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European Edition
4th July 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

Glovo pauses contested heatwave bonus for couriers in Italy

Food delivery platform Glovo has suspended a "heat bonus" for its couriers in Italy amid criticism from labour unions and politicians. Glovo recently introduced the bonus, worth just a few euro cents per delivery and rising in step with temperatures, to compensate riders working during a blistering heatwave in which the government has issued a red alert for 18 cities. Labour unions criticised the scheme, saying it encouraged gig workers to continue riding their scooters during the fierce heat. "Glovo resolved to suspend at national level the bonus system for deliveries during the hottest hours of the day," the company said in a statement.
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WORKFORCE

French air traffic controllers launch two-day strike

French air traffic controllers launched a two-day strike on Thursday demanding improved working conditions. The industrial action has severely disrupted travel for tens of thousands at the onset of the summer holiday season. The DGAC civil aviation authority advised airlines to cancel flights to maintain adequate staffing levels. The strike involved 270 controllers from a workforce of approximately 1,400, with unions UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT advocating for better conditions and staffing. Significant delays were reported, particularly at Paris airports, with a 40% reduction in flights ordered by the DGAC. France's transport minister, Philippe Tabarot, condemned the strike as "unacceptable" during the holiday season.

KLM ground staff to strike next week

Ground staff at KLM are set to strike at Schiphol next Wednesday after pay negotiations failed. The CNV and FNV unions announced an eight-hour strike from 2pm to 10pm, rejecting KLM's pay offer. A previous strike was blocked by a court due to concerns over holiday traffic. KLM is considering legal action against the upcoming strike, which coincides with the start of school holidays. KLM's CEO Marjan Rintel previously indicated a desire to freeze staff wages for two years following a profit decline of €271m to €1.4bn. Unions are demanding a 7% pay increase, highlighting a disparity with executive bonuses. Jaap de Bie from the FNV union remarked on the unfairness of the growing pay gap, saying: “Ground staff are expected to work harder while seeing nothing in return.”
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HIRING

UK visa revamp allows lower-skilled office workers to come to Britain

Changes to the immigration rules mean employers are free to recruit overseas for a wide range of lower-skilled office jobs, including HR officers, debt collectors, and mortgage administrators. The government has said that the introduction of an interim, time-limited and conditional temporary shortage list will make sure the immigration system works better for the UK, with international recruitment only providing support where occupations are key to the industrial strategy or building crucial infrastructure. Each sector must have a workforce strategy in place to train UK workers, or it will lose access to the immigration system. 

Italy to issue 500,000 visas for non-EU workers

In a surprising shift, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has announced plans to issue work visas for nearly 500,000 non-EU nationals from 2026 to 2028. The decision aims to address labour shortages while still maintaining a firm stance on illegal immigration. Alberto Rizzi, Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, noted the strategy reflects a dual approach to migration challenges. The announcement marks a significant change from Meloni's previous campaign focus on curbing migration.
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REGULATION

Shein hit with €40m fine

France's antitrust agency has imposed a €40m fine on Shein for deceptive business practices. An investigation revealed that 57% of advertised deals did not offer lower prices, with 19% providing less discount than claimed, and 11% actually increasing prices. The agency said that Shein "deceived consumers about the authenticity of discounts they could benefit from." In response, Shein acknowledged the fine and noted that corrective actions were taken over a year ago to comply with French regulations.
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STRATEGY

Bumble chief criticises staff for ‘freaking out’ over London job cuts

Bumble chief executive Whitney Wolfe Herd has criticised staff for “freaking out” after announcing the online dating company would eliminate more than 160 roles in London, warning that drastic cost-cutting measures were needed as “dating apps are feeling like a thing of the past.” Wolfe Herd said the company's “centre of gravity” would move to the US where the “talent pool is right now.” She said that “London’s not the first choice, that’s the frank reality.”
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CORPORATE

EU emissions fines could see Stellantis factories shut

Stellantis may face factory closures due to potential European Union fines for failing to meet CO2 emission targets, according to the company's Europe chief, Jean-Philippe Imparato. He highlighted that the automaker would need to significantly increase electric vehicle sales or reduce production of internal combustion engine vehicles to avoid penalties that could reach up to €2.5bn within the next few years. Imparato emphasized the urgency for regulatory changes by the end of the year, warning that without them, "we will have to make tough decisions."
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TECHNOLOGY

Over half of Dutch people use AI

Over half of people in the Netherlands use artificial intelligence sometimes, according to research from ING which found that the use of the technology, including to improve text or edit photos, has grown by 12% in a year. “At the same time, the concern about the effects this will have on job opportunities is also growing: 41% expect that AI will ultimately lead to a net loss of jobs. Still, hardly anyone fears that their job will disappear entirely,” the researchers said. Four in ten people said they fear that AI can be a danger to society, although almost half (48%) see AI as an opportunity. “Positively or negatively, many consumers expect AI to change their lives significantly. Almost half of the consumers expect AI to have a big impact on their lives for the next five years.”
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Activist investors pull back on campaigns

In the first half of 2025, the number of global activist campaigns fell to 129, a 12% decrease from 147 in the same period last year, as economic and geopolitical uncertainties made investors more cautious. Jim Rossman, global head of shareholder advisory at Barclays, said: "The environment was shaped by mixed economic signals, fears about wars and geopolitical tensions." Despite the decline in campaigns, activist investors secured 86 board seats, a 16% increase, and settlements rose by 32% to 37. Most activity remained focused in the US, with 60 campaigns, while Europe saw 24 launched - a 17% decline. Japan saw 37 campaigns compared to 51 a year ago.
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INTERNATIONAL

US environmental agency puts 139 employees on leave

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed 139 employees on administrative leave after they signed a "Declaration of Dissent" criticising President Donald Trump's policies. The letter accused the government of "harmful deregulation" and fostering a "culture of fear" within the agency. The EPA said in a statement: "The Environmental Protection Agency has a zero-tolerance policy for career bureaucrats unlawfully undermining . . . the administration's agenda." The action coincides with significant staff reductions and a major reorganisation within the agency, which aims to cut regulatory red tape and promote fossil fuel development.
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OTHER

Copenhagen drops English pronunciation of Metro stations

Copenhagen's Metro system will cease to announce station names in English, opting instead for Danish place names. The change aims to enhance the local identity of the transport system.
 
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