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Euractiv
31-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Europe dodged a trade war, but its electricity market is broken
Apostolos Thomadakis is Research Fellow and Head of the Financial Markets and Institutions Unit at the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), and Head of Research at the European Capital Markets Institute (ECMI). This week's EU-US tariff deal has been spun as a diplomatic success. But beneath the surface, the outcome is sobering. Washington keeps its 15% tariffs on key European exports while Europe pledges closer trade and investment ties with a country whose industrial strategy is increasingly dictated between rounds of golf. The real question isn't whether Europe avoided a trade war – it's whether it gave away too much, and whether the trade-offs made are consistent with any serious long-term competitiveness strategy. Because accepting structural tariffs while simultaneously rolling back parts of the EU Green Deal is not strategic patience. It's strategic incoherence. And nowhere is this contradiction more evident than in Europe's electricity market, the very foundation of its green transition. Despite years of reform talk, the core design of Europe's power market remains dangerously outdated. Wholesale electricity prices are still dictated by the marginal cost of gas-fired plants. This means that even when wind and solar provide the majority of supply, consumers still pay prices shaped by the most expensive generator on the grid. In 2022, when gas prices exploded following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, this mechanism pushed power prices to record highs, forcing entire industries to shut down and households into energy poverty. This is not just a bug. It's a feature of a market architecture that was never built to deliver resilience – only efficiency under stable conditions that no longer exist. Today, Europe is in the paradoxical position of producing record amounts of clean energy while remaining shackled to fossil fuel price volatility. Every time gas prices jump, electricity follows; jeopardising the electrification of transport, heating and industry that lies at the heart of the Green Deal. Yes, reform is on the table. But it remains incremental, buried in consultations and bogged down in jargon. The fundamental truth remains: Europe's electricity market cannot enable a 21st-century transition while operating on 20th-century principles. This isn't just an energy story. It's a powerful and direct parallel to the core flaw in the financial system. In finance, just as in the energy market, long-term sustainable investment is constantly held hostage by the logic of short-term, speculative gains. In both cases, the solution is architectural. We need to redesign the 'software' of these markets to correctly price risk and reward long-term resilience. In other words, ensure the 'price' of capital is no longer dictated by the most destructive parts of the system. The same principle must now be applied to energy. Europe needs to decouple electricity prices from gas, expand the use of long-term contracts (like power purchase agreements and contracts for difference), and build out the grid infrastructure that allows low-cost renewable power to flow across borders. Countries like Spain have shown it's possible – their use of long-term contracts and domestic renewables helped buffer them from the 2022 crisis far more effectively than markets like France or Germany, where the link between gas and power prices remains entrenched. Meanwhile, the US (once Europe's green partner) is backtracking. Critical clean energy support under the Inflation Reduction Act is under pressure, with projects stranded and investment pipelines drying up. Yet this moment presents Europe with a rare opportunity: to attract viable US projects with targeted relocation incentives and industrial policy tools it already possesses. If done strategically, this could reinforce Europe's leadership in clean technology while accelerating its energy independence. What Europe doesn't need is more high-risk, high-cost LNG from hurricane-prone regions with gutted climate science and forecasting capacity. Studies already show the EU is well on track to meet its energy needs through accelerated renewables deployment, not new fossil dependencies. Doubling down on fossil-based import dependencies is not resilience. It's regression. Ultimately, this is about power – both electrical and geopolitical. In a fractured world, fossil fuel geopolitics cannot be the foundation of future partnerships. Climate cooperation can. By aligning Europe's foreign, trade, investment, and innovation policies with its climate agenda, the EU can rebuild multilateralism around shared challenges – not extractive competition. The electricity market is just one piece of this puzzle. But it is a foundational one. Without a functioning pricing system that rewards resilience, Europe will continue to pay strategic premiums for tactical mistakes. Avoiding a trade war is not enough. Avoiding a self-inflicted energy crisis must now be the priority.
Time Business News
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Pizza Vending Machines for Sale in Europe
The European pizza vending market is projected to grow by 18.7% annually (Statista 2025), with machines now deployed in: ✔ Airports (Heathrow Terminal 5: 200+ daily sales) ✔ Universities (TU Berlin: €11,500/month revenue) ✔ Gas stations (Eni Group: 63% F&B revenue increase) *Next-gen machines like the PizzaForno G12 dominate European markets with 3-minute cook times* Unlike traditional vendors, European pizza vending machines: Accept contactless payments (Apple Pay, SEPA) Use EU-compliant refrigeration (ingredients stay fresh for 72h) Auto-clean after each use (meets EU food safety regs) Key Tech Specs: Feature Benefit Robotic dough press Perfect crust every time Dual convection ovens 2 pizzas simultaneously IoT monitoring Alerts when low on flour/cheese 👉 See Europe's top-selling models No chefs, cashiers, or cleaners Remote management via EU-cloud dashboard Average sale price: €9.80 (67% margin) €9.80 (67% margin) Peak hours: 11 PM-2 AM (club/bar areas) Fits in 2m² spaces (ideal for EU urban centers) (ideal for EU urban centers) CE-certified for all EU countries AI predicts topping demand (reduces waste by 40%) (reduces waste by 40%) Automated supplier alerts when stock is low Energy-efficient models comply with the EU Green Deal comply with the EU Green Deal Modular upgrades keep tech current Location Avg. Monthly Profit University cafeterias €8,200-€12,500 Hospital lobbies €6,800-€9,400 Shopping malls €10,000-€15,000 Highway rest stops €7,500-€11,000 Pro Tip: Machines near hostels see 22% higher sales between 1-4 AM Price: €49,900 €49,900 Capacity: 96 pizzas/day 96 pizzas/day Special: Dual-language interface (FR/DE/IT) Price: €42,500 €42,500 Ideal For: Small metro stations Price: €37,000 €37,000 ROI Period: 8.5 months Compare all EU-approved models → 14-18 months in high-traffic zones (see our ROI calculator) Most EU countries require: Basic hygiene certification Machine registration (we provide templates) We partner with Sysco Europe & Metro AG for: 2x weekly fresh deliveries Automated inventory tracking Cryptocurrency payments (5% of machines already accept Bitcoin) (5% of machines already accept Bitcoin) Vegan dough options (27% of Gen Z orders) (27% of Gen Z orders) Voice-activated ordering (rolling out in Spain/Italy) 🚀 Book a demo with Europe's #1 supplier 📊 Get our free 'Location Scout Toolkit' 💶 Financing available (0% for 12 months) Explore pizza vending machines for sale in Europe today → TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Express Tribune
11-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
EU, Pakistan sign €20m grant to support SMEs
Listen to article The government of Pakistan and the European Union (EU) signed a €20 million grant agreement on Thursday for launching the "Better Governance and Business Environment" initiative, reaffirming their shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive economic development. The agreement was signed by EU Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Riina Kionka and Economic Affairs Division Secretary Dr Kazim Niaz. Funded under the EU's Multi-annual Indicative Programme 2021-2027, the initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Pakistan's private sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including those led by or benefiting women. The programme will strengthen SME-related legislation, support the green transition of export-oriented firms, facilitate targeted green investments and promote public-private dialogue. It aligns with the EU's Global Gateway strategy, GSP+ commitments and the EU Green Deal, promoting smart, sustainable investment and resilient value chains. Speaking on the occasion, Kazim Niaz expressed appreciation for the EU's continued support and partnership. He emphasised the timely nature of the intervention, highlighting its strong alignment with Uraan Pakistan's goals for private sector development and institutional reforms to attract responsible investment. Ambassador Riina Kionka stated, "This agreement underscores the EU's commitment to supporting Pakistan in building a resilient, inclusive and competitive economy. We are investing in green innovation, women-led businesses and public-private partnerships to ensure a more sustainable future for all Pakistanis."
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan signs €20mn grant deal with EU to boost governance, business environment
Pakistan and the European Union (EU) on Thursday signed a €20 million grant agreement to launch the 'Better Governance and Business Environment' initiative, aimed at strengthening governance and improving competitiveness of the private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The agreement was signed by EU Ambassador Dr. Riina Kionka and Secretary Economic Affairs Division Dr. Kazim Niaz. The programme is part of the EU's Multiannual Indicative Programme 2021-2027. According to officials, the initiative will support SME-related legislation, promote the green transition of export-oriented businesses, and encourage targeted investments aligned with the EU's Global Gateway strategy, the GSP+ framework, and the EU Green Deal. Dr. Niaz thanked the EU for its continued support, terming the programme a timely intervention aligned with the government's 'Uraan Pakistan' strategy for institutional reforms and responsible private sector growth. Ambassador Kionka said the EU is committed to helping Pakistan build a more inclusive and sustainable economy by investing in green innovation, women-led enterprises, and public-private partnerships. The EU's development cooperation with Pakistan continues to focus on climate resilience, human rights, governance, and sustainable economic growth.
Barnama
23-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
- Tariff Madness Forces World To Rethink Economic Planning
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. The recent tariff madness by the United States has rattled markets around the world. Top economists do not see the real value from such a move. Instead of coaxing global companies to shift their operations to the United States, as envisaged by the administration, it may even backfire on the U.S. economy. The world is now in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, or VUCA, state. Volatility and uncertainty are most dreaded by the economy and business. Decisions to invest are negatively impacted. The economic repercussions are devastating to say the least. What is more disconcerting is that the U.S. Congress appears powerless in stopping such madness. The world needs a serious rethink on the global economic order and execution. Malaysia included. Experts have prescribed key strategic options for the global economy in response. The need to diversify supply chains is imminent. A much-discussed strategy is to reduce dependency on any single country (especially China) by building alternative hubs in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, India), Latin America (Mexico, Brazil), and Africa. The obvious challenge is higher costs, slower growth in infrastructure and policy readiness in the alternatives. Few would dispute the fact that the recent escalation of U.S. tariffs, particularly on Chinese goods but also affecting allies like the EU, has disrupted global trade and forced a reassessment of economic strategies worldwide. This tariff madness reflects deeper trends including deglobalisation pressures, geopolitical rivalry, and a shift from efficiency to resilience. Regionalisation over Globalisation? A shift to regionalisation over globalisation is touted. This involves strengthening regional trade blocs (e.g., USMCA in North America, RCEP in Asia, African Continental Free Trade Area) to reduce geopolitical risks. This presents the opportunity towards faster logistics, aligned regulations, and political cohesion. There is however the risk towards fragmentation into competing blocs (United States vs. China spheres of influence). Reshoring and friend-shoring have been proposed as a strategy. This would bring critical industries (semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, clean energy) back to home countries or allies (e.g., U.S. CHIPS Act, EU's subsidies for battery production). But there is a trade-off between security vs. cost. Reshoring raises prices but mitigates supply chain risks. Currency and settlement systems diversification may result. The much-talked-about strategy is to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar in trade settlements (e.g., China-Russia yuan/ruble trade, BRICS push for local currencies). A major obstacle is the fact that the dollar's liquidity and dominance remain entrenched. Tech decoupling and innovation wars present new strategy. Compete in strategic tech (AI, quantum, green tech) via subsidies (US IRA, EU Green Deal) and export controls (e.g., ASML's EUV bans to China). The risk is a duplication of R&D efforts, and slower global innovation. There have been suggestions to reform or even replace the WTO. The strategy calls for reforming the WTO to address tariff abuses and subsidies, or build alternative dispute mechanisms (e.g., plurilateral agreements). Then again, the reality is that the U.S.-China tensions make consensus unlikely. This is where regional deals may fill the gap. There is also talk of climate-led trade alliances. Link trade to climate goals (e.g., EU Carbon Border Tax, U.S.-EU "Green Steel Club") to create new alliances while penalising carbon-heavy exporters. Prioritising Security over Efficiency There is no denying that all such rethinks would lead to a more fragmented, resilient but costly system. The post-tariff global economy will prioritise security over efficiency, with competing blocs, higher consumer prices, and slower growth. Winners will be countries that can offer stable manufacturing alternatives (India, Vietnam, Mexico), lead in critical technologies (U.S., EU, China), and leverage regional alliances for scale, example ASEAN for us. The risk would be a "new Cold War' economic divide that stifles growth. The best path forward may be limited decoupling, keeping trade open in non-strategic sectors while securing supply chains in vital industries. For Malaysia, we need to re-strategise our involvement in manufacturing. For too long we have been stuck in the lowest of the manufacturing value chain, assembling, thus becoming too reliant on the global supply chain. The NIMP has rightly called for more focus on design and branding. This call was in fact made way back during IMP2. Unfortunately, our execution has been dismal. Time to change. -- BERNAMA Prof Dato Dr Ahmad Ibrahim (ahmadibrahim@ is affiliated with the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies at UCSI University and is an associate fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya.
