Euro & Finance
The time is right for a stronger monetary union – with everyone on board
French President Emmanuel Macron will give a speech on Tuesday (26 September) outlining his pitch to reform the European Monetary Union. But he has to prioritise his wishlist in order to make the most of member state support, writes Petros Fassoulas.
German voters deal a blow to Macron’s EU reform drive
Angela Merkel may be too busy holding together an unwieldy coalition to act as an effective partner for the French president’s bold plans, which he will outline on Tuesday (26 September).
European Central Bank: Immirgation boosts eurozone labour force
Immigrants have made a large contribution to the working-age population of the eurozone since 2013 and are likely also boosting its labour force, particularly in Italy and Germany, the European Central Bank said.
Commission wants bigger role for regulators in sustainable finance development
The European Commission has proposed giving the European Supervisory Authorities broader powers to determine what represents environmental, social and governance investment and to monitor banks’ activities in this field.
EU moves to extend grip on financial sector after Brexit
The European Commission proposed on Wednesday (20 September) transferring some powers to oversee the financial sector from national capitals in a move to extend the EU’s grip on the industry as the bloc prepares for the departure of London, its main financial hub.
Merkel’s EU-policies: Paris can wait
Merkel keeps a low profile in the election campaign regarding European issues, trying not to alienate voters as well as potential coalition partners.
Post-election Germany: An iron chancellor with a liberal sidekick?
If the liberal FDP enters a coalition with the conservative CDU in Berlin, Merkel and Schäuble will have to adapt their plans for the future of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). EURACTIV Germany's partner Der Tagesspiegel reports.
EU agrees to draft proposal to raise taxes on internet giants
A majority of member states agreed to start preparing a new levy on digital companies to compensate for low-tax regimes that cost billions of euros to European governments.
France and Juncker disagree over eurozone priorities
France’s Economy and Finance minister Bruno Le Maire said that the priority should be eurozone integration before accepting new members, as European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker defended this week.
Dijsselbloem to remain until January amid EU top job rethink
Acting Dutch finance minister, Jeroen Dijssselbloem will continue as Eurogroup President until the end of his mandate in January, various eurozone officials told EURACTIV.com, quashing speculation that he would step down earlier following an election rout at home.
Paris and Berlin don’t take Juncker’s ‘Union of equality’ seriously
European officials made positive comments on Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’ s State of the Union speech on Wednesday (13 September), but several said he would face stiff opposition for countering "multi-speed Europe" by encouraging all states to join the euro.
Estonia pushes fair taxation plan for web giants in Europe
A precondition for making online companies such as Amazon and Google pay taxes where they are due is to affirm the principle of "virtual permanent establishment", whereby digital firms pay taxes in countries where they have a "significant digital presence", said EU presidency holder Estonia.
Opening new frontiers in green finance
What do Islamic investors and EU bureaucrats have in common? Both have entered the green bond market this summer, explain Harald Lund and Elisabeth Lannoo.
Amid EU treaty change fever, national ministers urge caution
French President Emmanuel Macron has promised an aggressive push to reform the European Union after the German election. But there is still great unease about opening this Pandora’s box.
In Athens, Macron outlines ‘roadmap’ for European democratic revival
French President Emmanuel Macron sketched a plan to "rebuild" the European Union through wider democracy and public accountability at the start of a two-day visit to Greece on Thursday (7 September).
Climate change is everyone’s business – the ECB is no exception
Whilst the European Union is firmly committed to joining the fight against climate change and developing sustainable finance, the significance of the role the European Central Bank can play is being overlooked, write Ludovic Suttor-Sorel and Frank van Lerven.
GDPR: A challenge for the financial services industry
The brave new world of data presents many challenges for the financial services industry and regulators alike. But if the right approach to regulating technological change is taken, Europe will continue to be a globally leading centre in the future, writes James Kemp.
Macron to deliver vision for EU democracy in Athens
President Emmanuel Macron will this week unveil his vision for European reform in Athens. On the menu is the eurozone, transnational lists for 50 MEPs and democratic conventions, whose results are expected ahead of the next EU elections. EURACTIV France reports.
Europol urges action after record number of money laundering tip-offs
The head of Europol is calling for tighter controls after an analysis found money laundering goes mostly without investigation, despite banks alerting police to record numbers of suspicious transactions.
Moscovici: Greek bailout was a ‘scandal’ for democratic procedures
The Eurogroup’s handling of Greece’s bailout programme was a scandal in terms of democratic processes, Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici insisted in an interview with Italian media.
The Brief: A ‘plan B’ for the grand bargain
Summer is over but winter is yet to come. The rentrée to meetings in broken English and hundreds of unread emails is seen by some as a window of opportunity.
Paris and Berlin at odds over ‘grand bargain’ to deepen eurozone
French President Emmanuel Macron's push for an ambitious overhaul of Europe's single currency bloc is running up against robust resistance in Berlin despite conciliatory public signals from German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Half-baked eurozone reforms ‘would put Europe on the line’
Saving the eurozone will require “stronger political will from France and Germany”, a French government spokesman said after a ministerial meeting including German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel in Paris on Wednesday (30 August). EURACTIV's partner Ouest-France reports.
Europe watches closely as France unveils ‘mother of all reforms’
The French government unveils on Thursday (31 August) a highly anticipated labour reform plan seen at home and abroad as a crucial test of new President Emmanuel Macron's reform mettle.