Πέμπτη 30 Ιουλίου 2026
5 άρθρα
Record low Danube shuts Cernavoda reactors
Romania and Hungary have suspended operations at the Cernavoda and Paks nuclear plants as the Danube hits record-low water levels. These preventive shutdowns have removed roughly 1,300 MW of low-carbon power, forcing wholesale electricity prices in Bucharest to jump nearly 20%. The region is now relying on expensive gas and cross-border imports from Bulgaria to cover peak demand until river levels recover in mid-August.
Lufthansa and Air France-KLM bid for TAP
Air France-KLM and Lufthansa submitted binding offers for a 44.9% stake in TAP Air Portugal to secure Lisbon as a South Atlantic gateway. Portugal’s government intends to retain a 50.1% majority, yet the European Commission will scrutinize whether the deal grants "decisive influence" over operations. The competition centers on landing rights that offer growth which capped northern hubs cannot provide.
Berlin demands €400 billion EU budget cut
Chancellor Friedrich Merz is conditioning Germany’s support for the seven-year spending plan on a massive reduction in regional and agricultural funds. The proposed €400 billion reduction targets the core of EU cohesion policy, threatening infrastructure projects and farm subsidies across poorer member states. As Berlin prioritizes domestic fiscal discipline, the move risks a stalemate for a budget that requires unanimous approval.
Fitch decides Romania’s investment-grade fate
Bucharest is fighting to defend its BBB- rating as Fitch prepares a verdict that could push Romania into junk status. A narrowed 2% budget deficit in the first half of 2026 provides fiscal cover, but a 0.2% economic contraction and 10.85% inflation maintain significant downward pressure. Markets are already pricing in the risk, with 10-year bond yields sitting 3.2 percentage points above Austria's benchmark.
France freezes payments to manage €3.5tn debt
Paris is considering an "année blanche" to freeze inflation-linked pensions and benefits as the national deficit stays stubbornly above 5% of GDP. The strategy aims to curb spending growth without announcing explicit cuts, even as the annual interest bill climbs toward €60 billion. A planned €2.15 billion reduction in health reimbursements marks the first move to satisfy Brussels and protect France's credit standing.