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Brussels wants high-speed rail linking EU capitals by 2040
Brussels wants high-speed rail linking EU capitals by 2040
by  AFP

The European Commission Wednesday unveiled twin initiatives aimed at slashing transport carbon emissions across the continent -- by expanding high-speed rail links and boosting sustainable fuels for aviation and shipping.

Swiss business chiefs met Trump on tariffs: Bern
Swiss business chiefs met Trump on tariffs: Bern
by  AFP

Swiss business leaders have met US President Donald Trump to draw his attention to the toll that steep tariffs are taking on their companies, Switzerland's government said Wednesday. It had "been informed that several Swiss business leaders requested and obtained a meeting with US President Donald Trump", it added in a statement.

Swedish authorities inspect worksite conditions at steel startup Stegra
Swedish authorities inspect worksite conditions at steel startup Stegra
by  AFP

Officials from several government agencies conducted a surprise inspection of steelmaker Stegra's construction site in northern Sweden Wednesday, following questions about the finances of the low-carbon start-up, police told AFP. As well as the police, representatives from the Swedish Work Environment Authority and the Swedish Tax Agency, were among those who visited the company's Boden site.

Shein opens first permanent store amid heavy police presence
Shein opens first permanent store amid heavy police presence
by  AFP

Paris authorities on Wednesday deployed riot police for the unveiling of Shein's first bricks and mortar store in the world, as controversy swirled over the Asian e-commerce giant's fast fashion and sale of childlike sex dolls online. Just days before the planned opening, a new controversy erupted over the sale of childlike sex dolls on Shein's platform.

German factory orders up but outlook still muted
German factory orders up but outlook still muted
by  AFP

German industrial orders rose in September for the first time in five months, data showed Wednesday, but officials warned geopolitical and supply chain woes meant the outlook remains muted. "The order situation remains fragile in view of the ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and, most recently, uncertainties surrounding the supply situation" for some products, it said in a statement.

BMW boosts profitability despite China, tariff woes
BMW boosts profitability despite China, tariff woes
by  AFP

German carmaker BMW on Wednesday reported a rise in profitability in the last quarter despite facing challenges from slowing Chinese sales and tariffs. The carmaker, which also makes Mini and Rolls-Royce cars, cut its outlook for 2025 in October due to tariff costs and slowing sales in key market China, where European manufacturers are losing sales to local rivals.