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Economy will shape Macron’s euro-area manoeuvres

Location:

FRANCE/EU

Macron has used his absolute majority in parliament and the weakened state of France’s unions to deliver his campaign promise to reform France’s labour laws. Yet his success is…

Belgium’s move to a four-day week will be gradual

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BELGIUM

From November 21, private sector workers can now work four instead of five days per week as part of the federal government’s new Labour Deal. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said…

Support for Ireland’s opposition Sinn Fein is growing

Location:

IRELAND

The governing parties are facing growing challenges amid the worsening cost-of-living crisis, which comes on top of a housing crisis and medium-to-long-term structural economic…

North Macedonia’s new government will follow old ways

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NORTH MACEDONIA

This revamped version of the 2017-19 government has the support of just 62 members of the 120-seat parliament. It keeps the same prime minister, Zoran Zaev of the SDSM, and the…

E-waste endangers developing nations' catch-up growth

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INTERNATIONAL

Nearly 50 million tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) was generated last year but only 20% was recycled. China generates the most but the EU leads both e-waste per person and…

Water joins series of Balkan pollution concerns

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BALKANS

In the latest in a string of pro-environment demonstrations, protesters marched through Belgrade on January 10 against high levels of atmospheric pollution. Environmental issues…

Split Bulgarian parliament would suit ambitious Radev

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BULGARIA

It is the fourth election since April 2021. President Rumen Radev -- the real power behind Prime Minister Galab Donev's caretaker government -- is widely suspected of wishing to…

Slovene premier's fall might end privatisation policy

Location:

SLOVENIA

The challenge to Slovenia's privatisation programme.

Hungary will ease immigration to meet labour shortage

Location:

HUNGARY

The poorly publicised law provides for an entirely new visa system, focused on streamlining guest-worker and skilled worker permits from third countries. It addresses an…