Economy & Jobs
Recession fears grow as euro area inflation hits three-year low
Inflation in the euro area fell to 1% in July, its lowest level since 2016, according to Eurostat data released on Monday (19 August), adding pressure on the European Central Bank to consider relaunching its economic stimulus program in September.
Germany’s slowing growth is penalising the whole of Europe
The European train is slowing down as one of its main drivers, the German economy, is experiencing a slowdown. At the same time, job creation across the EU is declining. EURACTIV's partner Euroefe reports.
EU plans to cut steel import quotas after industry protests
The European Commission has proposed boosting measures to protect against a rise in imports spurred by US tariffs after steel companies said the European industry was under threat.
US, Britain back rapid trade deal post-Brexit
The top US and British diplomats said Wednesday (7 August) they were prepared to move "as soon as possible" on a trade deal after Britain's planned withdrawal from the European Union on 31 October.
British ministers in US to ‘fast-track’ post-Brexit trade deal
Britain was seeking to fast-track a crucial post-Brexit trade deal with the United States on Wednesday (7 August) after new Prime Minister Boris Johnson dispatched his top diplomat and foreign trade minister to Washington.
Romania defies EU shipping sheep in summer heat
Under the burning sun in Romania's Midia port on the Black Sea, the Lady Maria stands ready to embark its passengers - thousands of sheep to be shipped to Libya for the Eid al-Adha holiday.
Greek government accused of meddling in competition authority
The Greek opposition has accused New Democracy’s conservative government of attempting to control the country’s independent competition commission. The newly elected Greek government is due to pass a law on Monday (5 August) providing for the dismissal of members and...
‘Miracle’ needed for quick EU-Swiss treaty deal, Swiss minister says
It would take a "miracle" for Switzerland and the European Union to clinch a quick deal over a stalled partnership treaty that has disrupted cross-border share trading and strained bilateral ties, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said on Sunday (4 August).
Swiss president sees no quick progress in EU treaty row
Swiss President Ueli Maurer played down prospects for quickly ending a standoff with the European Union over a stalled partnership treaty that has disrupted cross-border stock trading and strained ties with Switzerland's main trading partner.
Europe splits over IMF leadership
Divisions between the EU's geographical blocs are complicating the process of picking a European candidate to lead the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as the EU wants to agree on a nominee as soon as possible to retain the Fund’s chair.
France sees red over Trump wine tax threat, cheaper vintages seen worst hit
American lovers of fine French wine are likely to keep stocking their cellars and uncorking bottles despite US President Donald Trump's threat to impose a tax in a potential new trade war. But makers of cheaper French vintages are concerned.
Despite soaring sales, Huawei is ‘preparing for the worst’
The Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei is ‘preparing for the worst but hoping for the best’ in the run up to 19 August, the expiration date for the temporary reprieve on the US trade ban of Huawei equipment, according to the company’s Vice-President for Europe, Abraham Liu.
Trump says US could tax French wine in retaliation for digital tax
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to tax French wines on Friday (27 July) in retaliation for France’s recent proposal to levy a tax aimed at big U.S. technology companies.
Unconventional measures are seeing a comeback at the ECB
The ECB's key interest rate remains at zero and is expected to be at that rate at least until summer 2020. However, ECB chief Mario Draghi is suggesting that a decisive fiscal policy is far more important for the eurozone, especially for Germany and Italy. EURACTIV Germany reports.
One year after the US-EU joint statement, how are transatlantic trade relations doing?
In July 2018, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker travelled to the US to meet Donald Trump in a bid to ease trade tensions. A year on from the EU-US joint statement, commercial negotiations are at a stalemate.
EU, Canada agree first workaround to avoid US block on WTO judges
Canada and the European Union announced a deal on Thursday (25 July) to stop their trade disputes falling into limbo at the World Trade Organization, where a US block on appointments of judges will paralyse the world's top trade court from December.
Is the EU-Mercosur deal being highjacked by premature criticism?
Almost a month ago, the European Commission signed a free trade agreement with the South American trade alliance Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). Since then, criticism has hailed, and not only from protectionists. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Spain obstructs agreement on ‘Tobin tax’
Revenue sharing among member states appears as the main outstanding issue to reach an agreement on the financial transaction tax (FTT), as Spain is still opposing the mutualisation of the resources, European officials told EURACTIV.
More Europe needed to fight money laundering, Commission argues
The EU needs more competences to effectively fight money laundry, Vice-President for the Euro Valdis Dombrovskis and Commissioner for Justice Věra Jourová told reporters on Wednesday (24 July) during the presentation of a series of reports on financial crimes.
Five things to know about the new pot to support EU economies
The European Commission will play a key role in deciding what reforms and investments are supported by a new financial instrument expected to be in place in 2021, whose amount is yet to be decided by the member states as part of the negotiations on the EU's long-term budget (MFF).
US-EU trade negotiations in stalemate, Malmström says
Almost a year after the joint US-EU statement, “there is a stalemate” in trade negotiations, Commissioner Cecilia Malmström conceded on Tuesday (23 July) speaking before the European Parliament. The talks on a trade agreement concerning the elimination of tariffs on...
Ren Zhengfei: ‘Very likely’ Huawei products will be used in UK core 5G networks
Huawei 5G equipment will most probably be used in core aspects of the UK's future 5G network infrastructure, the founder of the Chinese telecommunications giant, Ren Zhengfei has said. His claim runs contrary to the previous stance held by the UK cabinet, which was to permit the company access only to 'non-core' aspects of the country's 5G networks.
EU redoubles threat to retaliate if US raises auto tariffs
The European Union is keen to work with Washington to reform the World Trade Organization and cooperate on common challenges to global trade, but will retaliate if Washington makes good on its threat to raise car tariffs, a top EU official said on Monday (22 July).