The European Commission set out a years-long plan to regain competitiveness in global industries, as European businesses face fierce competition from China and new challenges under U.S. President Donald Trump.

The German government slashed its gross domestic product expectations Wednesday, saying it was now forecasting just 0.3% growth in 2025.

Britain’s government has backed a tortured effort to build a third runway at Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, throwing its weight behind a decades-old proposal that has been beset by political, legal and environmental challenges.

EU nations must work together quickly to help the bloc compete against global economic powerhouses like China and the U.S., European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

Petrochemicals manufacturer LyondellBasell said on Wednesday it has signed power purchase agreements in Europe for wind energy to support its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Extreme heat could kill as many as 2.3 million people in Europe unless countries get better at cutting emissions.

Shetland has once again celebrated its annual fire festival - the largest of its kind in Europe. Up Helly Aa has been held for over 140 years in Lerwick to celebrate Shetland's Norse heritage. Women and girls made history last year when they joined the main "squad" at the head of the procession for the first time.

Coca-Cola has recalled some of its soft drinks in Europe after higher-than-normal levels of a chemical called chlorate were detected in bottles and cans at a Belgian production plant.

Up Helly Aa - Europe's biggest fire festival - is traditionally held on the last Tuesday of January and celebrates Shetland's Norse heritage. Thousands of visitors travel to the UK's most northerly islands to watch the evening torchlit procession through Lerwick, which reaches its climax when the replica of a Viking long ship is set on fire.

The European Commission set out a years-long plan to regain competitiveness in global industries, as European businesses face fierce competition from China and new challenges under U.S. President Donald Trump.

St. Paul Airport reports a rising ridership in 2024, the airport's fourth straight year of passenger increases.