. The tariffs, affecting key sectors like agriculture and automotive, threaten significant job losses in South Africa, prompting high-level diplomatic engagements and a search for alternative markets.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in Mexico City. The pact aims to bolster economic ties, trade, and cooperation across critical areas including security, environment, and infrastructure, signaling a new era of collaboration between the two North American nations.
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum have signed a landmark agreement in Mexico City, establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership. The pact aims to deepen bilateral ties across trade, infrastructure, energy, crime, and environmental issues, marking a new era of cooperation between the two North American nations.
French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that major European nations are likely to reimpose international sanctions on Iran by the end of the month. Citing Iran's 'not serious' efforts to avoid them, the move comes as a UN Security Council vote on lifting sanctions is expected to fail, triggering the 'snapback' mechanism.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially transitioned to a single, centralized passport production system, marking a historic shift after 62 years of decentralized operations. This reform, announced by Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, aims to boost daily production capacity from 300 to 5,000 passports, promising faster processing times and enhanced document integrity.
Three former top ministers from Justin Trudeau's cabinet are reportedly receiving diplomatic appointments under Prime Minister Mark Carney. David Lametti has been officially named Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations, while Bill Blair is expected to become High Commissioner to the UK, and Jonathan Wilkinson is considering an offer as Ambassador to the European Union.
France is experiencing widespread disruptions today, September 18, 2025, as major trade unions initiate nationwide strikes and demonstrations. Protesting proposed budget cuts, austerity measures, and the 2023 pension reform, the action has severely impacted public transportation, hospitals, and schools across the country.
Ford announced plans to cut up to 1,000 jobs at its Cologne electric vehicle plant in Germany, transitioning to a single-shift operation by January 2026. The decision stems from lower-than-expected EV demand in Europe, adding to a broader restructuring that includes 4,000 European job reductions by 2027.
