Germany's unemployment rate in March 2025 rose to 6.4%, with 2.967 million unemployed, marking a significant year-on-year increase. Despite some job growth, economic downturns and industrial sector declines continue to challenge the labor market.

Pasqal has landed a €13 million contract with EuroHPC JU to develop EuroQCS-Italy, a 140-qubit quantum computer, set to be hosted at CINECA in Bologna. This is part of a larger project to establish quantum computing platforms throughout Europe, integrating with leading supercomputers to enhance research capabilities in various advanced fields.

The European Commission commits €1.3 billion to the Digital Europe Programme from 2025 to 2027, enhancing AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills. This investment, part of a broader €8.1 billion initiative, focuses on tech sovereignty and includes AI advancements for healthcare and cybersecurity enhancements.

The European Commission urges EU countries to tackle wine overproduction, especially in Portugal, by proposing more flexible replanting regulations. The initiative includes potential vine removal and increased financial support for climate action, but faces approval hurdles from the EU Council and Parliament.

Former Greek PM Alexis Tsipras outlined his strategic vision for EU reforms at Harvard, stressing the need for strategic autonomy and a stronger fiscal framework. He proposed raising the debt limit, creating a European Ministry of Finance, and urged action on geopolitical issues like Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Juliana Wahlgren announces a new European strategy to combat poverty, set to launch in January 2026, amid rising poverty risks affecting 92 million Europeans. Despite poverty reduction indicators showing improvement, the focus remains on crafting accessible policies addressing diverse needs, with criticism on current European priorities.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou warns of escalating disinformation threats as France faces 152 incidents ahead of its presidential election, second only to Ukraine in Europe. The rise of AI enhances these manipulative efforts, underscoring the need for vigilance in a digital 'information war' dominated by foreign actors, notably Russia and China.

Austria has mobilized its military to assist Slovakia in containing a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, deploying soldiers and enacting import bans from affected areas. With new cases near its border, Austria intensifies decontamination efforts to prevent the disease from spreading into its territory.

Italy, France, and Slovakia urge the EU to simplify the Cross-Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism to cut compliance costs for businesses. They propose free carbon permits for exporters and streamlined emission calculations to enhance competitiveness.

In March 2025, Italian business and consumer morale plummeted, sparking fears over Italy's economic growth. Weak economic data and geopolitical tensions were key factors, with the ISTAT index hitting a low not seen since November 2024.

Italy's government will repurpose Albanian migrant centers to process rejected asylum seekers from Italy, amid criticism of high costs and limited success. This strategic shift is part of efforts to resolve legal challenges that have stalled operations and address Italy's selective immigration policies.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala heads an initiative to deliver 1.5 million artillery rounds to Ukraine in 2025, echoing last year's support. Meanwhile, European leaders maintain sanctions on Russia, while Germany intercepts a Russian plane over the Baltic, and the Netherlands accelerates financial aid to Ukraine.

Germany's coalition negotiations are intensifying over a proposal to revoke dual citizenship for terrorism-linked individuals, sparking constitutional concerns. Political and legal experts warn this move could violate Germany's Basic Law and open avenues for potential misuse, affecting millions of dual nationals.

Italy and the EU have joined forces to enhance collaboration with African countries, aligning Italy's Mattei Plan with the EU's Global Gateway initiative. This move aims to establish a unified, sustainable alternative to global competition, focusing on energy, infrastructure, and private sector engagement.

Rui Quadros signals potential valuation challenges for TAP due to ongoing legal disputes with its cabin crew, despite strong interest from major airlines. Legal liabilities and rising personnel costs may affect its privatization prospects.

Germany's basic security benefits recipients increased by 49,000 in 2024, led by a rise in elderly beneficiaries and Ukrainian refugees. The trend highlights growing financial insecurity among seniors.

A EU Commission study reveals Germans' mixed feelings about their economy, with consumer sentiment slightly improving but still negative. Despite a post-election mood lift, high savings rates and economic uncertainty persist.

The European Commission is revising tech regulations to reduce complexity after industry feedback, retracting three proposals while maintaining key acts like the DSA, DMA, and AI Act. Despite easing some rules, the EC is pursuing legal action against 13 states for not meeting DORA deadlines and delaying new environmental targets to stay competitive globally.

The cognac industry in Charente faces a crisis as China plans to impose tariffs up to 39% on April 5, 2025, and the U.S. threatens a 200% tariff. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is in Beijing to negotiate delays, while industry leaders urge further diplomatic actions to prevent potential economic collapse affecting 70,000 jobs.