SME Credit Crunch in the UK: New research from money.co.uk using UK Finance postcode data says lending to small businesses fell to £62.6bn by end-2025, down £26.8bn (30%) since H2 2022, with nine-in-10 areas seeing declines and 78% contracting further in the past year. Budget Pressure on Hiring Costs: Iceland’s boss Lord Richard Walker warned UK ministers against “raiding” business via taxes and red tape, arguing employer National Insurance costs are pushing up the cost of employing staff. EU Packaging Rules Backlash: In the European Parliament, MEPs faced criticism over the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, with small firms warning they can’t afford multi-country representatives under extended producer responsibility. Ukraine Parcel Tax for Small Firms: Ukraine’s parliament passed first-reading reforms including a 20% VAT on cross-border e-commerce parcels under €150, with foreign platforms handling payment, aiming to fund armed forces and support the IMF programme. SME Support via Finance Deals: The EBRD launched a $100m dollar lending programme for Kenyan traders and manufacturers via Co-operative Bank of Kenya, targeting the trade finance gap. EU-Canada Relationship Shockwaves: The EU proposed a first-ever “associate member” model for Canada, drawing sharp US political pushback and UK debate over taxes and independence. SME Tech Adoption: Berlin-based Integral raised €18m to deliver AI-run accounting, tax and payroll services for SMEs, betting on automation to cut admin burdens.