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  • MediaMarkt and Saturn under a Chinese flag? The European Commission is scratching its head

    The European Commission has announced that it will initiate an in-depth investigation into the planned acquisition of German electronics retailer Ceconomy by Chinese JD.com. The intention to take such a decision was reported by the Financial Times, citing its sources.

  • Why energy prices have such a massive impact on industry?

    For the average consumer, rising energy prices usually mean higher electricity bills, more expensive heating, or rising fuel costs. For industry, however, the situation is far more serious. Energy is not simply another operating expense. In many sectors, it forms the foundation of the entire production process. When energy prices rise sharply, companies do not…

  • How the stock market really works?

    For many people, the stock market still feels mysterious. Some associate it with enormous fortunes and financial success, while others see it as a world of risk, crashes, and speculation. In reality, today’s stock market looks very different from the image popularized by movies showing traders shouting across crowded trading floors. Modern financial markets operate…

  • How large is Poland’s cigarette black market?

    For years, Poland successfully fought the cigarette black market. The share of illegal cigarettes fell from over 15 percent to 5–6 percent at the start of the decade. Radical excise hikes in 2025–2026 reversed that trend. In 2024, Poles smoked 1.85 billion illegal cigarettes – a 23.3 percent year‑on‑year increase. Budget losses reached €312 million,…

  • Orlen is preparing the heart of the hydrogen economy in Szczecin. More hubs are planned

    Orlen is starting construction of a hydrogen hub in Szczecin. The PLN 75 million investment will produce 90 kilograms of automotive‑grade hydrogen per hour. The general contractor is the Polish company Torpol Oil & Gas. The hub will produce hydrogen using renewable energy, with a 5 MW electrolyser at its core. EU funding covers €62…