In July, the Eurozone’s manufacturing sector experienced notable growth, with factory output hitting its highest rate in nearly four and a half years. The S&P Global manufacturing PMI increased to 51.9 from 51.4 in June. A figure above 50 indicates expansion. The final results slightly missed the earlier forecast of 52.0. While production picked up at the beginning of the third quarter, demand signals indicated that the recovery was still uneven across the currency union.
EU-backed growth fund opens a new financing channel for European technology scaleups. The European Commission has allocated €1 billion to the initiative, backed by Horizon Europe funding. Early contributions from investors will be made at the initial closing alongside the EU’s own commitment. The €5 billion figure represents the overall fundraising goal rather than the amount already secured. Officials have not disclosed the amount raised during the first closing. EQT might raise more or less than the stated €5 billion target. The European Commission will participate under the same financial terms as other fund investors. The primary focus of the fund is to back European technology firms seeking substantial late-stage and growth financing rounds. It includes companies based in EU member states and eligible Horizon Europe partner nations. EQT will evaluate potential investments through a merit-based process. The manager will also oversee the portfolio and make individual funding decisions. Governance participation will involve the European Commission and other investors, but they will not influence specific deal approvals. EQT secured the management mandate following a competitive open selection process. Focus on strategic sectors and investment ranges Eligible sectors encompass artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, robotics, and autonomous systems. The fund also targets energy, space, biotechnology, medical technology, agritech, and advanced materials. It plans to invest approximately €100 million or more in selected companies, which may include follow-on funding after initial investments. Companies can qualify from Series B onwards if they operate in an eligible country or have plans to establish operations there. The
News
Evacuations continue near Fuego volcano as ashfall reaches several departments. Monday saw the eruption intensify, with gas and ash columns towering above the crater. Pyroclastic flows descended five ravines on the volcano’s western and southwestern slopes, with some moving between five and seven kilometers from the crater. These rapid flows contain extremely hot gases, volcanic rocks, and ash. Monitoring units also tracked an ash cloud that expanded west and northwest across several regions of Guatemala. Initial evacuations involved El Porvenir and Las Lajitas in the San Juan Alotenango municipality. About 250 residents from roughly 50 families were relocated at first. As the threat grew, more individuals fled communities affected by ashfall and volcanic dangers. A total of five shelters accommodated approximately 1,699 people, while three additional sites were being prepared. Evacuated families received meals, medical assistance, security, and essential supplies at these temporary locations. Relief efforts intensify around Fuego CONRED, Guatemala’s disaster management agency, coordinated local evacuations and aid activities in the impacted departments. Authorities advised residents to steer clear of ravines and adhere to instructions from emergency personnel. They also recommended safeguarding stored food and water from ash fallout. In exposed communities, residents were advised to cover their faces with masks or damp cloths. Response teams remained in the region to monitor evolving conditions and support local authorities. INSIVUMEH, the country’s volcano and weather monitoring agency, utilized field observers, sensors, cameras
Technology
EU rules requiring transparency for some AI-generated content took effect across the bloc on August 2, 2026. Article 50 of the EU AI Act now sets duties for developers and users of artificial intelligence systems. The rules cover chatbots, synthetic media, deepfakes and certain public-interest text. They do not require a visible warning on every item created with AI. Instead, the law applies different requirements based on the system, content and method of publication. Deepfakes and AI-generated media now face wider transparency duties under EU law.
Automotive
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class adds an illuminated grille, optional lit hood star, and DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps, pairing new styling cues with flagship cabin tech and comfort features.
Tesla’s China-made EV sales rose 9.9% in November 2025, reaching 86,700 units, signaling a strong recovery for the automaker in the world’s largest EV market.
STUTTGART, November 19, 2025: Porsche has introduced the first fully electric version of its flagship SUV, the Cayenne, marking a pivotal moment in the brand’s…
BERLIN, Oct. 25, 2025: Porsche AG reported an operating loss of €967 million for the third quarter of 2025, its first quarterly loss since the…