European markets closed higher on Wednesday as investors navigated a complex mix of political developments, regulatory actions, and diplomatic updates across the continent.
France continued to be in political turmoil while the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited India.
Germany launched regulatory scrutiny of Chinese e-commerce giant Temu.
European stocks end higher amid political uncertainty
Major European stock indexes ended Wednesday’s session in positive territory, with investors weighing domestic political shifts and broader economic signals.
The German DAX gained 0.87%, led by a 5.34% rise in Zalando, while France’s CAC 40 advanced 1.07%, supported by a 6.55% surge in ArcelorMittal.
The FTSE 100 in London climbed 0.69%, while reaching a new intraday high, boosted by Antofagasta’s 4.22% gain, and the Euro Stoxx 50 improved 0.64%, helped by a 3.34% increase in Siemens Energy.
The market uptick came as French President Emmanuel Macron faced mounting political pressure following the resignation of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu.
Macron urged the outgoing premier to complete “final negotiations” on government formation by Wednesday evening, amid declining public approval.
Germany launches antitrust probe against Temu
Germany’s Federal Cartel Office opened antitrust proceedings against Whaleco Technology Limited, the operator of Chinese e-commerce platform Temu, over alleged manipulation of sellers’ pricing policies.
According to the authority, Temu — which boasts 19.3 million German users and over 100 million monthly European visitors — may have imposed illegal pricing requirements on merchants.
Cartel office president Andreas Mundt warned that such practices could “restrict competition and lead to higher prices” across retail channels.
Russia warns EU over diplomatic restrictions
Amid rising tensions, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova cautioned that Moscow will retaliate if the European Union proceeds with plans to restrict travel for Russian diplomats.
Zakharova claimed that Russian envoys face “intimidation and physical violence” in several countries and vowed a proportional response once sanctions are officially enacted.
Separately, she welcomed renewed efforts to end clashes in Aleppo, Syria, where government forces and Kurdish groups recently reached a ceasefire.
UK’s Keir Starmer begins India visit with focus on trade
Across the Channel, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer began his first official visit to India, signaling urgency in finalizing the long-awaited India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Speaking in Mumbai, Starmer called the FTA a “launchpad” for deeper cooperation and “Britain’s biggest trade milestone since Brexit.”
Accompanied by over 100 business leaders, Starmer outlined a packed agenda including a Global Fintech Summit, bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and discussions on trade, defense, and innovation.
Both nations aim to double trade by 2030 under the India–UK Vision 2035 roadmap, reinforcing a partnership centered on economic growth and technological collaboration.
Apple and Meta near settlement with EU regulators
The European Commission is reportedly close to settling two major antitrust cases with Meta and Apple, signaling a potential easing of tensions between Brussels and Washington over the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Meta was fined €200 million in April for its “pay or consent” model, while Apple faces scrutiny over App Store practices that restrict developers.
Both companies are now in talks to adjust their business operations to avoid further penalties.
An agreement could mark a turning point in EU–US tech relations, establishing a framework for compliance and digital competition standards across Europe.
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