Economy & Jobs
Greece breaks three-year isolation and returns to debt markets
After three years of “exile”, Greece will return on Monday (24 July) to the international debt markets, testing the waters to see if it can begin to wean itself off bailout loans after tough reforms.
ECB keeps easy money pledge despite better growth
The European Central Bank left its ultra easy monetary policy stance unchanged as expected on Thursday (20 July), keeping rates at record lows and even leaving the door open to more asset buys if the outlook worsens.
EXPO 2017 in Astana will contribute to global sustainable development
Staging such an important exhibition as EXPO 2017 in Kazakhstan will accelerate our transition to a modern and sustainable economy, writes Kairat Abdrakhamanov. EXPO 2017 taking place from 10 June to 10 September 2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan. Its theme is "Future Energy".
Fiat Serbia strike ends, negotiations kick off
The return of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Serbia employees to work after a strike that lasted some 20 days has jump-started negotiations between workers and management. EURACTIV.rs reports.
Commission strives to reach 40% women in management by end of mandate
The European Commission has come up with new measures on Wednesday (19 June) to reach the target of having 40% of women in top positions by the end of its mandate in 2019.
Winds of change: EU embarks on sustainable finance mission
Disturbing developments on the international political scene have only increased the resolve of the European Union to lead in taking action against the impact of climate change. Flavia Micilotta explains why financing is a key component.
Looming CETA application undermines Macron’s campaign promise
The provisional entry into force of the EU’s free trade agreement with Canada on 21 September leaves little time for the evaluation committee established by France’s new president to deliver its verdict on the deal. EURACTIV France reports.
European SMEs can lead the world in the IoT revolution
European firms can lead the economy of tomorrow if our small and medium-sized companies obtain the necessary support, notably when it comes to innovation incentives and patent litigation, writes Hassan Triqui.
End to austerity? Poll gamble exposes rift in Britain’s ruling party
An early election was meant to bind the Conservatives to Theresa May's agenda for at least five years, but instead it has badly shaken the governing party with ministers questioning its seven-year pursuit of austerity.
MEPs and ministers hit back on EU plan for longer spectrum licenses
MEPs and national ministers are stripping down an EU proposal to change how wireless radio spectrum is sold to telecoms companies.
Juncker Plan falls short of offering green projects, expert group says
The high-level group on sustainable finance proposed on Tuesday (18 July) a new platform to match capital and green projects, as the Juncker Plan did not develop the 'big pipeline' that was expected to unlock the money resting in the pockets of big investors.
EU and Britain to present post-Brexit plan on WTO membership
The European Union and Britain plan to put forward a joint proposal for reform of the terms of their World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership in September or October, an EU source said on Monday (17 July), as London negotiates to leave the EU.
Romanian government backtracks from plan to tax companies’ turnover
Romanian Prime Minister Mihai Tudose said yesterday (17 July) his leftist-led government had scrapped a plan to tax companies' turnover.
EU, Brazil propose farm subsidies overhaul to help developing countries
The European Union and Brazil yesterday (17 July) proposed to the World Trade Organization a reform of farm subsidies in order to "level the playing field" for emerging economies, an EU statement said.
Germany made more than €1bn out of Greek crisis
Between its loans to Athens and its debt buying programmes, Germany has cashed in to the tune of €1.34bn since the beginning of the Greek crisis. EURACTIV’s partner La Tribune reports.
‘Demographic dependency’ casts shadow over employment report
Young people in Europe will be squeezed by shrinking pensions and demographic change, adding pressure to under 25-year-olds who are already weighed down by a stubbornly high unemployment rate.
European fiscal board chief: ‘Stop talking about recovery, we are approaching normality’
Arguably, the EU’s economic governance framework is one of the most divisive issues among member states and top priority in Europe’s to-do list of outstanding reforms. Niels Thygesen does not shy away from this challenge. After questioning European Commission fiscal stance for this year recommendation, he proposed a return to a more ‘prudent’ orientation for 2018. In October, he will address one of the hottest topics: whether the application of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) unfairly favoured countries like France.
Global cyber-attacks could spur $53 billion in losses
A major, global cyber-attack could trigger an average of $53 billion (€46.30) of economic losses, a figure on par with a catastrophic natural disaster such as US Superstorm Sandy in 2012, Lloyd's of London said in a report today (17 July).
Youth: The Future of Europe
A Europe of peace among nations has been established. Europe’s younger generations have little consciousness of a Europe at war. For today’s youth, Europe is a land of opportunity, a land, not of peace and security, but of jobs and prosperity.
The Wisdom of Erasmus: What next for Europe’s Youth?
The Erasmus programme has been one of Europe’s most successful instruments of education and integration. Its structure, range and funding are currently going through another round of development, with a massive budget increase likely.
Corbyn: Labour will negotiate for jobs
After talks with EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels on Thursday (13 July), British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn told journalists he would fight to protect jobs and citizens’ rights, and that he was “surprised” at the Commission’s decision to oust some UK national experts.
Macron: Germany is competitive thanks to eurozone weaknesses
Ahead of Thursday’s (13 July) Franco-German Ministerial Council, Friday’s Bastille Day celebrations and Donald Trump’s visit to Paris, President Emmanuel Macron spoke to EURACTIV’s partner Ouest-France about Europe's future, and France’s relations with the US.
Reshaping the financial system as a tool for good
The European Commission's High Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance delivered its interim report today (13 July). Ingrid Holmes, one of the members of the group, explains how the financial system can help address long-term challenges such as climate change.
NGOs denounce cuts, tweaks to 2018 EU budget for development aid
EU member countries decided yesterday (12 July) to cut the proposed EU budget for 2018 by €1.2 billion. The European Parliament deplored this “mechanical” cut, while NGO’s denounced the decrease of development aid and its re-directing to combat immigration.