European markets

Google is appealing European Union demands that would require the company to open Android to rival AI assistants and share search data with competitors. The dispute, reported by the Wall Street Journal, marks the latest clash between Google and EU regulators over the company's market power in mobile and search, with the outcome likely to shape how dominant tech platforms must share access in Europe.

New figures on the Real House Price Index across selected European countries for Q1 2026 show a clear gap between nominal and real house price growth. While headline prices continue to climb across much of Europe, inflation-adjusted gains are more modest, pointing to a boom that is partly a reflection of rising prices generally rather than housing alone. The data are drawing attention from those tracking affordability and market overheating.

The euro has shown resilience against the US dollar, but analysts warn its gains could be tested by rising energy prices and mounting political risks in Europe. Higher energy costs strain the eurozone's trade balance, while political uncertainty can weigh on the currency. Markets are watching whether the euro can hold its ground against the dollar in the coming months.

Entertainment data firm Luminate announced that its Film & TV platform now covers France and Germany, extending its global measurement beyond existing markets. The move gives studios, streamers and distributors access to audience and performance data in two of Europe's largest film and television markets. Industry watchers see it as part of a broader push by data providers to offer truly worldwide comparative analytics.

European stock markets closed slightly higher, with gains in technology shares outweighing pressure on oil-related stocks. Investors weighed the divergence between sectors as energy names came under strain, according to Reuters. The modest advance suggests continued caution among traders despite the supporting performance of the tech sector across European indices.

Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service, is set to launch in Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to a report by Telecompaper. The move would bring high-speed satellite connectivity to the Balkan country, where coverage and speeds have traditionally lagged behind parts of Western Europe. Details on pricing and the exact launch date have not yet been announced.

European stock markets were little changed as pressure from oil prices and bond markets offset a rally in UK homebuilder shares. Homebuilders gained ground while broader indices stayed flat, with energy costs and rising bond yields weighing on overall sentiment across the region.

Chinese electric vehicle maker Leapmotor has passed 1,000 retail locations across Europe, marking a rapid expansion of its dealer network on the continent. The milestone underlines the company's push to scale up sales of affordable electric cars in Europe, backed by its partnership with Stellantis, and signals growing competition for established European and Asian EV brands.

Reports say the European Union is pressing the United Kingdom to introduce higher tariffs on Chinese-built electric vehicles. The request touches on post-Brexit trade friction, as the UK sets its own trade policy and has so far not matched the EU's duties on Chinese cars. Commenters are debating whether the UK will align with Brussels or keep its market open to cheaper Chinese imports.

Law firm Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath has published an analysis of the European Innovation Act and its potential effects on intellectual property investment across the European Union. The piece examines how the proposed law could change how companies protect and monetise innovations within the EU single market, with implications for patent strategy and licensing for businesses operating in Europe.