About this Episode
Brussels fined Google €890 million under the EU’s Digital Markets Act for self‑preferencing in search and restricting app‑developers. The sanction splits into €460m for allegedly downgrading rivals while favouring Google Shopping/Hotels/Flights, and €430m for preventing developers from telling users about cheaper offers or alternative payment options. Google must comply within 60 days or face periodic penalties up to 5% of worldwide turnover. The Commission says some of Google’s recent tests show progress. Google argues changes would harm users and has not confirmed an appeal.
Oil topped $100 a barrel for the first time since May as renewed strikes tied to the Middle East conflict and attacks on Red Sea tankers rekindled supply fears. Brent jumped over 6% amid US strikes on Iran and Houthi attacks on shipping. Higher energy costs pushed petrol and diesel up in the UK and US and risked adding to inflationary pressure, complicating central‑bank decisions on interest rates.
A brutal heatwave across southern Europe forced more than 20,000 people to flee wildfires in France as record highs and a marine heatwave scorched the Mediterranean. A fast‑moving blaze near Saumos (Gironde) burned thousands of hectares and prompted mass evacuations and heavy aerial and ground firefighting, while Spain, Italy and Greece faced extreme temperatures (above 44°C in places) and large, hard‑to‑control fires. Scientists warned the marine and land heat anomalies, driven by climate change, are making ever‑larger “Dantesque” fire scenarios more likely and heightening risks to lives, infrastructure and crops.
