About: convergence

MEP: Member states trying to preserve ‘absurd’ agricultural status quo

EU member states are trying to preserve “absurd” agricultural situations when it comes to redistribution of farming payments, according to one MEP, who stressed that the European Parliament is not willing to budge on the matter.

Ireland split over giving farmers equal share of CAP payments

In Ireland, a storm is brewing over the need to give all farmers an equal slice of EU payments. While Irish farmers association argue that this risks more farms becoming unviable, proponents say it is needed even the playing field for small farms.

MEP: CAP is about farmers’ livelihood too, not only sustainability

The reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the EU's massive farming subsidies programme, must look after the well-being of farmers as well, rather than focus mainly on environmental sustainability, centre-right MEP Herbert Dorfmann told EURACTIV.

Organic regulation postponement, new F2F date confirmed, agritourism struggles

Welcome to EURACTIV’s AgriFood Brief, your weekly update on all things Agriculture & Food in the EU. You can subscribe here if you haven’t done so yet. Commission urged to hold off new rules on organic products Backed by the...

Commission, Finnish presidency clash with member states over CAP convergence

A group of member states opposed to retaining external convergence in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), have criticised the Finnish Council presidency for not even considering scrapping the concept.

Convergence in EU may stop without high-skilled workers – World Bank official

All new member states have seen their per capita income rise since they joined the EU. But this convergence cannot be taken for granted and the countries with a large share of low-skilled workers are at a risk "of not converging effectively", a World Bank official warned.

Emmanuel Macron calls for an EU-wide referendum on Europe

The French minister for economy has said Europe needs to find long-term perspective, define its values and lay out a plan for the next 15 years, to be validated by an EU-wide referendum. EURACTIV's partner La Tribune reports.

Pervenche Berès: Eurozone budget carries a ‘strong political message’

Plans for a eurozone budget have progressed quickly in recent months. The European Parliament is finalising its proposals and two European Council summits will focus on the subject by the end of the year.

European executive promises convergence on social rights

The European Commission wants to establish minimum social rights as part of a package due to be unveiled in Spring 2016. Paris and Berlin are exploring plans for a "social Eurogroup", the French President said. EURACTIV France reports. 

Commission cautions new member states on budgetary policies

Assessing the last group of convergence programmes on 7 March 2007, the Commission has urged Bulgaria and Romania to continue with sound fiscal policies.

Poland rebuked over budget deficit

The Commission has told Poland to make more effort to lower its budget deficit below 3%. Hungary also has "yet to travel the full length of the road".

Euro aspirants fall short of requirements

New member states and Sweden are unlikely to adopt the euro in the near future, according to convergence reports issued by the Commission and the European Central Bank (ECB). The Commission has urged candidates to step up their efforts.

Poland to hold referendum on euro

Poland has stated its intention to hold a eurozone referendum in 2010. At the same time, the government has rejected criticism over its budget deficit.

Hungary releases euro plan

Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany presented the country’s euro convergence plan. The figures are slightly worse than in the leaked version, giving a more realistic account, analysts say.

The prosperity gap in the EU is growing

The economic divergence is growing among EU countries. Rich countries get richer as compared to the average and the poor getting poorer. The EU's efforts to achieve economic and social convergence is put in question.