Europe

Europe will invest a lot of money in countries as far away as Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan. The reason: rare earths

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Surely it went unnoticed by the vast majority of the planet Between tariffs and war conflicts. Kazakhstan announced last week the discovery of his Greater rare earth sitewith an initial estimate of one million tons of key elements such as Cerio, Lantano, Neodimio and Ititrio, all fundamental for the global energy transition … or to begin a new arms era. And now the news that did reach more people: the EU will invest a fortune in Five Central Asian countries. The official reason? Strive ties. The truth? The track is one of the five countries: Kazakhstan. The news. In full escalation of commercial tensions with the United States, the European Union surprisingly announced an investment of 12,000 million euros in Central Asia during its first summit with the five countries of the region (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzista, Tayikistan and Turkmenistan). The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stressed that these funds will go to key sectors as transport, clean energy, connectivity and sustainable development of strategic natural resources. Tariffs and foreign trade. In a context marked by the new 20 % tariffs imposed by Washington to European imports, von der Leyen stressed that the EU seeks to offer A reliable alternative Faced with powers such as Russia and China, betting on egalitarian associations and investment in local capacities. In addition, the common commitment to the Territorial sovereignty and peace in Ukraine, condemning the Russian aggression and reinforcing the message that respect for international law will be a cornerstone of this new strategic association. The EU, which already represents 22.6 % of foreign trade And more than 40 % of foreign direct investment in Central Asia, seeks with this summit to consolidate its regional influence and open new trade routes that avoid Russian territory, such as the Transcaspiano corridorKey to reduce the Eastern Energy and Geopolitical Dependence. A key region. Behind good words are not only sustainable development and regional cooperation, but a critical geoeconomic priority: ensure the supply of essential minerals For the European green transition, the strengthening of its industrial base and the development of its defense capacities, all in a context of growing global tension and structural dependence of China and Russia. Strategic minerals. The urgency of this strategic turn was evidenced after the recognition of a disturbing vulnerability: in 2023, 94 % of imports European rare earth came from China, Malaysia and Russia. In addition, China controls the 60 % of world production of critical minerals and 85 % of its processing, while strengthening its own green industry. This concentration of power, added to political proximity between Beijing and Moscow, has led to worrying episodes, such as Chinese restriction to Antimony exporta key mineral in military technologies such as precision optics and night viewers. Abundance, but with limitations. In this panorama, Central Asia emerges as a realistic and attractive alternative. Kazakhstan currently produces 19 of the 34 minerals critics defined by the EU and could expand this figure 21 in the short term After the announcement of last week. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, is the fifth major supplier Uranium World and has important reserves of gold, silver, titanium and molybdenum. The region also has lithium, silicon and tungsten, fundamental for batteries, solar panels and electronic defense systems. However, much of these resources are trapped in a poorly developed mining sector, lacking modern infrastructure and technological capabilities for sustainable extraction. There, a priori, money would be destined. The European strategy. They counted on DW That, in the face of the geoeconomic competence of China and Russia, Brussels seeks to differentiate offering cooperation models based on industrial associations and mixed companies with local actors, favoring direct foreign investment, regional business growth and progressive industrialization. This approach is especially attractive to Central Asian leaders, who see in it a way to diversify their economies, reduce dependence from Moscow and gain greater strategic autonomy. The cornerstone of this approach would be the Gateway Global Initiativethe ambitious European project of 300,000 million euros conceived as an alternative to the New Silk Route China. The transcaspian corridor and a promise. A crucial component of the European Plan is the development of the Transpian International Transport Route (Titr), that logistics corridor that would unite China and Europe through Central Asia and the Caspian Sea, reducing traffic times to 15 days and avoiding the step by the Suez Canal or Russian territory. The problem? The dimension of investment. The implementation of this corridor requires an estimated amount of 18.5 billion euros In infrastructure, of which more than half have already been mobilized by the EU through an investment forum with support from its member states, the private sector, and institutions such as the European Investment Bank and the BERD. To get an idea, the Expert Samuel Vestterbye That this route could multiply container traffic from the current 100,000 to 800,000, with a transformative economic impact for both regions. The Russian “friend.” No doubt, the European turn also has a clear geopolitical dimension: stop use which makes Russia of Central Asian countries for avoid sanctions Western imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. The European diplomat Kaja Kallas was explicit in that sense when warning in Asjabad that Russian companies should not use the region as commercial escape route. In this context, the EU needs to balance a incentive and pressures policy: Offer real economic development through infrastructure and commerce, while demanding cooperation in compliance with the western sanctioning regime. Something like the “carrot and stick” approach that analysts see as an opportunity to consolidate strategic relationships that transcend the economic. Challenges and Emergency. Despite the advances, the European strategy has notable challenges before him. Experts Like Marie Dumoulinof the European Council on Foreign Relations, warn that the concrete projects of the Global Gateway take to materialize and lack visibility in the region, which could weaken the EU’s ability to compete with Chinese or Russian offers. In other words, that what is said is credible Brussels must Accelerate implementation of infrastructure works, show tangible results and … Read more

Before Tesla’s collapse, Elon Musk already presses for an agreement between Europe and the United States

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The tariff war triggered by Donald Trump has unleashed chaos in the bags. From the United States to Asian bags through Europe. Everything falls and the perspectives are not good. And, along the way, we begin to see the consequences that are hardly affecting technological and automotive. One of the most marked is Tesla, who lives in his own chaos. April 2. Just five days ago Donald Trump unleashed the storm. It was April 2 in the United Statesthe edge of midnight in Europe and were already well entered in April 3 in Asia. The announcement of imposing tariffs with a flat rate of 10% to almost all countries in the world and elevate them to those that the president of the United States considers that they are doing special damage to his country unleashed chaos. Since then, the consequences have happened. Europe warns that April 9day in which the new tariffs should go into force if nothing remedies it, will vote what measures it takes against the United States. China has also made it clear that April 10 Equal 34% tariffs That the Trump administration has imposed them if they do not withdraw before or reach an agreement. The chaos. Since then, The bags have been immersed in chaos. Since last Friday, when China answered the United States, the drop in the bags was confirmed. Collapses in the United States of 10%, the Nikkei playing minimums since 2023 or the German stock market falling almost 10%. In Spain, Ibex35 is falling 5% and has already fallen more than 10% since the Chinese reaction was announced last week. Since Donald Trump announced the new economic measures, there are great losers in the commercial war. Apple, who was trying to diversify its production and partially leave China, has lost 15% because Tariffs will continue to impact in countries where it has been carrying its production. Nvidia has suffered similar falls and Microsoft has fallen 5% since April 2. Other of the companies that are suffering most are the textile -related. Nike has left more than 10% in the last five days and between April 2 and last Friday almost 20% had left but the shares have rebounded. Adidas has also fallen almost 20%. Under Armor exceeds 15% fall. LVMH (which has luxury brands such as Loewe) has left more than 12%. The automakers. But there is a sector that tariffs especially impact. The entry of cars to the United States and parts to produce cars within its borders It is taxed with 25%. Steel and aluminum, keys in this sector, also now cost 25% more. That has made shipments from Mexico and Canada paralyze or that some plants have already begun to Send your workers home with the aim of reducing production. From Trump’s announcement, Honda has fallen more than 10%, Toyota approaches 15% fall. Stellantis approaches 20%. Mercedes, Volkswagen or BMW also leave more than 10%. Benefit? Tesla was one of the few companies that I could get unscathed from the situation. Everything that sells in the United States manufactures it internally and its shipments to China are almost exceptional. Almost everything he sells in China produces it in China. In terms of trade between the United States and China, the company would have no problem. Yes there is clouds that can worry. China has taken years to allow Tesla to operate with advanced driving aid system. For this he has forced him to associate with Baiduwhat Elon Musk’s assumed aware that it is A key piece in the puzzle of its future economy. It remains to ask if China can press by cutting the tap to concrete companies. Tesla can be key since the use of data for autonomous driving are extremely sensitive to the Chinese state and does not want them to leak to the United States. Alleging these same national security concerns, from the United States they want prohibit the entry of Chinese cars or with Chinese sensitive pieces to the country. A strong fall. In spite of everything, the fall in Tesla’s actions are being considerable. On April 2, Tesla’s shares were quoted above $ 280. Today they are paid at $ 239 in a drop of approximately 15%. However, the data reflect the enormous volatility of Tesla’s actions. That same day April 2, the shares had started a little above $ 250. The alleged strength against the rivals caused the shares to rise in price but The data of your first quarterthe Chinese reaction and the rumors of Elon Musk of the United States Government have left the shares below the aforementioned 240 dollars. A crack. It is the one that has opened between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The billionaire and owner of Tesla said he expected an agreement between the European Union and the United States. “They should advance ideally, in my opinion, towards a situation of zero tariff, effectively creating a free trade zone between Europe and North America,” he said in a video connection during a league congress, the ultra -rightist party led by Matteo Salvini and that Try to get to the Government of Italy. Words picked them up The avant -garde and opens a crack between Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s speech that had so far walked together. Just when Elon Musk is losing a fortune with the fall in the price of Tesla’s shares and everything indicates that Your departure as Executing arm of mass dismissals In the United States it will be sooner rather than later. Uncertainty. The truth is that fluctuation in the price of shares Between advertisement and counting related to the tariffs filed between the United States and China they obey the volatility of Tesla shares and the response of investors guided by the latest news rather than to the real economic background of the company. However, it is true that deliveries in Q1 of 2025 have been very bad. In China they seem to have recovered the usual rhythm after modernizing the … Read more

The Spanish car will not suffer with 25% of the United States tariffs but with its consequences: a poorest Europe

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With a table in the hand and presuming to apply fewer tariffs than, it is supposed, the world is applying against the United States. This has been presented Donald Trump in what he has called “Liberation Day” to the media to confirm the application of new tariffs And when we say “the world”, capitalized, it is not an exaggeration. China, Europe, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, India, Switzerland, Malaysia … the list could follow Until adding 200 countries or regions. Literally. All these countries or regions are those that will have to Assume new US tariffs If you want to sell their products in the country. They are tariffs that will apply especially types of products Because, according to Donald Trump, his country is harmed in the purchase and sale of these goods or in their production. Based, all countries will have to pay 10% tariffs, whatever product. From there, up. And also specific rates are maintained to some sectors. The most punished, without any doubt, 25% to cars. Its impact is our consumption As We said a few days agothe direct impact of imposing 25% on cars that enter the United States is irrelevant for one of the most important industries in our country. The direct impact, that is important to point it out. Spain specializes in the export of cheap vehicles. Since it does not export the Mercedes Vito and Ford Transit to the United Statesits trade with the American country is practically non -existent, so the increase in cars that could reach it is irrelevant. Our country is the Second major exporter of cars of the European Union but the primary business is sales to the European Union itself or countries of the continent. By philosophy, the utilities we manufacture in Spain are very unattractive in the United States. And more if we take into account that we are jumping to electrical technology. Small and electric car is so uncompeitive in the country that Fiat was practically giving his fiat 500e. But all this does not mean that we do not suffer with all this tariff offensive. Impose a 20% tariff to the European Union (Independent of the mentioned to cars, steel or aluminum) and 34% to China, from 32% to Taiwan, 46% to Vietnam or from 24% to Japan, among others, it will make the purchase of cars, textiles and even raw materials as basic as rice. The problem is that The United States has lived in constant relocation For decades. Moving all that production to American soil is impossible in the short term and the direct and imminent consequence is, everything indicates, more expensive products. A loss of purchasing power That, indeed, it affects us. Because in a hyperconnected world, which BMW, Mercedes or Volkswagen sell less cars in the United States directly affects their results accounts. Goldman Sachs Calculate that Increase in the price of cars It will go from 5,000 to $ 15,000, depending on the type of vehicle and its base price. If this happens, it will fall as a waterfall to the employees to whom there will be less money to continue paying and, in turn, will cost them more money to make consumer goods. At the moment, the trust of US consumers has already fallen to values ​​of 2021, according to Bloomberg. When the Economy is aimed at a recessionone of the sectors that most usually suffers is that of the car. Keep in mind that the car is one of the greatest investments we make throughout our lives. For disbursement, it is usually the most important after the purchase of a house. When the economy enters crisis, Renewal times are lengthened and Less cars are sold. The 2008 crisis brought with him a Huge drop in car sale. That year, Spain returned to 1997 in terms of productive volume with An interannual fall of 12%. In our country, in 2006 1.6 million cars were enrolled and in 2012 The million had not been exceeded of units sold. Obviously, Spain is not in the 2008 pre -crisis bubble but we must look at countries like Germany. The German country is the main buyer of Spanish vehiclesfollowed by France. Has based much of its economy on exports And those of cars is the most remarkable to the point of being the first European and sixth producer and exporter in the world, with more than 4.1 million exported units (Spain did not reach 2.5 million last year). The German country has already added two years in a row in recession And the prospects for this 2025 was to grow very little. As little as just 0.3%. Calculations that were made before the announcement of the new tariffs presented last night. For its part, France grew last year 1.1% But household investment fell 6%. Again, everything points to lower consumption. The positive part is that Spain is facing a conversion betting on electric mobility. Although in Spain cars with combustion and cheap engines continue to lead the market, European manufacturers need to start selling all the electric ones that can go to go compensating emissions for 2027. And that implies lowering prices and making them more competitive in front of gasoline cars. What is evident is that an economy in recession or stops only negatively impacts the sale of vehicles. And that sale of vehicles depends on the 10% of Spanish GDP. Photo | The White House and Volkswagen In Xataka | Trump tariffs have caused the Big Tech debacle in the stock market. And propose a slowdown in investment in AI

Thousands of Latin Americans have entered Europe with a formula that Italy has just suppressed: the great -grandparents

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A fact to place the measure taken by the Italian government in context. Only in 2024, the figure of new Italian citizens who registered through the consulates of Argentina and Brazil registered 30,000 and 20,000 cases respectively. The majority did it in the way that is being done for decades and that has allowed it to emigrate hundreds of thousands of people from South America to Europe: by the ancestry of blood. Italy just put the formula. Restrict citizens. The European nation has decided to considerably cut citizens by ancestry (Jus Sanguinis), limiting it exclusively to those who have Italian parents or grandparentsthus eliminating the possibility that for decades allowed distant descendants, even fourth or fifth generation, obtaining it if they could try an Italian ancestor alive after 1861. The decision, announced by the Giorgia Meloni government and Executed immediately Without prior notice, it seeks to stop the institutional collapse generated by the Application floodmostly from South America, where millions of people with Italian roots have tried to access a European passport. According to Antonio TajaniForeign Minister, the measure responds to “years of abuse”, since many applicants do not have real links with Italy and seek citizens only to facilitate international mobility. Prove to be bilingual. Apparently, the measure also forces applicants to demonstrate Italian language mastery through an official exam, having resided at least Three years in Italyand undergo a centralized process with face -to -face interviews, eliminating traditional management through consulates. Plus: They must comply with obligations such as voting, paying taxes and renewing documents so as not to lose nationality. In addition, the transmission of citizenship by marriage hardens, demanding two years of joint residence in Italy, while the application cost is has doubled at 600 euros. On the other hand, the Italians who reside outside and do not comply with these obligations run the risk of losing their citizenship, which even affects their descendants. Saturated system, millionaire business. Of course, there is much more behind the measure. As The New York Times saidthe problem is not only numerical: in the last decade, the number of Italians residing abroad grew by 40%, from 4.6 million in 2014 to 6.4 million in 2024mainly for the granting of new citizenships. In 2024 and as we advanced, only in Argentina 30,000 citizenships were granted, and in Brazil, another 20,000. No doubt, the avalanche has overflowed courts, civil records and consulates, where the Quotes at dawn To achieve a turn. In addition, a lucrative parallel business has been generated where companies and managers charge thousands of euros to applicants to track documents and submit requests, taking advantage of a law that, according to Tajani, “became an opportunity for simulated fraud and citizenship.” The ethical (and political) dilemma. The measure has generated debate even within the Italian right itself. While nationalist sectors support to restrict access to prevent citizenship from being seen only as a means of obtaining a passport, others criticize that, while nationality is granted to distant descendants, children of immigrants continue to be denied born and raised in Italywho can only aspire to it when they turn 18 and under strict conditions. Plus: Italy faces a problem that reproduces more and more nations. We talk about the serious demographic crisiswith low birth and population aging, but it has still chosen to restrict, instead of flexible, its citizenship policy. Legal changes and hardening. The reform is not isolated. Since October 2024, the Ministry of Interior had already begun to Limit applications After a stricter interpretation of the Supreme Court in which he cut the chain of citizenship transmission if an ancestor had naturalized in another country while their children were minors, leaving thousands of applicants without options after years of investment and procedures. The new decision has caused frustration among those who had been collecting documents for years and managing files, an anger that has been reflected In forums and social networks where testimonies abound about the great sums of money and time lost. They counted on CNN The case of many families traveling to Italy from South America to initiate the citizenship process and who are now without legal support after having sold properties and reorganized their lives following the previous regulations. If you want also, the reform thus deepens the distance between Italy that protects its symbolic bond with emigrants from past generations and the one that still does not fully integrate those who are already part of their current society. Image | Pexels In Xataka | Passports that open more doors worldwide, explained in a detailed graphic In Xataka | All the steps to request the “grandson law”: the process to obtain Spanish nationality if you are Argentine

How Europe will depend on China even more

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A few days ago, the European Commission advertisement In social networks a survival kit of at least 72 hours in case of war or natural disaster. However, behind all this uncertainty, an even greater problem is hidden: fierce competition for strategic resources that will define the future of security in Europe. Mineral crisis. In recent years, certain niche minerals have been affected by a combination of high demand, supply restrictions and international policies. The elements required for defense are also used in the aerospace sector and technology, so its shortage is causing a bottleneck for Europe in its prices, such as He explained Ellie Saklatvala, senior metal analyst of the British raw material consultant in Argus Media. The most demanded. In your analysis For Financial Times, Saklatvala, has detailed That among the most critical is antimony, renio and hafnio, materials used to manufacture from bullets to combat aircraft components and advanced medical systems. To these are added other metals, such as tungsten, titanium, chromium, niobium, cobalt, molybdenum and vanadium, which are used for the manufacture of weapons, missiles and technological equipment of high precision. In addition, minerals such as Gallium, Germanio and rare earths are important for the production of advanced electronic semiconductors and components. A considerable increase in critics. The growing demand for these metals by the military industry, combined with scarcity, has caused a price escalation. According to Saklatavaa clear example is the antimony, a key mineral for hardening bullets and manufacturing firepro export controls Taxes by China. This same pressure for supplies has affected the Rhenio, used in Jet turbines, and the hafnium, essential in the aerospace industry. In both cases, scarcity has caused That prices rise unexpectedly, affecting both the military industry and sectors such as aerospace and health. A few dominate production. The control of these resources is not equally distributed in the world. China It has consolidated As the main producer and refining of many of these critical minerals, which has allowed him to obtain a considerable strategic advantage over other economic actors. China Master the extraction and processing of key raw materials, which represents a challenge for nations that seek to reduce its dependence on this Asian giant. In addition, the domain has increased due to China’s strong investment in mining assets in Africa, Latin America and other regions rich in resources. A few countries dominate the production of critical raw materials | Bloomberg An answer from Europe. The EU has begun to implement strategies to diversify its supply sources and reduce China dependence. Through the “Critical raw materials law“, seeks to facilitate the financing of new mining and refining projects within Europe, such as the future Site of key elements in Extremadura. In parallel, the European Commission has promoted the “Clean Industrial Pact“To consolidate the demand for critical materials at the regional level, although there is still a long way to reduce the dependence of China, which continues to control in some cases 100% of the necessary matters in Europe. Forecasts. The growing competition for critical minerals highlights an unavoidable truth: Europe’s economic and technological security is at stake. The diversification of sources, strategic investments and regional collaboration are essential to ensure that the continent does not depend exclusively on global actors such as China. However, everything will be to be seen since the demand for minerals will continue to grow before the last measure of the EU. In it, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has proposed an increase in military expenditure of the Member States by 1.5 points of GDP, which would result at additional 650,000 million euros in the next four years, According to the medium expansion. Image | Pexels Xataka | Spain, with a treasure under his feet: how his mining potential makes him a key pawn from the EU in front of China

Europe has said that it is a bargain for companies

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From the 2012 labor reform, Spain uses a fixed scale to establish compensation for Improper dismissal. The Council of Europe has re -urged Spain to change this system indicating that it does not comply with the provisions of the European Social Charter Companies are already very cheap to fire their employees for no justified reason. The European agency considers that workers in Spain are not correctly protected against a dismissal without just cause Because when you know in advance the cost of your compensation for dismissal, it loses its deterrent effect. In addition, the regulations do not include that in the calculation of this compensation, the principle of proportionality by the Damage caused to the worker. New Strasbourg Notice. Spain ratified the European Social Charter in 2021 with the objective of harmonizing labor policies throughout the territory of the Union, committing to transpose the indications of the community document to Spanish regulations. However, the resolutions issued by this European agency are not binding, but the commitment signed by Spain. As he advanced The countrythe pronouncement of Strasbourg has occurred by a CCOO union claim in 2022 before the European Social Rights Committee (which adds to the already resolved request of UGT in 2024) on the need to reform the compensation system in Spain. The union claims the Government of Spain to equate its regulations to the European, which made that the agency pronounce again, Giving the reason to the union and urging the Government to modify this system. The Spanish legislation of 2012. The Council of Europe has made it clear that the system of Compensation for improper dismissal of Spain breaches the appropriate justice and reparation parameters. According to current Spanish regulations, which the government of Mariano Rajoy reformed in 2012, workers receive compensation of 33 days of salary per year worked, with a maximum limit of 24 monthly payments, instead of 45 days per year with 42 monthly payments that were before the reform. However, the Council of Europe has been considered an insufficient model due to its zero deterrence for inadmissible layoff calculate the costs of dismissal In advance, especially for those with little seniority in their jobs. Union spokesmen insisted that this resolution “evidences the need to open a stage of dialogue and negotiation in the field of social dialogue to adapt the framework for the protection of workers in the face of dismissal to the demands of the European Social Charter”, collected The plural. Discrepancies by article 24. The main point of friction between the European Social Charter and the current Spanish legislation focuses on section B of article 24 of the European document indicated: “The right of dismissed workers without valid reason to adequate compensation or other appropriate reparation.” In its resolutions, the Council of Europe has made it clear that the compensation system for unfair dismissal of Spain breaches the appropriate justice and reparation parameters, leaving in judicial hands the calculation of a personalized compensation to each specific case. “It is essential In your writing before the Council of Europe. The temporal “patch”: go to court. While the government is expected to adapt the legislation to European recommendations, to workers who face an inadmissible dismissal only the judicial means have to obtain compensation according to the European Social Charter. However, the Supreme Court It has not been very satisfied With that solution to conflict with Spanish regulations, which they already consider “adequate”, although it left Open the possibility of reinterpretations from European standards. The Last data of layoffs collected in the report ‘Disposal statistics and its cost ‘ prepared by the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy give the reason to Europe, indicating that the Average compensation for dismissal in Spain in 2023 It was 35% lower than those received in 2021, although the number of layoffs increased by 34%. That is, although inadmissible dismissals have been resolved by judicial means, the courts have not imposed higher compensation as “reparation” as they ask from Europe. In Xataka | Going to the bathroom is not work: a Swiss court allows a company to force its employees to sign when they go to the bathroom In Xataka | Companies have found a way to fire indefinite after labor reform: disciplinary dismissal Image | Unspash (Mika Baumeister)

China controls the solar energy supply chain. Europe wants to change it with a huge factory in Asturias

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If you had ever thought about how form a solar panel Your process is not easy. This puzzle that passes from a Fine wafer to photovoltaic He has all his framework. Asturias will begin to manufacture this small piece, which is essential for its operation. The heart of a panel. A Catalan company, Sunwafebacked by Innoenergy, are in the process of building the first large bullion factory and wafer for photovoltaic solar panels in Spain. To do this, he has obtained an aid of 199 million euros from the Ministry of Ecological Transition, aimed at supporting this installation in Gijón, As Efe has had access. The company has obtained both public and private financing to develop this project. In fact, he has received one of the largest subsidies in the State in Asturias, within the framework of the government’s renewal call, which allocated 297.3 million euros to key projects in renewable energy, According to the trade. The first piece of puzzle. In this puzzle that is the process of manufacturing the solar panel, the plant will focus on silicon purification, its foundry to form ingots, and the subsequent cut of these bullion in thin wafers. All this and then send it to other plants with which the photovoltaic will form. As for the objective of the initiative, Sunwafe seeks to produce 2.5 billion wafers per year by 2030, which will allow you According to the voice of Asturias. The most standardized material. Solar cells They have experienced A radical transformation in recent years. In all this time, the element that dominates the sector remains silicon, since they are The standard in industries. Along the same lines, there are A boom with Perovskitas panelsbut silicon tandem cells are still the most promising for its generalized use. Zero dependencies. Today, China is the undisputed leader of solar energy export, how demonstrates an Ember study. However, this new factory raises a change in the photovoltaic value chain, reducing the dependence of this supplier and others for Spain and, in turn, the European Union, the European Union, According to RTPA. At the moment, the European Union Continue depending In much of China for the manufacture of their renewable energies, but projects like this can open a new path. An impulse for Spain. Although the country managed to close last year with a fee of Total renewable generation of 63.9%the production of materials has not yet settled after the rise of Chinese production. In this way, this new factory will become the third EU factory that will produce silicon wafers, how They have reported in New Spain. This opening in Gijón is a good example of the shy reindustrialization that institutions are looking for. Image | Peellden and Pexels Xataka | While the Portuguese enjoyed sun eclipse, their electrical system had a really bad time

One of the most decisive campaigns of Christianity in Europe had a lost piece. It has been solved by a picture of the 16th century

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For centuries, the camp of Carlos v In the German city of Lauingen it was little more than a scene embodied in a team of the 16th century. Painted by Matthias Gerungshowed in detail the surrender of the city during the War in the Danube campaign. We knew that something important had happened there, but we had not found archaeological evidence that confirmed it and the painting could have been a free artistic interpretation. Until five tombs and a boot buckle caused the painting to become an radiography of the past. Danube campaign. In 1531, Protestant princes joined in the Esmalcalda League To fight the Catholicism that made its way in Europe Thanks to figures such as Carlos V. As usually happens, a religious war began, in this case to defend Protestantism against Catholicism in a war that consisted of bell battles when one of the two forces was considered superior, but also in strategic movements games when they felt at a disadvantage. The League had a huge army, but Carlos V managed to gather experienced soldiers and, above all, a lot of artillery. After a series of attacks and constant harassment, added to the fact that there were league troops that were not too close, it resulted in Carlos V to take control of southern Germany in 1546. He did not mark the end of the war, which would arrive a year later, but it was an important turning point. The picture. The Emperor’s main camp during the campaign was located in Lauingen, a town that surrendered in 1546 and inspired by the artist Matthias Gerung to paint in 1551 his ‘Heerlager Karls V. Bei Lauingen’, or ‘The Camp of Carlos V in Lauingen’. It is a historical piece, there is no doubt about that, but if you have not seen it so far it is understandable because paintings of this style there are many. Or not so many? Gerung embodied many details in the work that allow us to get an idea of ​​how the tents were used, as well as the weapons, armor and clothing. It was so rich that there were tiny details, as ornaments in the clothes or broches very well defined. Was it an artistic license or, was it hyperrealistic? Well, rather … the second. Coincides! The painting represents the moment in which the Lauingen Council surrenders to the emperor and is the heritage of that city. To be such an important place, no human or material remains had been found in the area, something strange that could suggest that Gerung … well, a license had been taken. However, in 2024 the situation took a turn when a group of archaeologists from Bayerisches Landesamt Für Denkmalpflege found five tombs of imperial soldiers in a place extremely similar to that represented in the painting. That changed everything. Apart from the remains, it is not that a lot of objects appear, simply some coins and the closure of a hook -shaped boot. “What has to do with the painting?” You will be wondering, because much: that closure coincides perfectly with some that can be seen in Gerung’s painting. The detail of the picture is surprising, everything must be said Coins. In a new one releasethe researchers of the BLFP They claim that the five deceased found were young men who had structural changes in the legs of the legs due, surely, to a large overload fruit of the long marches of the army. But objects are the true protagonists because, normally, in the tombs of this era there are neither coins or footwear remains. And, beyond that the closure of the boot coincides with the one that was represented in the painting, the really key is the dating of the currencies, which by their inscriptions aim to be from the 16th century. And all this represent the first clear dating sample of this era in the area. Eureka! “The antiquity of the coins suggests that burial Deputy Director of the Archaeological Conservation Department of Susabia de BLFP. The next steps of the archaeologists is to continue analyzing the remains found, but the most curious thing about this story is the painter’s excellent documentation to perform his work, since either he was in the place and stayed with all the details or was magnificently advised by someone who was in the camp. And it is, according to the coincidence found by archaeologists, an almost photographic representation of the camp that was touchstone in European history. Images | BLFD In Xataka | In 1061 two Galicians signed a legal agreement. More and more historians believe that it is really a gay wedding

In Europe the rearme quotes up and cars. And a Basque Components factory wants to take advantage of it

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When Europe announced the need of a “rearme”hardly someone could have guessed the sector that has seen in the proposal a formula to put the leg: the engine. First it was Germany Through the Almighty Rheinmetall, the largest defense contractor in the nation. Things are so quite well that it has set the car industry and its factories to continue producing armament without rest. Even Volkswagen is in the equation. Now the turn of Spain has reached. Industrial conversion. I told it This week five days. Before the structural stagnation of the European automobile sector, several Spanish component companies have begun to look towards the defense industry as a path of diversification (and survival). The first of these stops takes us to the Basque Country, where Teknia (Basque manufacturer of car components) has been one of the first actors to openly manifest Your interest in manufacturing pieces For military applications, in a context where, as we said, Europe is in full Rearme process motivated by Russian threat and Strategic distancing of the United States. The company argues that, while the automotive has been excluded from the group of strategic sectors in Europe, defense and aerospace They have received that recognitionwhich, added to the regulatory hardening and the fall in the demand for vehicles, forces to explore new opportunities for Keep facilities alive industrialists From the civil vehicle to the military. The newspaper explained something we already said weeks ago. The transition from the automotive sector to the military is, in many cases, technically and logistically viable. The reasoning is clear: the armies also use vehicles, and many of the technologies of forming, stamping or injection applicable in the automotive They can easily adapt to the production of military units, whether trucks, armored or mobile logistics systems. This logic is backed by cases such as Ivecocompany with two floors in Spain, which already has a division dedicated exclusively to the defense business. For the Spanish Government, the use of its large ecosystem of suppliers of automotive components appears as a Fast and efficient route to climb your productive capacity in military. Germany as an epicenter. And here we return to the beginning of everything. As we explain In mid -March, in Germany this industrial reconversion process is in a more advanced stage. Rheinmetall, one of the main European arms groups, has expressed interest in The plant that Volkswagen It has in Osnabrück, affected by a drastic restructuring. In 2024, the automobile group announced the Elimination of 35,000 jobs and one Reduction of its capacity Annual production in Germany, which will go from 734,000 vehicles to a substantially lower figure by 2030. Rheinmetalll in full. This setback in the German industry coincides with the stock market of Rheinmetall, whose actions are They have revalued 122.2% So far this year, promoted by the urgency of European rearmament before The Russian threat and Berlin’s commitment to increase your investment In defense. The paradox is revealing: the industrial wound of the heart from Europe could cater thanks to Geopolitical fear already one New arms race. Employment, production and integration. It is another leg that explains the movement. The defense industry not only represents an alternative of economic sustainability for automotive companies (now in Spain), but also offers a Multiplier effect in terms of employment and technological development. Explained in five days that an eloquent example is that of CMBDA European Onsorciospecialized in missile systems, which has significantly increased its workforce: it hired 2,600 people in 2024, reaching The 19,000 employeesand plans to add another 2,500 hiring in the current exercise. Despite its presence in many of the great European economies, MBDA still does not have plants in Spain, although its CEO seems to have made it clear that this could change, which underlines the country’s appeal in the new industrial map of the European defense. Structural transformation. Thus, what is at stake is not a simple business diversification, but something more similar to a structural transformation that could alter the nature of the European industry. The conversion of plants, the reuse of existing technical capacities and the reorientation of human resources could allow the countries of the European Union not only to strengthen their strategic autonomy in defense, but also keep alive industrial structures otherwise, they would run the risk of deteriorating with the decline of traditional automotive. No doubt, this evolution is not exempt from challenges, but offers a pragmatic response to the slowdown of a sector in crisis and the urgency of a continental reload. From the car to artillery. It is still an industrial paradigm. What in another context could have been a without exit crisis, it is currently emerging as a window of opportunity. At a time when European security is again in the Political agenda centereven with unusual ads collection for 72 hoursand when the economic model based on the private car It seems to lose pushthe reconversion of the automotive sector Towards defense It appears as a realistic, productive and politically viable solution. They said it in The five -day report Through the implicit words of the sector: it does not matter if the machinery manufactures a chassis for a sedan or a structure for a armored. Here the essential thing is that it continues to work. Thus, from the ashes of the engine, a new industry can flourish, although this time at the service of European sovereignty. Image | Tekniagroup, Rheinmetall Defense In Xataka | The “rearme” of Europe has begun in a Volkswagen factory in Germany: instead of cars they will produce tanks In Xataka | Europe before its time of truth: we have entered the era of “rearme” and the EU has a plan not to be behind

Europe needs an alternative to Starlink and Spain has just invests 14 million in its first piece: Sateliot

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The gigantic Starlink satellite constellation has left Europe at strategic disadvantageas the Ukraine War demonstrated since its inception. In the new geopolitical context of Rearme, and while the European space industry seeks to become independent from the United States, Spain has decided to take care of one of its key assets in the low terrestrial orbit. The news. The Spanish government has approved A strategic investment of 13.85 million euros in Sateliot, The Catalan 5G satellite company for the Internet of Things. The investment will leave the European funds Next Tech (of the recovery plan, transformation and resilience), managed by the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation (SETT). Although the State I already participated in Sateliot Through the Public Company Sepides (with 4.69% of the capital), this investment 10 times greater reinforces the position of Spain prior to the development of IRIS2, the future European Starlink. What is Sateliot. Founded in 2018 by Jaume Sanpera (CEO) and Marco Guadalupi (CTO), Sateliot operates a constellation nanosatellites which offer 5G connectivity for the Internet of things from the low terrestrial orbit. These cubesats operate 600 km altitude and can connect any IoT device compatible with the standard “Rela 17” NTN. Sateliot is not a broadband service such as Starlink, but points to a thousand millionaire business: eliminating areas without cellular coverage for agriculture (irrigation devices, fertilizers), livestock (animal geolocation), logistics (trucks and ships), industrial infrastructure and renewable energy. Small satellites, huge expectations. Sateliot has launched six small cubesat satellites in orbits of about 600 km altitude, but projects to expand its constellation 250 satellites in 2026 to offer almost global coverage. The company has signed commercial contracts with companies such as Telefónica or Amazon Web Services, with which it plans to invoice 270 million euros a year. His forecast is reach income of one billion euros Annual for 2030. Integrated with terrestrial networks. Satelliot technology takes advantage of the 5G standard so that the IoT devices of its customers can connect directly to the satellites without specific equipment. Your customers or those of the operatorsbecause technology is integrated directly into land networks so that devices have continuous connectivity in remote or rural areas without stable terrestrial coverage. In this way, farmers can optimize the use of water and fertilizers to reduce costs. and industries such as logistics will be able to have a real -time monitoring of containers and goods. The way to Iris2. Sateliot acts as Precursor and strategic complement of the future IRIS2 European system, planned for 2030 with a public and private investment of 10,000 million euros. Iris2 is the European response Starlink, a constellation of satellites in different orbits that will initially offer sovereign communications for the Member States and their NATO partners, and will be expanded with commercial services or agglutinating other existing ones, such as Oneweb of the French Eutelsat. The Spanish Hispasat is another of the companies that leads the effort. A compartmentalized Starlink. Sateliot and Oneweb are somehow pieces of the future European Starlink, but cannot compete on the Starlink is far from what the European industry can offer right now. While Sateliot as Oneweb deployed their satellites (hiring Falcon 9 rockets, among others), Spacex has built in just over a year its first direct-to-cell constellation with LTE connectivity for all types of customers. The system He began to deploy In January 2024 and It is already working in the United States In beta phase, integrated with T-Mobile. Europe is aware of this resource difference, and is putting its eggs in many baskets. Part of the Strategy 2040 of ESA It is to support the development of these constellations and achieve autonomy in access to space with new commercial rockets that aspire to be reuse. Image | Sateliot In Xataka | Spacex has launched 8,000 Starlink satellites in five years, but they are not enough. And we are beginning to understand why

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