Spain’s strike, EU online-sales proposal, Germany’s gas reserve

Spain’s workers begin general strike over housing costs

Spain’s general strike seriously disrupted transport and other public services as workers pressed for greater government intervention in housing and a new minimum wage agreement. Unions and employers gave contrasting accounts of participation, with housing decrees awaiting another parliamentary vote.

Eswatini Parliament backs 12 months for foreign owners to leave

Eswatini’s Parliament has agreed that foreign business owners should have at least 12 months to leave, as officials close Asian-owned shops. The recommendation does not itself change the law, so enforcement could continue.

Armenia’s president signs law ratifying UAE services agreement

Armenia’s president has signed the law ratifying a services and investment agreement with the UAE. The economy minister says it expands both countries' services commitments and provides for the removal of trade and investment barriers.

Azerbaijan’s central bank tightens loans to installment sellers

Azerbaijan’s central bank has tightened lending requirements for companies and individual entrepreneurs selling goods in installments, requiring banks to check their sales data.

Thailand plans to raise imported EV tax from 10% to 35%

Thailand plans a steep increase in excise on fully imported electric vehicles, widening the tax advantage for qualifying local production. Krisda Utamote expects manufacturers to clear imports before the change, potentially delaying price increases.

UK film and high-end TV production spending falls to £5.2 billion

UK film and high-end television production spending fell to £5.2 billion in the year ending September 2026. The Guardian revised its reported annual decline from 40% to 28%; the underlying figures remain provisional.

Germany proceeds with 24-terawatt-hour crisis gas reserve

Germany is proceeding with a national crisis gas reserve after missing its winter storage target. The stock is intended for severe disruptions and will be built up over as many as 3 years.

Armenia’s tax contribution bill wins committee backing

Armenia’s parliamentary committee has endorsed a proposed way to fund organizations and parties through paid income tax. Parliament and the government still have decisions to make before citizens can use it.

Finland permits Tesla’s assisted driving system provisionally

Finland has provisionally permitted Tesla Assisted Driving on its roads after changes to the system. An EU rejection would invalidate national approvals, while a successful vote could extend approval across the bloc.

South Korea fines 15 bond dealers 1.6 trillion won

South Korea’s competition regulator imposed fines on government-bond dealers over conduct it says artificially raised yields. The commission expects the penalties to strengthen auction competition and improve the management of public finances.

Updated

Spain’s privacy watchdog opens TikTok probe, rejects block

Spain’s privacy watchdog has opened a TikTok probe and rejected a nationwide block, while prosecutors investigate potential crimes. The watchdog plans to examine links and TikTok’s removal measures before targeting specific content.

European Commission proposes Digital Fairness Act

The European Commission proposes new rules for online sales, subscriptions and games, including limits on purchases by minors. If adopted as proposed, the obligations would apply 12 months after the law enters into force.