EU adopts 20th package of sanctions against Russia
The EU has adopted the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, expanding the list of sanctioned products and individuals, as well as banning the sale of certain goods to Kyrgyzstan. The approval of the package was achieved after overcoming the blockade by Hungary and Slovakia, who withdrew their vetoes after the Druzhba pipeline was repaired. […]
Productivity in Spain progresses with limitations
The Spanish economy maintains sustained growth in employment, but productivity is advancing at a slower pace, revealing structural imbalances that affect competitiveness. Adecco’s latest barometer analyzes the key factors that condition business efficiency. Evolution of productivity and competitiveness The Spanish economy shows a positive evolution in activity and employment, although productivity measured by GDP per […]
Risk and opportunity in the reconstruction of Ukraine
Ukraine’s reconstruction opens up a large-scale industrial opportunity, but high country risk and lack of mitigation mechanisms limit the immediate viability of private investment, a recent McKinsey analysis warns. A report prepared by McKinsey in collaboration with the World Bank places the reconstruction of Ukraine as one of the biggest investment processes of the next […]
Natural dyes redefine food production
The replacement of synthetic colorants with natural alternatives is accelerating reformulation in the food industry and shifting the focus from formulation to process. Regulatory and retail pressure is forcing plant, supply chain and technology to adapt to ever more demanding deadlines. Regulation and retail accelerate the transition The food industry is moving towards the use […]
The prioritization of Strategic Investment Projects is regulated.
The Royal Decree that regulates the prioritization of high-impact initiatives in Spain defines the criteria for considering a project as strategic, such as its contribution to reindustrialization, innovation, sustainability or strategic autonomy, and establishes its preferential access to public support instruments. The Draft Royal Decree regulating the Strategic Investment Committee and developing the criteria and […]
Europe to restrict imports of steel components
As of July 1, 2026, the EU will impose a 50% tariff on steel in excess of duty-free quotas in 30 product categories, also requiring certification of the original country of melting and casting to prevent fraud at origin. The European Commission has presented a legislative initiative to protect the European steel industry from global […]
EC recommends prioritizing energy efficiency
The European Commission has published Recommendation 2026/839, which establishes guidelines for implementing the “Energy Efficiency First” (EEP) principle. The EEP principle states that, before investing in new energy production or distribution capacity, Member States and major investment decision-makers must assess whether an energy efficiency solution can be equally effective and more cost-efficient. The principle applies […]
U.S. begins first phase of tariff refunds
U.S. Customs and Border Protection will launch on April 20, 2026, a new feature designed to streamline duty refunds under IEEPA. Beginning April 20, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will launch the first phase of the CAPE (Consolidation, Administration, and Entry Processing) tool to facilitate the refund of duties paid under the International […]
Commodity & Transportation Index Analysis (April 2026)
The April 2026 commodities and logistics report reflects an abrupt change of scenario. If in March there was talk of industrial recovery with contained cost risks, April confirms that the conflict in the Middle East has reversed that trend: material and transportation costs are escalating sharply and supply chains are accumulating tensions not seen since […]
Global labor engagement falls for second consecutive year
Gallup confirms a trend that fully affects business competitiveness: employee engagement continues to fall and Spain is at the bottom of the European league. Companies with disengaged teams are less productive, less profitable and more vulnerable to changes in the competitive environment. Gallup’s “2026 State of the Global Workplace” report analyzes the global employee experience, […]