According to the Deloitte Digital Consumer Trends survey, a majority of UK consumers would now support a ban on social media for children under 16, including 53% of Gen Z respondents—a striking finding given that this generation grew up in the age of social platforms. The data points to a broader shift in consumer behaviour, as users increasingly attempt to reduce screen time, delete apps, and
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The world’s most prestigious shipping exhibition is preparing to break new ground. Posidonia 2026 will become the longest-running shipping event globally, engaging the international maritime community across a three-week period of conferences, networking forums, social gatherings and sporting events. Activities will commence in early May and culminate during Posidonia Week, from 1–5 June, transforming Athens into the epicentre of global shipping. Demand has been exceptional,
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The Bulgarian Stock Exchange (BSE) has opened 2026 with exceptional momentum, as investor enthusiasm surged following Bulgaria’s accession to the Eurozone. The exchange’s benchmark SOFIX index recorded a double-digit gain of over 14% within the first five trading sessions, rising from 1,156.43 to 1,323.06 points, accompanied by a sharp acceleration in trading activity. January closed with turnover exceeding €45 million, representing a
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At the Annual General Meeting of the Union of Greek Shipowners held on February 4, 2026, in Athens, strong attendance and broad participation underscored the central role of Greek shipping at a time of profound global disruption. Addressing members, UGS President Melina Travlou presented the Union’s achievements, policy positions, and strategic priorities, emphasizing that shipping must remain protected as a strategic backbone
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Romania’s commercial real estate market is entering a phase of stabilization marked by selective growth opportunities, cautious optimism, and sustained investor confidence, according to the 4th edition of the Real Estate Investors Sentiment Barometer released by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox. The survey captures insights from senior executives representing local, regional, and global investors and developers with a combined Romanian property portfolio exceeding
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The global financial services sector experienced a powerful resurgence in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in 2025, with total disclosed deal value rising 49% year-on-year (YoY), driven by a sharp increase in large-scale transactions. According to the latest EY Financial Services M&A analysis, banks, insurers, and asset managers worldwide announced or completed 2,236 deals during the year, marginally higher than the 2,219
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Cyprus has extended its 0% VAT rate on essential goods and food items until 31 December 2026, reinforcing efforts to ease cost-of-living pressures, particularly for families and vulnerable households. The measure, approved by the Cabinet in November, will apply from 1 January to 31 December 2026, replacing the previous expiration date of end-2025. The zero-VAT scheme covers baby milk, infant and adult
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The Piraeus Port Authority S.A. (PPA S.A.) officially inaugurated the 2026 cruise season with the arrival of the first cruise vessels of the year, signaling the start of another dynamic period for cruise activity at the Port of Piraeus. At Passenger Terminal A “Miaoulis,” representatives of PPA S.A. welcomed the Viking Vesta, the newest addition to the fleet of Viking Cruises. The
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Venture capital funding for European startups is showing clear signs of recovery in 2025, but the rebound remains uneven across the continent, according to data from PitchBook. Total VC investment in Europe is projected to reach €66 billion up 6.5% from 2024, marking a return to growth after a prolonged downturn. However, the recovery has been increasingly concentrated in fewer, larger deals
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UniCredit and the European Investment Fund (EIF), part of the EIB Group, have signed a new InvestEU guarantee agreement designed to significantly scale up financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The €445 million facility is expected to unlock up to €890 million in new lending, strengthening access to capital in a region where SMEs play
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