Economy & Jobs
ECB chief Draghi downgrades economic forecast as risks persist
European Central Bank President Mario Draghi presented on Thursday (13 December) the bank's downgraded economic forecast for the eurozone for this year and next, as uncertainties and risks remain prominent in the region.
Digital Tax: Parties in last-ditch attempt to raise rates and narrow scope
The centre-right EPP have made a last-ditch attempt to narrow the scope of the EU’s proposed Digital Services Tax, in a move that would see streaming services such as Netflix excluded from the proposals.
Italy’s Conte admits defeat on budget, presents new plan to EU
Italy has admitted defeat and agreed to change its “beautiful” budget plan to avoid the opening of a disciplinary procedure against Rome.
MEPs clear EU-Japan trade deal for early 2019 start
After almost five years of negotiations, the European Parliament ratified the EU-Japan trade deal on Wednesday (12 December), sealing the biggest ever trade agreement negotiated by the European Union.
End of an era as ECB shelves quantitative easing program
A chapter of eurozone history will come to a close Thursday (13 December), with the European Central Bank widely expected to withdraw a key element of support for the economy while reassuring observers fearful of the growing risks.
Europe speeds up plans for no-deal scenario as Brexit chaos grows
EU leaders will discuss late on Thursday (13 December) how to address the UK's concerns about its withdrawal agreement from the EU, but discussions on contingency plans are gathering pace as the chances of an orderly divorce continue to wane.
European Parliament brings ‘social Europe’ a step forward
EU social security coordination will make it easier for EU citizens looking for work to seek employment in another member state. EURACTIV France reports.
Commission to fine Bulgaria over gas market distortions
The European Commission will fine Bulgarian Energy Holding as early as this month for hindering rivals’ access to key gas infrastructure, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday (11 December), based on information from three sources familiar with the dossier.
Study: EU regional policy influences how people vote
Voters who are aware of EU support in their region vote in larger number for pro-Europe politicians. However, EU structural funds remain largely unknown - and often inefficient. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Commission to judge in May France’s deficit deviation
The European Commission will conclude in May whether France’s deficit slippage caused by new spending measures represents a limited and temporary deviation allowed by the rules.
As finances improve, Greece scraps pension cuts
Greece's parliament on Tuesday (11 December) voted to scrap plans to cut state pensions, in a motion led by the left-led governing coalition hoping to shore up its flagging support ahead of a general election next year.
EU top court rules in favor of Draghi’s bond-buying programme
The European Central Bank (ECB) won a landmark case on Tuesday (11 December) as the European Court of Justice confirmed that the national bond-buying policy was in accordance with EU law, in response to concerns raised in Germany.
Juncker warns May: ‘No room’ to renegotiate Brexit deal
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Tuesday (11 December) that the EU would be open to offer “clarifications” to British Prime Minister Theresa May, but insisted that the withdrawal agreement was the “best possible, the only possible” deal.
Macron announces financial concessions in bid to end ‘yellow vest’ revolt
Embattled French President Emmanuel Macron Monday (10 December) announced a series of financial measures seeking to defuse the "yellow vest" revolt that has triggered violent protests in cities across the country.
French ‘yellow vests’ caught up in social networks
As it enters its fourth week of protest, France’s ‘yellow vest’ movement continues to be active on Facebook. While the social network has allowed the movement to grow, Facebook is struggling to create a structure for the movement. EURACTIV France reports.
How YouTube makes users lobby in-house against copyright directive
The #SaveYourInternet campaign is mobilising YouTubers against the European directive. But by defending a free Internet, the campaigners are, above all, protecting the platform’s profitability. EURACTIV France reports.
Regions remain puzzled on future Cohesion and Brexit implications
There is no room for double standards in the future Cohesion policy but there is a need for cooperation between funds and programmes, key partners and civil society, the EU Commissioner for Regional Policy told a Committee of the Regions (CoR) plenary session in Brussels on Wednesday (December 5).
Italian Enria to lead EU’s bank watchdog
The head of the European Banking Authority, Andrea Enria, will become the Single Supervisory Mechanism chief in charge of overseeing Europe’s largest banks. The Council endorsed his nomination on Thursday (6 December), concluding the process after the European Parliament also gave its green light.
Can Europe help combat the dying out of farms?
In the debate over the reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP), there is also the question of how funding allocation can be better adapted to the regions’ specific needs. EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU claims stronger role for its currency despite flawed monetary union
The European Commission presented on Wednesday (5 December) a strategy to strengthen the international role of the euro days after member states continued to drag their feet to complete the economic and monetary union.
A double failure for France in creating European taxes
In the middle of the “yellow vest” crisis, France has failed to unblock tax proposals on financial and digital transactions. These two measures for fiscal justice had been advocated by Paris for a long time. EURACTIV France reports.
China hails ‘mutual respect’ as loops Portugal into Belt and Road
China will always stick to "mutual respect" in its efforts to deal with global challenges, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday (5 December) in Lisbon, where he signed agreements to link Portugal to Beijing's One Belt - One Road initiative.
European Commission wants to use euro as strategic tool
What if the euro, which is celebrating its twentieth anniversary, assumed its status as the second most important global currency? This revolutionary idea is to be discussed at the European Council next week. EURACTIV France reports.