Bulgaria Leads EU in Retail Growth with 7.4% Annual Increase in October
Bulgaria continues to show strong performance in retail trade
Fitch Ratings reports that bank lending in both the eurozone and the United Kingdom is showing signs of acceleration following recent interest rate reductions, which have begun to stimulate economic activity. Mortgage lending is emerging as the main driver of household credit growth, particularly in Spain, while corporate lending is gaining traction in France, Spain, and the UK, with overall corporate credit growth in the latter reaching 6%.
The European Central Bank’s latest survey of loan officers highlights an increasing demand for mortgages, indicating renewed confidence in the housing market. In contrast, lending in the United States is recovering at a more gradual pace. While commercial and consumer credit are expanding, real estate lending in the U.S. remains subdued, Fitch noted.
The agency also pointed out that continued private sector surpluses across Europe and the U.S. are contributing to a reduction in debt-to-GDP ratios, supporting broader financial stability in both regions.
EU legislators have reached a landmark agreement to end reliance on Russian gas by 2027, marking a decisive shift in Europe’s energy policy.
Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands have confirmed they will not take part in Eurovision 2026 after the European Broadcasting Union decided Israel can remain in the competition
The deadline for submitting entries to the European Press Prize is approaching, with the window remaining open until 23:59 CET on December 14
Nearly half of Europeans now regard Donald Trump as a direct adversary
The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have reached a provisional deal on new rules that will set a clear timetable for ending the import of Russian natural gas
Belgian authorities detained former European External Action Service (EEAS) chief Federica Mogherini on Tuesday, alongside two others
Bulgaria's Strategic Role in the EU's Drone Wall Defense Initiative
When Politics Means Violence