HEC Paris press coverage from all over the world
Private Equity International reports that, according to the latest HEC Paris–Dow Jones Growth Capital Performance Ranking developed by Oliver Gottschalg, impact-focused firms are increasingly ranking among the top-performing growth equity players, highlighting that strong financial returns and positive societal impact can go hand in hand. The study also underscores the growing diversity of top performers and the rising presence of non-North American firms in the sector.
Politico reports that the European Commission is facing criticism over plans to simplify its lawmaking process, with NGOs and industry groups warning this could weaken democratic safeguards and transparency. Alberto Alemanno, professor of EU law at HEC Paris, argues that the move risks using geopolitical urgency as a pretext to bypass accountability, potentially undermining citizens’ ability to shape EU legislation.
El País reports that the European Commission is questioning Spain’s plan to hold social media executives criminally liable for user-generated content, warning it may conflict with existing EU digital regulations. Alberto Alemanno, professor of EU law at HEC Paris, notes that while legal interpretations differ, member states may still seek to impose stricter standards, potentially prompting further intervention from the EU.
Tagesschau reports on Manfred Weber’s proposals to reform the European Union, particularly by overcoming unanimity rules and reshaping its governance. Alberto Alemanno, professor of EU law at HEC Paris, says that creating a “European president” could streamline decision-making and increase the EU’s visibility and democratic legitimacy, while acknowledging strong political resistance to such changes.
Across this week’s press review (January 19-25), HEC’s footprint shows up in places where public debate is being shaped in real time: Europe’s geopolitical posture, what Crans-Montana reveals in terms of trust and the economy; the psychology of performance at work; and even prime-time economic programming.
The Guardian highlights Europe’s growing confrontation with Donald Trump over Greenland, as EU leaders weigh whether to abandon appeasement and use their strongest economic weapons. Alberto Alemanno, EU law professor at HEC Paris Business School, warns that a calibrated response would be a mistake, calling instead for decisive action to avoid lasting U.S. leverage over Europe.
In a letter published by The Financial Times, Alberto Alemanno, Jean Monnet Professor of EU Law at HEC Paris Business School, argues that Europe has weakened its negotiating position by voluntarily rolling back key regulatory powers. He criticises Brussels for softening digital, climate and AI rules under U.S. pressure, warning that the EU is surrendering one of its strongest sources of leverage without even testing its ability to push back.
German media Deutsche Welle examines how the European Union could respond to Donald Trump’s trade threats over Greenland, weighing options such as retaliatory tariffs, suspending the EU–U.S. trade deal, or activating the so-called “trade bazooka.” Alberto Alemanno, law professor at HEC Paris Business School, argues that Europe’s real leverage lies not in tariff escalation but in enforcing and exporting its regulatory standards — from data protection to AI governance and corporate accountability.
In an op-ed for Project Syndicate, professor of economics at HEC Paris Business School Antonin Bergeaud and co-authors André Loesekrug-Pietri and Jean Tirole refute the idea that Europe’s innovation gap stems from a lack of capital. They explain that fragmented markets, regulation and incentives prevent startups from scaling up, and that injecting more funding without completing the single market will not produce global tech champions.
The Atlantic explores what it would mean to live without clocks in a Norwegian island above the Arctic Circle, using Sommarøy’s “time-free” experiment as a lens. The article draws on research by Anne-Laure Sellier, professor at HEC Paris Business School, which distinguishes between “clock-timers” and “event-timers” and shows how constant time awareness can shape motivation, performance and our sense of control over daily life.
