Economy & Jobs

Oettinger names and shames member states on long-term EU budget cuts

Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Finland…. The EU's Budget Commissioner Günter Oettinger did not hesitate to point the finger at countries reluctant to increase their contributions to the EU's next seven-year budget during a speech on Wednesday (19 September).

US soy seizes EU market, bolstering Trump trade deal

The United States has supplanted Brazil as the European Union’s top supplier of soybeans since a deal in July with President Donald Trump to avert a trade war, according to EU data seen by Reuters on Thursday (20 September).

Human rights, ecology should stand higher than business interests

The Bishops of Latin America are concerned that the EU is more prompt in negotiating new trade deals than ensuring the respect of basic human rights, when violated by companies who have their headquarters in Europe, writes Cardinal Pedro Barreto.

McDonald’s tax deal with Luxembourg ‘not illegal’, Commission says

The European Commission concluded on Wednesday (19 September) that Luxembourg’s tax deal with McDonald’s was not illegal state aid as it did not give the company an unfair advantage, but instead was due to the “mismatch” of US and Luxembourgish tax laws.

Drug industry reacts to Oxfam’s allegations of tax-dodging

Four of the world’s biggest pharma companies appear to hide their profits in tax havens, according to a report published by Oxfam on Tuesday (18 September). Businesses said they are in the clear.

EU counters China’s Silk Road Initiative

Today’s adoption by the European Commission of a new ‘Connectivity Strategy’ linking Europe and Asia throws down the gauntlet to an increasingly assertive China, writes Bart Broer.

Visegrad’s place in the next EU Budget

Vladislava Gubalova argues that Visegrad countries should not be considered as having caught up with older EU members, while taking aim at Sofia for attracting too much financing.

EESC president: MFF proposal is ‘not ambitious enough’

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will discuss on Wednesday (19 September) the next multi-annual financial framework (MFF) with budget commissioner Günter Oettinger. EESC President Luca Jahier told EURACTIV.com that the long-term budget for 2021-2027 should be increased to 1.3% of EU’s GDP.

EU proposes to sanction countries breaching WTO rules

The European Commission on Tuesday (18 September) proposed sanctions on countries that commit “willful and repeated” obfuscation of their trade policies, as part of an effort to modernise the World Trade Organisation.

‘Circle of five’ carmakers under EU cartel investigation

On the third anniversary of Dieselgate, the European Commission announced on Tuesday (18 September) that its anti-competition team is looking into BMW, Daimler and the VW group for allegedly limiting the roll-out of technology meant to clean up car emissions.

The importance of safeguarding spouse work authorisation

In the past two decades, there has been a steady increase in the number of countries enabling work authorisation for partners and spouses of highly-skilled employees on international assignment. This positive international trend has resulted in a ‘triple-win’ for governments, employers and families, writes Helen Frew.

From transport to street lighting: The emergence of smart city platforms

Uber and Airbnb have shown how city services can be transformed by platform offerings. Developing the right platforms will be key for cities to ensure that their economies, environment, and services are fit for the future, writes Eric Woods.

OLAF: Up to France to request help on genuine cigarettes smuggled from Algeria

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) stands ready to assist member states, such as France, in the fight against illicit tobacco trade with third countries, but it’s up to the national authorities to make a request, OLAF told EURACTIV.com. “OLAF will...

The EU’s bank in Africa steps up the action

Whether or not Jean-Claude Juncker’s plans for a "partnership of equals" with Africa becomes reality any time soon, the Luxembourg-based European Investment Bank will have an ever-increasing role in the continent.

Is Croatia ready to join the eurozone?

Croatia's possible entry into the eurozone has become the subject of much talk among economic and political leaders over the past two years, as well as everyday citizens. EURACTIV Croatia reports.

French applaud EU copyright reform vote

Whether they are citizens, politicians, businesses or civil society, the European copyright reform approved in Strasbourg has received unwavering support in France. EURACTIV France reports.

Salvini slams Moscovici after Mussolini jibe

The EU's top economic official said on Thursday (13 September) he feared "little Mussolinis" might be emerging in Europe, drawing a furious response from Italy's far-right interior minister who accused him of insulting his country and Italians.

Lessons from Lehman: It’s the real economy and politics that matter

There are few safeguards against a repeat of the “Great Recession” triggered ten years ago by the collapse of Lehman Brothers, writes Karl Aiginger. However, it will be different from the crisis of 2008 and there is a lot we can do to make it less likely and less severe, he argues.

Cohesion funds absorption should not become an end in itself, EU Auditors say

Delays in the formulation of legal frameworks and spending plans create severe obstacles to an effective use of Cohesion funding, shifting the focus on quick use of money rather than on performance and results, a new Court of Auditors report published Thursday (13 September) underlined.

Cohesion – the big ‘absent’ from Juncker’s SOTEU speech

European regions and cities were left wondering about the noticeable absence of Cohesion policy in Jean-Claude Juncker’s State of the Union speech in the European Parliament on Wednesday (12 September). They were particularly irked by his failure to highlight the positive role of regions in handling migration.

Progress remains slow in bridging Africa’s tax divide

Increasing the tax take in African countries lies at the heart of the global development goals agreed by world leaders in 2014 and 2015. But progress towards meeting that goal has been slow.