Economy & Jobs
The beacon of sustainable finance in Europe must not lose its flame
One year after the High-Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance released its final report, the follow up on its recommendations is lagging somewhat behind, writes Catherine Howarth.
A new era for securitisation?
The coming into force of the simple, transparent and standardised (STS) securitisation rules in January was intended to mark a fresh start for securitisation within Europe. Richard Hopkin examines the likely effects of the EU's new rules on securitisation across the bloc.
How robotics will shape Europe – and the policy that will support it
Lawmakers need to focus on solving ethical questions and on the robotics technologies that will improve daily life, writes Eva Kaili.
EU governments must drive investors’ money where their mouth is
There is a big risk that the European Commission’s proposals on sustainable finance will be watered down when EU member states examine the draft legislation, warn Lis Cunha, Sebastien Godinot and Rachel Owens.
Entrepreneurial skills as a vital tool to empower young people in Europe
European Union as the leading power of innovation and technological progress is by all means a great idea. But what are we doing today to achieve this vision of tomorrow? I believe that in order to make the EU a competitive and resilient partner, we must invest in people and focus on education now more than ever, writes Martina Dlabajová.
Why do foreign investors leave Bulgaria as if it were the Titanic?
Despite being one of the most beautiful countries in the European Union, despite having talented and educated people, despite a favourable tax environment, Bulgaria is likely to stay as the poorest in the EU, and to continue losing its population, writes Blaga Thavard.Promoted content
Low carbon economy without a just transition risks adding fossil fuel to populist fire
Brussels has witnessed two sets of major demonstrations in recent weeks – those by students concerned with climate change and those by people attracted to populist solutions to austerity. The two sets of protests are only seemingly unconnected, writes Luc Triangle.
Manifesto: Let us build the Social Europe of tomorrow together!
With the upcoming elections to the European Parliament fast approaching, Europe is currently in a state of limbo. This makes it an ideal time to reflect on the likely shape of the European Union of tomorrow, and, above all, the form that we, as mutualists, want it to have.
Let’s make posted workers feel really secure
Marek Benio, who will chair the 6th European Labour Mobility Congress in Krakow on 14-15 March, offers his commentary regarding the European Parliament's proposals for the revision of regulations affecting social security schemes for posted workers.
Work vs family: how some countries lead the way in flexible working
Work pressures can impact on family life as many parents may feel unable to catch up with their family responsibilities because of work commitments. These pressures are particularly dramatic for new parents. Flexible working arrangements can help ease these tensions, RAND Europe argues.
ECB reshuffle: The EU can do better than gentlemen’s agreements behind closed doors
Appointments to the European Central Bank's Executive Board are no less than a strategic and political decision over the future of the Eurozone. But experience has shown this process is not transparent, open, and democratic enough to protect the ECB from its legitimacy gap, argue Stanislas Jourdan and Sebastian Diessner.
Time to give up sacred EU budget cows
As EU member states debate the bloc’s next 7-year budget, no sector should be off-limits. Annika Hedberg argues that each euro spent should provide added value for the EU and its citizens, including the agricultural sector, a major recipient of EU money.
Protecting journalism is not synonymous with protecting the interests of big press publishers
The review of the EU Copyright Directive must ensure that publishers, regardless of their size, equally benefit from this reform, writes Carlos Astiz.
Updating copyright rules for news: There’s a better way
The EU Copyright directive should avoid making reforms that takes away publishers’ choices about how to distribute and make money with their content online, writes Richard Gingras.
Loopholes the size of a double-decker bus would make a mockery of the Copyright Reform
Lawmakers must ensure that the new EU copyright directive protects press publishers and their right to assert their copyright in the digital age, argues Christian van Thillo.
Enhancing cooperation in trade is key to combat piracy
Almost 10% of clothing and footwear sold in the EU are fakes and the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) defends the need for legally binding instruments to fight piracy when negotiating trade agreements with third countries, writes Christian Archambeau.
Of funds and values: Conditionality in EU cohesion policy
As the EU's multi-annual budget is being negotiated, the amounts and efficiency of spending matter but also priorities and European values when disbursing programmes. Smarter conditionality is needed, triggering less political backlash, and, where needed, direct payment to beneficiaries, argue Benedek Jávor and Laszlo Andor.
Reclaiming EU research and innovation as a public good
EU-funded research and innovation has enormous potential to deliver a sustainable and equitable future, yet we have fundamentally distorted its purpose, prioritising innovation for commercialisation over innovation for society’s needs.Promoted content
EU public says enough is enough on tobacco control
Recent polling evidence shows that public appetite for yet more measures to clamp down on smoking has been exhausted, says Guillaume Périgois.
Green transition: ECB and budgetary authorities should face their responsibilities
Reforming the rules for coordinating budgetary and economic policies in the eurozone is a necessity to conciliate economic, social and climate objectives, write Olivier Bodin and Michael Vincent.
More holistic approach needed for alternative methods in advancing safety assessment
At the Annual Conference of the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing, I was invited to host a panel on pooling resources to promote the use of alternative methods for advancing safety assessment, writes Julie Girling. As we approach the end of 2018, it is important to take stock of developments in this critical field.Promoted content
Transatlantic defence industrial cooperation matters more than ever
2019 marks the 70th birthday of NATO, the most successful defensive alliance in history. But new threats are appearing and collaboration among allies remains essential, writes Chris Lombardi.
EU finance ministers need to deliver: Digital companies must pay tax
When European finance ministers meet on Tuesday (4 December), they should swiftly adopt the digital service tax, say Udo Bullmann and Paul Tang.Promoted content
