The Government of Canada has chosen the Canadian Climate Institute to spearhead the creation of made-in-Canada sustainable investment guidelines. These voluntary guidelines, known as a taxonomy, aim to mobilize private capital for the net-zero transition by clearly defining 'green' and 'transition' investments, fostering clarity for financial markets and supporting Canada's climate goals.
The UK government has announced a significant investment of over £120 million in the Grangemouth ethylene plant, securing 500 jobs and bolstering the nation's critical chemical infrastructure. This funding, part of a £150 million joint investment with INEOS, aims to ensure the long-term viability of the UK's last ethylene cracker.
Monaco is actively leveraging its 'Extended Monaco' digital transformation program to foster social impact, enhance community inclusion, and promote sustainable development. Initiatives range from reconditioning school laptops for disadvantaged youth to providing digital skills training and streamlining public services.
The UAE government has issued a Federal Decree-Law amending its Corporate Tax Law, Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. Key changes include clarifying tax settlement mechanisms, allowing refunds for unutilized tax credits, and introducing a Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT) aligned with OECD Pillar Two, effective January 1, 2025. New R&D and high-value employment incentives are also under consideration.
Amazon has agreed to pay €510 million to Italy's tax agency to resolve a tax dispute, bringing the total settlement to €723 million with related entities. However, Milan prosecutors will continue a criminal investigation into alleged tax evasion, focusing on €1.2 billion in unpaid VAT from 2019-2021.
South Africa's Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies announced key leadership appointments on December 10, 2025, aimed at strengthening digital governance. Magatho Mello was named Managing Director of SITA, and Nketheleni Norman Gidi as CEO of the FPB, both on five-year contracts. These moves seek to restore stability and enhance the nation's digital transformation agenda.
Barbados has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, addressing recommendations from a recent OECD report. The nation aims to strengthen its legal and regulatory framework, focusing on beneficial ownership information and effective exchange of tax data to maintain its standing as a global financial center.
France, backed by eight other European countries, has urged the European Commission to intensify efforts against 'systemic risks' posed by e-commerce platforms like Shein. The call highlights concerns over illegal products, consumer protection, and unfair competition, advocating for robust enforcement of the Digital Services Act and other EU regulations.
France, supported by eight other European Union member states, has formally urged the European Commission to intensify efforts against 'systemic risks' posed by major e-commerce platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. The initiative seeks robust enforcement of the Digital Services Act and enhanced consumer protection measures.
London Gatwick Airport has achieved a global first, securing the PAS 2080:2023 certification for carbon management in construction and infrastructure. This landmark accomplishment highlights the airport's dedication to reducing whole-life carbon emissions and setting a new benchmark for sustainable development in the aviation industry.
The Romanian government has approved a list of 17 state-owned companies for a comprehensive reform process, aiming to modernize corporate governance, improve performance, and determine their future through reorganization, listing, or liquidation. This move aligns with OECD standards and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led a high-profile roadshow in Osaka, Japan, as part of a broader investment tour, attracting significant interest from leading Japanese companies. The visit secured commitments including a potential ₹500 crore investment from Aichi Steel and a ₹400 crore expansion by Toppan Speciality Films, highlighting Punjab's appeal as a global investment destination.
The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced updated Value Added Tax (VAT) rules, effective January 1, 2026. These changes, introduced via Federal Decree-Law No. (16) of 2025, aim to simplify procedures, enhance transparency, and strengthen tax compliance across the nation.
The UK's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill is set to undergo detailed scrutiny in the House of Lords committee stage, commencing on December 10, 2025. This legislation aims to bolster domestic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production through a revenue certainty mechanism, complementing the existing SAF Mandate which requires 2% SAF use by 2025, rising to 10% by 2030.
Junior Chamber International Monaco celebrated the 30th edition of its Business Creation Competition on December 3, 2025, under the patronage of Prince Albert II. Radio Chantier won the top Government Prize for its AI-driven construction management platform, alongside other innovative winners and a tribute to past successes.
Ingka Investments, the investment arm of IKEA Group, has received regulatory approval to acquire 18,000 hectares of forest in Estonia from Swedish-owned Södra Forest Estonia. This acquisition is part of a larger €720 million deal for approximately 153,000 hectares across Latvia and Estonia, aimed at securing sustainable raw materials for IKEA.
Ingka Investments, part of the IKEA Group, has secured approval from the Estonian Competition Authority to acquire 18,000 hectares of land, primarily forest, from Södra Forest Estonia. This acquisition is part of a larger €720 million deal across the Baltic states, aimed at bolstering sustainable timber supplies and regional processing.
Australia's National AI Plan, launched December 2, 2025, outlines a strategy to leverage artificial intelligence for economic growth, job creation, and enhanced public services. The plan, championed by Minister Tim Ayres, commits $30 million to an AI Safety Institute and prioritizes ethical development and safety within existing legal frameworks, aligning with the 'Future Made in Australia' agenda.
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry has called for a comprehensive overhaul of public procurement governance, demanding a clear separation between political direction and civil service responsibility in public contracts. This urgent call follows recent controversies surrounding Malita Investments plc.
Bell Textron Inc. announced six new corporate aircraft orders in Europe during European Rotors 2025 in Cologne, Germany. The orders, including Bell 505s, Bell 407GXis, and Bell 429s, were placed by customers in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Poland, bringing Bell's year-to-date European corporate sales to seventeen aircraft.
