Jorge Valero
OECD chief: ‘Sánchez government is a response to Spain’s political reality’
OECD Secretary-General Ángel Gurría is one of the most-wanted men in the corridors of the World Economic Forum, held this week in Davos (Switzerland). On Wednesday (22 January) he introduced Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in the forum as “one of the great champions of multilateralism”.
Europe to assess whether US-China deal is WTO compatible
The EU will assess whether a US-China deal to roll back some bilateral tariffs in exchange for increased US imports to China is compatible with World Trade Organisation rules, said Trade commissioner Phil Hogan on Thursday (16 January).
‘Green’ alert: environmental risks top Davos report
For the first time in the 15-year history of the Davos risk report, the top five global risks are all environmental, according to the latest survey published on Wednesday (15 January) ahead of the World Economic Forum next week.
Spain pushes for prioritising services in EU-UK deal
Spain on Monday (13 January) called for the inclusion of services in the first phase of EU-UK negotiations on the future relationship, adding more complexity to trade talks that must be concluded before the transition period ends on 31 December.
EU, US, Japan agree on proposals to limit subsidies
The EU, US and Japan put forward on Tuesday (14 January) a proposal to limit industrial subsidies among WTO members and explored ways to address forced technology transfers, two issues at the core of ongoing trade frictions with China.
Former Commission officials top new Spanish government
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez appointed former European Commission spokesperson Arancha González as his new foreign affairs minister, while Nadia Calviño, who used to be a director-general in the EU executive, will become vice-president for economy, and former EU official Luis Planas will stay on as agriculture minister.
The Brief, powered by MPE – A conference for what?
By the end of this year, member states must reach an agreement against the clock on a long-term budget to finance their bold priorities for this decade, and seal a deal with the UK on their future relationship. On top...
Commission President to attend Davos gathering
The European Commission will be represented by its President at the World Economic Forum in Davos (Switzerland) towards the end of January, signalling the closer ties Ursula von der Leyen has with the exclusive gathering, compared with her predecessor Jean-Claude Juncker.
France and US seek compromise on digital tax in 15 days
France and the US will try to settle their dispute over the French digital tax in 15 days to avoid further tariffs, French Finance minister Bruno Le Maire said on Tuesday (7 January).
Eurozone 2020: The race against the clouds
After seven years of growth, the eurozone's outlook is deteriorating. There is a risk of a recession if the trade war with Washington worsens, while member states continue to disagree over the completion of the economic and monetary union that would help them cope with a downturn.
Commission ponders state aid review to support ‘Airbus of the future’
The European Commission is considering reviewing its state aid rules to support cutting-edge projects financed by several member states, as requested by national capitals in order to strengthen Europe’s industrial might.
The Brief, powered by Eurogas – The end of a bruising decade
As the year comes to an end, we tend to write long stories about the murky waters ahead in EU affairs. Given the long list of challenges, some would try find comfort in looking back over this past decade, not because of how far we’ve gone, but because of all the storms that we have weathered.
Brussels lowers expectations about ‘green’ overhaul of Stability and Growth Pact
The European Commission is cautious about loosening EU fiscal rules in order to incentivise ‘green’ investment by member states. Valdis Dombrovskis, the Commission Vice-President for the economy, said on Tuesday (17 December) he wants to avoid “divisive” issues.
China calls for opening free trade talks with the EU
Chinese foreign affairs minister Wang Yi made a “plea” on Monday (16 December) for launching free trade talks with the EU, in parallel with the ongoing negotiations on an investment deal.
Costa and Centeno clash over euro budgetary instrument
Tensions between Portuguese prime minister, Antonio Costa, and his finance minister and Eurogroup president, Mario Centeno erupted in front of EU leaders on Friday (13 December) as the two clashed over the design of the eurozone budgetary instrument .
ECB to embark on soul-searching process in 2020
The European Central Bank will next year review its tools and objectives in order to better fulfil its mandate of price stability, and it also intends to assess the appropriateness of issuing its own digital currency, in the face of growing concerns about Facebook’s Libra.
EU leaders to call for strengthening of trade sanction toolbox
EU leaders will urge co-legislators in the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to examine “as a matter of priority” the possibility to sanction countries breaching trade rules and blocking the dispute settlement process, according to the latest version of the summit conclusions seen by EURACTIV.
EU to strengthen trade sanctions as WTO paralysis starts
As the international system for settling trade disputes is set to become crippled on Tuesday (10 December), Europe will in the coming days propose ways to bolster its sanction toolbox against countries that adopt ilegal trade measures and block the renewal of WTO’s appellate body.
Premier of Bermuda: ‘Global minimum tax is anti-competitive’
Bermuda wants to leave behind its reputation as a tax haven to become a Fintech hub. In an interview with EURACTIV.com, the premier of the UK’s overseas territory, David Burt, said the island could come out of the EU’s 'grey list' of tax havens early next year. But he criticised a global minimum tax as he praised tax competition among countries.
Libra maintains 2020 approval target despite concerns
Facebook-sponsored digital currency Libra is determined to getting the green light by European regulators next year, despite the numerous concerns raised by EU finance ministers, a senior representative of the project told EURACTIV.com.
EU reaches milestone by agreeing on green criteria for finance
MEPs and the Finnish presidency of the EU Council agreed Thursday (5 December) on a taxonomy to determine what economic activities can be considered ‘green’, paving the way for billions of euros to be channelled into investments to fight climate change.
EU banking regulator: ‘No green economy if we encourage banks to be insolvent’
Europe wants to use all the tools available to transit toward a 'green' economy. But ‘green’ lending should not be incentivised by easing capital requirements for banks, the European Banking Authority chief, Jose Manuel Campa, told EURACTIV in an exclusive interview.
We will ‘react as one’, EU tells US over French digital tax dispute
The European Commission wants to settle the latest trade dispute with the US over the French digital tax “amicably”, but warned that the bloc will “react as one” if Washington slaps tariffs on Paris.