EU Policy
Stefan Dräger, CEO of Lübeck-based medical technology firm Drägerwerk, views the planned EU ban on forever chemicals as the biggest threat to his company. The family-owned business is benefiting from the shift in defense policy. Dräger has rejected orders such as for the Kremlin hospital.
Imeripotiwa na AI
The EU Commission plans to speed up the electrification of corporate fleets, which Sixt's CEO warns could raise rental car prices. Konstantin Sixt stated that higher vehicle costs would be passed on to customers. He described the draft as an example of well-intentioned policy sliding into a planned economy.
Skatteverket plans to introduce 25 percent VAT on parking spaces for tenants and apartment owners from October 1, 2025, following a reinterpretation of EU rules. Rolf Lagerquist warns of rent increases, while Anders Cohen argues costs need not rise. Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson wants an investigation to halt the hike.
Imeripotiwa na AI
Major European capitals, skeptical of Ursula von der Leyen's 'anti-drone wall' project, are reaffirming their defense prerogatives. Paris and Berlin criticize the initiative as a slogan reminiscent of the Maginot Line or an illusion for protecting 3,000 km of borders, while Russia-bordering countries urge the Commission to speed up European defense buildup. Despite reservations, the Commission aims for an initial capacity in place by late 2026 and operational a year later.