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OpenAI, Disney to let fans create AI videos in landmark deal
OpenAI, Disney to let fans create AI videos in landmark deal
by  AFP

Walt Disney and OpenAI announced a three-year licensing deal Thursday that will allow users to create short videos featuring beloved Disney characters through artificial intelligence. Disney shares rose by about two percent on Thursday after the announcement.

German growth forecasts slashed, Merz under pressure
German growth forecasts slashed, Merz under pressure
by  AFP

Leading German institutes on Thursday downgraded their 2026 growth forecasts, in another bad sign for Chancellor Friedrich Merz whose efforts to reboot Europe's biggest economy face mounting criticism. But critics say his efforts so far have not been radical enough as challenges mount for the economy, from a deepening industrial slump to US tariffs.

Thyssenkrupp pauses steel production at two sites citing Asian pressure
Thyssenkrupp pauses steel production at two sites citing Asian pressure
by  AFP

Europe's largest steelmaker Thyssenkrupp is to pause steel production at two sites for about two weeks because of Asian competition, the German firm said Thursday, as the European Union considers tightening its steel tariffs. Hammered by exorbitant energy costs and cheaper Asian competition, Germany's steel industry has been mired in deep crisis for several years.

ECB proposes simplifying rules for banks
ECB proposes simplifying rules for banks
by  AFP

The European Central Bank proposed Thursday simplifying rules for the region's lenders to help them compete internationally, but insisted the move would not weaken guardrails aimed at preventing crises.

General strike hits planes, trains and services in Portugal
General strike hits planes, trains and services in Portugal
by  AFP

Widespread disruption hit Portuguese air travel and trains, hospitals and schools Thursday as the unions called the biggest nationwide strike action for more than a decade against government labour reforms. Lisbon's main train station was empty with most services cancelled and the TAP Air Portugal national airline called off about two thirds of its normal 250 flights.

Eurogroup elects new head as Russian frozen assets debate rages
Eurogroup elects new head as Russian frozen assets debate rages
by  AFP

Finance ministers from Europe's 20-country single currency area are to choose the next Eurogroup chief on Thursday, as the EU weighs a tough decision on using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. Created in 1997, the body coordinates the economic and budgetary policies of the 20 countries of the eurozone, which will soon number 21, as Bulgaria prepares to adopt the single currency on January 1.