Economy & Jobs
Eurozone sharpens up new anti-shock fund
Finance ministers of the 19-member euro area reached agreement late on Wednesday (9 October) on the details of a "budgetary instrument" for the eurozone, including stronger measures to support countries hit by a sudden economic shock.
France to convince member states on size of eurozone budget
Since the June agreement on the eurozone budget, blockages have persisted between the 19 members of the euro area. But France is now taking an active role in persuading the others of the need to pin down practical details. EURACTIV France reports.
Commissioner hearings LIVE: Margrethe Vestager
The European Parliament is grilling the proposed members of Ursula von der Leyen’s Commission in a series of hearings between 30 September and 8 October. On Tuesday, Danish official Margrethe Vestager, nominated as Executive Vice President for Europe fit for the Digital Age, will be questioned by MEPs
Commissioner hearings LIVE: Valdis Dombrovskis
On Tuesday (8 October), three executive vice-presidents are lined up for grilling in the European Parliament. This liveblog covers the hearing of Valdis Dombrovskis (Latvia, Economy that Works for People).
Will Germany block EIB plans to ditch natural gas?
The European Investment Bank wants to purge its loan books of fossil fuels, including natural gas, by 2020. Although the Bank's final decision is expected to be delivered on 15 October, resistance, especially from Germany, is brewing. EURACTIV Germany reports.
CEOs reject watering down Commission’s antitrust powers
A group of European multinational chiefs proposed a modernization of the EU’s competition rules to face the rivalry of US and China’s companies in the digital age, but rejected France and Germany’s proposal to interfere in European Commission’s exclusive powers.
Tug of war between Madrid and Washington over US tariffs
The Spanish government summoned the US ambassador to Spain, Duke Buchan, on Friday (4 October) to express its opposition to the new tariff increases announced by the Trump Administration. EURACTIV’s partner EFE reports.
The Brief, powered by ACCA – How best to deal with the Joker?
Donald Trump’s looming tariffs on European products will be the most serious and irrational attack against its main trade partner. Europe is still clueless about how to deal with a man whose impulsive behaviour is bringing down the international system.
The impact of US sanctions on European goods: a closer look
Scotch single malt whisky, German decals, Spanish stuffed olives, British cotton bed linen... These products have one thing in common: the US plans to tax them at 25%. EURACTIV's partner Ouest-France reports.
Gentiloni wins broad approval with ‘ambitious’ EU economic and social agenda
Paolo Gentiloni won the European Parliament's approval on Thursday (3 October) to become EU Commissioner for the Economy, with ambitious plans to unblock tax proposals and to design the European unemployment reinsurance scheme.
WTO foresees global trade halved in 2019
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has lowered its global trade growth forecasts for 2019 to 1.2%, compared with its earlier 2.6% prediction issued last spring, with South and Central America bucking the downward global trend. EURACTIV's partner La Tribune reports.
WTO allows US to hit EU exports with record tariffs over Airbus case
The World Trade Organisation authorised the United States on Wednesday (2 October) to impose tariffs on EU goods worth up to $7.5 billion (€6.8 billion), as a response to illegal subsidies given by European governments to aerospace giant Airbus.
EU launches talks on new African trade pact
The European Commission announced on Wednesday (2 October) the launch of negotiations with the five-nation Eastern and Southern African community on a new wide-ranging trade agreement.
Gentiloni picks Buti as head of cabinet
The Commissioner-designate for economy, Italian Paolo Gentiloni, has picked director-general of ECOFIN, Marco Buti, to become his head of cabinet, three sources confirmed to EURACTIV.com.
WTO in ‘critical situation’, EU warns
EU member states discussed on Tuesday (1 October) how to address the “critical situation” of the World Trade Organisation, as the US continues to block the renovation of its appellate body, key for the functioning of the institution.
The Brief, powered by ACCA – A €1-billion question for candidate Commissioners
German carmaker Volkswagen is nearing a decision to build a new plant in Turkey. Sources close to the company say the multi-brand factory would cost more than one billion euros.
Hogan convinces MEPs by toughening up trade stance
Phil Hogan obtained late on Monday (30 September) the MEPs’ preliminary approval to become the EU's next Trade Commissioner, promising a tougher stance towards China to ensure the protection of European values, and environmental principles in particular.
EU ready to act alone on digital tax if no global deal in 2020
European Union commissioners-designate said the bloc should agree on a digital tax if no deal on the matter was reached at a global level by the end of next year, ramping up pressure on multinationals accused of paying too little.
Finnish PM says EU ready to tie funding to rule-of-law criteria
Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne said on Sunday (29 September) that all EU countries looked ready to accept that EU funding should be made conditional on democratic principles, he told Finland's public broadcaster YLE.
EU and Japan join forces to counter US and Chinese initiatives
The EU and Japan signed on Friday (27 September) a holistic partnership to promote investment projects based on rules-based and sustainable principles, and to counter the risks posed by the US and China.
France urges Germany to follow its example with budget stimulus
France will cut taxes by more than €10 billion next year and Germany should follow Paris' footsteps with fiscal stimulus to revive its flagging economy, France's finance minister said on Thursday (26 September).
EU divided over implementation of payments directive
The European Commission questioned on Wednesday (25 September) some member states’ decision to grant at least 18 months to banks for the full implementation of the European Payments Services Directive 2, which requires stronger authentication procedures for online payments.
EU justice dismisses Starbucks tax ruling case, upholds Fiat
The EU general court rejected on Tuesday (24 September) the European Commission's decision that Starbucks had enjoyed a selective advantage in the Netherlands but confirmed assessment that Fiat had benefited from an unlawful tax ruling in Luxembourg.