SME Finance & Platforms: UK fintech Tide says it has passed 2 million members globally, with India adding 1.1m small businesses since launch in Dec 2022, and Germany/France seeing strong traction as more SMEs move online. Late Payments Crackdown (UK): New laws in England and Wales propose a 60-day cap on payment terms for large firms, mandatory interest on late payments, and a ban on construction retentions—aimed at stopping small suppliers going under while they wait to be paid. Local Retail Support (Spain): Galicia’s “Activa Comercio” digital voucher scheme launches May 27 with a €2.5m budget, QR-code vouchers capped at €30 total discount per user, and a prize draw for shoppers who engage on Xunta social channels. Energy Policy Pressure (EU): A Bratislava conference on “Energy Sovereignty” argues EU energy regulation and high prices are pushing industry out of the bloc, with calls for national pragmatism and reform. Public Media Funding Fight (Czechia): Czech public TV and radio leaders urge PM Andrej Babis to scrap plans to end household licence fees and shift funding to the state budget, warning it could undermine independence. SME Support Platform (Curaçao): Curaçao launched a new “Curaçao SME Platform” to replace “Mi NEGOSHI,” expanding coordination between government, finance, innovation bodies and local entrepreneurs. Business Market Signals (UK): Small-cap semiconductor Nanoco plans to delist from the London Stock Exchange to cut listing costs and preserve cash as UK public markets remain tough for early-stage firms.