Europe

UK court opens patent path for neural-network inventions

The UK Supreme Court ruled that an artificial neural network can qualify for patent protection when it is implemented using physical hardware, overturning the UK Intellectual Property Office’s 2022 refusal in the Emotional Perception AI case and sending the application back for reconsideration.

Station F launches a joint accelerator backed by rival AI labs

Station F announced F/ai, a Europe-focused accelerator run with Meta, Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, OpenAI, and Mistral (plus AWS, AMD, Qualcomm, and OVH Cloud), with the first three-month cohort starting January 13 and offering participating startups over $1 million in partner credits instead of cash funding.

Xeinadin expands its Southend accountancy practice

Xeinadin acquired TBL Accountants, adding TBL’s client base and capabilities into its Southend office.

UK expands its Arctic military footprint via Norway

The UK committed to doubling the number of British troops in Norway from about 1,000 to 2,000 over the next three years.

Germany expands incentives for Syrians to leave via voluntary return program

Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has relaunched and is funding voluntary repatriation to Syria, covering flights plus €1,000 per adult and €500 per minor, with 3,678 Syrians already returned from 5,976 applicants last year.

EU asylum processing shifts toward third-country removals

The European Parliament approved legislation allowing EU member states to deport asylum seekers to designated “safe” non-EU countries they transited through or have no prior ties to, with the rules expected to take effect in June.

LHV Bank cleared to offer consumer credit in the UK

The UK Prudential Regulation Authority granted LHV Bank consumer credit authorisation after completing a six-month review.

Starmer’s office hit by fallout from Mandelson envoy appointment

Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned on February 8, 2026, saying he took full responsibility for advising the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s envoy to Washington.

UK PM’s top aide quits over Mandelson’s links to Epstein

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned on Sunday, saying the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States was wrong.

Starmer’s office hit by resignation over US ambassador appointment

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned on Sunday and said he was responsible for recommending Peter Mandelson for the UK ambassador to the United States role.

U.K. sanctions Sudan conflict commanders

The U.K. government sanctioned six senior figures linked to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces for alleged atrocities and for supporting the war through mercenaries and military equipment supply.

ASML posts record quarterly orders for chipmaking tools

ASML reported Q4 2025 bookings of €13.2bn for semiconductor equipment orders, with more than half for EUV lithography machines.

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