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- 1Private capital favours profit over Ukraine's ruined regions▼Private money follows profit, not ruins in Ukraine’s EU-backed reconstruction
EU-backed reconstruction in Ukraine is drawing private investment mainly to profitable sectors and areas, rather than to the most heavily damaged regions, EUobserver reports. The report raises questions about whether recovery funding is reaching the places destroyed by war or simply following commercial returns.
- 2Volkswagen took €1.5bn in German EV subsidies amid EU-China tariff push▼Volkswagen benefited from €1.5bn in German EV subsidies as it lobbies EU to hit Chinese cars harder
Volkswagen has received €1.5bn in German subsidies for electric vehicle development while simultaneously lobbying the European Union to impose tougher measures on Chinese carmakers, EUobserver reports. The report has drawn criticism over the automaker relying on state support at home while pushing for protection against foreign competition in the European market.
- 3Chinese sex toy firm linked to Russian war tech supply chain●A Chinese 'smart sex toys' company fed Russian war tech against Ukraine
EUobserver reports that a Chinese company known for making smart sex toys has supplied components that ended up in Russian war technology used against Ukraine, exposing what it calls a blind spot in EU sanctions enforcement. The story highlights how dual-use consumer electronics can slip through European export restrictions and reach Russia's military despite ongoing sanctions.