Focus

When the European Union and the United States announced a new trade framework agreement in August 2025, relief spread across Brussels. After years of transatlantic frictions and fears of renewed tariff wars, a negotiated settlement looked like a sign of stability. Yet, beyond the celebratory language, the details reveal an uncomfortable truth: Europe is tying its technological future ever more tightly to Washington’s interests, at the expense of its own ambitions for sovereignty.

In today’s digital-first economy, staying connected is essential. For businesses across Europe, communication is the backbone of operations, whether that means closing deals over video calls, managing supply chains through apps, or enabling staff to work remotely.

On any given weekend in Europe, a six-room inn in Sintra might host a Portuguese couple on a wine trail, a German cyclist riding the Atlantic Coast Route, a London family chasing winter sun, and a New Yorker on a whirlwind of palaces and pasteis.

The UK mortgage market has always been active, but the pace of change in recent years has placed even more pressure on advisers. Shifting interest rates, tighter affordability rules, and increasingly complex client circumstances have made it more challenging to manage day-to-day advice while keeping up with regulation and client expectations

The economy of Europe is heavily integrated, and over time, exports and cross-border trade have seen an increase.

Strong growth in Bulgaria and Romania is attracting global investors, with mixed-use and luxury developments leading the way.