European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde has publicly backed Hungary’s possible switch to the euro, a signal that could mark a sharp reversal in the country’s economic policy after a change of government.
Not a single vessel has been able to break the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in the 24 hours since it began, Logos Press reported, citing RBC.
French company LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton earned 19.1 billion euros in the first quarter, which was below analysts’ expectations (19.6 billion). The main reason was weak sales in the company’s largest business – fashion clothing and leather accessories.
More than a thousand representatives of the U.S. film industry have signed an open letter criticizing the planned takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount. Actors and directors warn of job cuts, risks to competition and increased costs for viewers.
Developing countries could face a shortfall of 800 million jobs over the next 10 years, increasing the risks of migration and social instability.
The number of Europeans considering buying Chinese-branded cars has increased markedly.
Irish insurance company JustCover published a rating of the most “colorful” cities in the world and surprised even the Irish themselves. Dublin was in the last, 30th place.
In Germany at the beginning of 2026, the rental housing market has fallen. According to the results of the first quarter, the demand decreased by 3-4%. In annual terms, the decline was more noticeable: in the largest cities of the country it amounted to 14%.
Iran has not yet restored full-fledged shipping to the Strait of Hormuz because it is unable to detect and disarm all the mines planted in the waters.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the spring conscription campaign, during which 1.2 thousand young men will be sent for compulsory service against 1.4 thousand a year earlier.
The central bank of France, (Banque de France) completed a major transaction with state gold reserves, selling about 129 tons of gold, which were previously stored in the vault of the U.S. Federal Reserve System. The transaction brought the bank a capital gain of 12.8 billion euros, taking advantage of the rise in global prices for the precious metal.
The eurozone private sector in March showed the weakest expansion in nine months. This follows from the business activity index (PMI) data published by S&P Global.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called an emergency meeting of the defense council after a conversation with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Logos Press reports, citing RBC.
The real estate market in Bulgaria in early 2026 began to slow down after a rapid growth in 2025. Experts talk about the transition from investment frenzy to a calmer and more rational phase.
Pavel Durov, the messenger’s founder, said Telegram will continue to adapt to the restrictions and complicate ways to block the service.
The French real estate market continues to show signs of cooling. According to analysts Meilleurs Agents, the first quarter of 2026 turned out to be weaker than expected: interest in buying housing does not grow into real transactions, despite the stabilization of prices.
In the UK, changes to the inheritance tax system are coming into force which could significantly increase the tax burden on beneficiaries of assets.
The amount of money hidden from taxation by the world’s richest people has reached alarming proportions. According to Oxfam International, 0.1% of the world’s wealthiest people keep about $2.84 trillion offshore – more than the combined wealth of the poorest half of humanity (4.1 billion people).
Hundreds of gas stations in France have experienced fuel supply disruptions after the government imposed restrictions on the price of gasoline and diesel.
Russia is introducing regulation of cryptocurrencies. This involves the creation of a controlled infrastructure for transactions in digital assets and the introduction of rules for all market participants – from private investors to exchanges and exchangers.
