Italy’s proposed 2027 Budget Bill introduces a series of significant changes to the country’s land-based gambling sector, including higher taxes on gaming machines, doubled maximum slot stakes and prizes, and an extension of existing gambling concessions until the end of 2029. The measures are expected to generate approximately €952 million in additional public revenue in 2027, with the combined impact of certain tax and concession measures projected to approach €2 billion ov

The National Bank of Greece (NBG) reported profits after tax of €996 million for the first nine months of 2026, supported by stronger lending income, increased fee generation and resilient economic activity. The results represent a return on tangible equity of 15.7%, exceeding the bank’s full-year target of more than 15%, while earnings per share reached €1.48, already above its 2026 guidance of €1.40. The bank’s performance was driven by growth in net interest income and dou

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), one of the world’s largest state-owned banks, provided substantial financing to support the expansion of Chinese energy companies into Europe’s wind power sector, according to an investigation based on millions of confidential banking records. The findings raise questions about the role of state-backed financing in international competition and the potential impact of foreign subsidies on Europe’s strategic energy infrastruc

Nine non-EU countries have aligned themselves with a European Union decision imposing restrictive measures on 743 individuals and 826 entities linked to Russia’s military-industrial complex. The alignment demonstrates continued cooperation between the EU and partner countries in implementing sanctions against individuals and businesses considered to be supporting Russia’s military capabilities and its war against Ukraine. The countries confirming their alignment are Albania,