Germany has recently reversed its previous support for France’s efforts to have nuclear energy classified as a renewable energy source. This move comes ahead of ongoing discussions on European Union (EU) legislation. This decision marks a significant turning point in the EU’s energy policies, potentially influencing the bloc’s approach to sustainability and energy diversification. Germany’s pivot on nuclear energy marks a significant development that has the potential to lead to more meaningful discussions on energy sources across EU member states.
While in the U.S. President Donald Trump has been taking bold steps to rein-in skyrocketing drug prices. This allowed him to sign an executive order that directed his administration to reduce medication costs by up to 90%. This action is a direct reaction to the striking contrast between the US drug pricing and prices in the rest of the world. The difference is most keenly felt inside of the EU. First, Trump made the case to the American public that we are paying a significantly more burdensome financial cost for our medications than our foreign peers.
Recent reports have shown significant changes in working time among EU member countries. These findings are now being released and in conjunction with some major political developments.
Working Hours in Europe
In the EU according to the latest data available it’s the Netherlands, where the average working week is just 32.1 hours. Greece has the widest working weeks with an average of 39.8 hours in 2024. At the other end of the scale, countries like Bulgaria, Poland and Romania are facing increasing working time. Their average workweeks reached 39.0, 38.9, and 38.8 hours, in order.
Surprisingly, three other OECD countries hit the snap average on the head with their average working hours—33.9. Denmark, Germany and Austria were all true believers in this category. This remarkable consistency implies a concerted effort by these countries to find the right work-life balance without sacrificing productivity. In 2024, full-time workers between 20 and 64 years of age in the EU worked an average of about 36.0 hours a week. This number reflects full- and part-time staff.
Countries are learning their way back into post-pandemic economic landscapes. These statistics raise crucial debates concerning labor policies and work life balance among employees in Europe.
Economic Trends and Inflation
The overall economic landscape within the EU is stabilizing. In April 2025, inflation on a year-over-year basis fell to 2.4%, down from 2.5% in March 2025. This modest reduction is a welcome indication that inflation may be returning to more reasonable levels. It would provide significant financial relief to consumers and financial certainty to businesses.
Compared to the previous month, in March 2025, seasonally adjusted industrial production in the EU rose significantly by 1.9%. Pushing this expansion are the resurgent manufacturing and production sectors. This move marks a hopeful and strong trend toward economic recovery after the pandemic’s devastation.
“Choose Europe to Start and Scale” – The European Commission
These positive indicators of economic development have gone hand in hand with rapid growth in tourism both within and outside the EU. In first quarter of 2025, visitors achieved a record 452.4 million overnight stays in lodgings across the area. More than anything, this jump up represents a powerful comeback in the travel and hospitality industries.
Implications of Energy Policy Changes
Germany has also, somewhat surprisingly, recently come on board to support France’s classification-as-green approach to nuclear power. This creates a historic opportunity for federal-level discussions on energy policy within the EU. Nuclear energy has been a highly contentious issue between member states. This is due to conflicting perspectives on its sustainability and ecological consequences. Germany’s choice to allow France to pursue this classification may pave the way for broader acceptance of other energy sources. This would be a key component in the EU’s renewable energy strategy.
This shift has the potential to reshape where capital flows in the energy industry. Reducing emissions Countries want to diversify their energy portfolios by adding nuclear to renewables such as solar and wind. The EU is clearly intent on increasing its energy autonomy. This new approach has profound implications for energy security and environmental goals alike, as the region continues to work toward achieving ambitious climate targets.