European Union: Government Policy & Public Finance

For many international investors, Portugal’s Golden Visa has served as a gateway to Europe, offering flexibility, security and a pathway towards Portuguese citizenship.

Ms Santos, a Brazilian software developer, had built a successful career with a Swedish technology start-up, working almost entirely remotely.

The Maltese Government recently published the Individual Tax Programme Rules through Legal Notice 195 of 2026, introducing a new framework for individuals looking to relocate to Malta and benefit from a special tax status.

Two analysts from Stepwise's Global Strategic Engagement Team debate whether German Chancellor Friedrich Merz can survive the political fallout from the CDU's historic regional election losses in September, or if mounting party pressure will force his resignation. Ian Cameron argues Merz will cling to power despite weakened authority, while Thomas Goldstein contends his chancellorship appears terminal.

Ireland faces a critical decision about nuclear energy: not whether to build a reactor today, but whether to preserve the option for the 2040s. With Small Modular Reactors emerging as the only viable nuclear technology for Ireland's small grid, and neighbouring countries already deep into their nuclear programmes, what groundwork must Ireland complete now to keep this low-carbon baseload option genuinely available?

Den 9 september 2026 presenterade Europeiska kommissionen sitt förslag till en ny förordning om offentlig upphandling och koncessioner, the Public Procurement Act. Förslaget innebär en genomgripande reform av EU:s upphandlingsregelverk där de tre nuvarande direktiven föreslås upphävas och ersättas av en gemensam och direkt tillämplig EU-förordning. Reformen syftar inte endast att förenkla nuvarande regler utan även att i större utsträ

Poland's economic transformation in early 2026 has been characterized by comprehensive state-led reforms spanning deregulation, energy transition, labour enforcement, and infrastructure investment. The government has implemented nearly 200 deregulatory measures while simultaneously launching offshore wind projects and strengthening worker protections through enhanced labour inspectorate powers. This coordinated restructuring represents a strategic effort to reposition Poland's economy for sustainable growth

Germany is positioning itself to become Europe's dominant military power through an extensive defense modernization program that will run through 2039. With defense spending more than doubling since 2020 and investments spanning space, AI, drones, and long-range capabilities, Berlin's military ascendance creates both opportunities and tensions with traditional European defense leaders like France and Poland.

Malta's tax incentive framework faces mounting pressure to evolve as global competition for foreign talent and investment intensifies through strategic government incentives. Deloitte Malta's Tax leader emphasizes that continuous innovation in tax policy will determine whether Malta maintains its competitive edge in attracting high-value business activity.