European Commission slashed its growth forecast for this year to 0.9% for the EU. Additionally, inflation is set to remain stubbornly high at around 3.1%. The economic backdrop for European companies couldn’t be more challenging given the Trade war started by Trump and a potential Trade war starting against China.

Joe discusses all this further with Fredrik Persson the President of Business Europe which is the IBEC equivalent for Europe. 

Friday's business news review along with Joe Lynam and Aidan Donnelly from Davys.

The latest Reptrak index of mostly highly valued organisations in Ireland is out and the Credit Unions sits atop the list once again - followed by An Post and the IRFU interestingly.  At the very bottom lies X - the social media formerly known as Twitter.  So why are some organisations perennially popular while others often unloved?   

Speaking to Joe to discuss was Alan Tyrell, the Chief Executive of the Reputations Agency.  

Cybersecurity, AI and connectivity as well as the digital divide are all topics that concern the telecoms sector and all will doubtless be on the agenda when  Alessandro Gropelli Director General of Connect Europe addresses key players in the sector in Ireland later today.    

 Alessandro joined Joe in studio ahead of his meeting today.

Thursday's business headlines with Joe Lynam.

Veonet provides a mobile operating theatre for eye surgery all over Europe and is now hoping to do so in Ireland.  Veonet can perform operations for Cataracts, glaucoma and even some laser procedures in its mobile unit which has arrived for demonstration purposes in Merrion Square today. 

Frank Doheny, CEO of Veonet Ireland spoke to Joe in studio this morning.

Suddenly Britain might yet consider undoing its momentous decision to quit the EU which it took a decade ago.  It comes as the ruling Labour party is in the throes of a potential change in prime minister and 2 of the would-be replacements of Keir Starmer have openly said that Brexit was a major mistake. To discuss further Joe spoke to Eddie Cullen is the president of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce.

Wednesday business headlines along with Joe Lynam.

Many of them are reliant on the giant platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb to attract business but the sector is in flux as the government decides how its new registration system is going to work to keep standards high and ensure everyone pays the right tax. 

Derek Keogh, chair of the Irish Self Catering Federation which represents a thousand guest houses and B&Bs joined Joe this morning to discuss.

China has weaned itself off large swathes of European goods and services and is exporting in vast numbers to the EU.

There is a daily import deficit in favour of China of €1bn a day.

Joe was joined by Finbarr Bermingham, Europe correspondent with the South China Morning Post to discuss what this means for future trade between Europe ad China.