About: Eurozone
The Bulgarian Presidency: more about style than substance
With no major faux pas or any ground-breaking policy change to speak of, Bulgaria’s first term as EU President is unlikely to go down in the annals of history. Yet Sofia can nevertheless look back on its six months in office with a sense of satisfaction, writes Vladislava Gubalova.
Bulgaria edges closer to joining euro
Bulgaria, the European Union's poorest country, moved a step closer to joining the euro yesterday (12 July).
Eurosceptic minister: Italy needs to be ready for ‘all eventualities’ on euro
European Affairs Minister Paolo Savona said yesterday (10 July) that Italy had to be ready for "all eventualities" regarding its membership of the eurozone, which might depend on factors outside its control.
Conte and Sánchez, the new kids on the EU bloc
Pedro Sánchez and Giuseppe Conte, the freshly appointed leaders from southern Europe, are two new kids on the bloc. But they could hardly be more different: Sánchez is a breath of fresh air in Spanish and European politics while Conte is a new headache for Brussels. Both made their first appearance at the European Council on Thursday (28 June).
Migration set to overshadow eurozone reform debate at EU summit
The political crises in Germany and Italy are European and revolve around the debate on migration, which is set to overshadow other issues during the European Council in Brussels, on 28-29 June. EURACTIV.fr reports.
The Brief – The hopeless deepening of the euro
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte recently compared the EU to a giraffe. But for the author of this Brief, our Union rather looks like an old lady (or man if you wish) with heart problems, who ignores her doctor’s recommendations and instead focuses on her fictional back pain.
Strong reactions in Germany against eurozone reform
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s opponents from left and right have contested the recently signed agreement between France and Germany for the creation of a budget for the euro area in 2021. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Eurogroup nears debt deal for Greek bail-out exit
Greece and its creditors are getting closer to a deal on a debt relief package to be sealed during the next Eurogroup meeting on 21 June, senior EU officials said on Wednesday (13 June).
Bulgaria to launch joint application to euro waiting room and Banking union
Bulgaria will seek to join both the eurozone’s waiting room and the bloc’s banking union within a year, Finance Minister Vladislav Goranov said on Tuesday (12 June).
France tells Germany ‘it’s now or never’ to save the EU
France called today (8 June) for more ambition from Germany in reforming the euro zone, saying Europe faced a "now or never" moment with rising external threats from the United States and China.
Juncker: ‘Completing the EMU is more important than ever’
With an eye on Italy and Spain and the possible political and financial turmoil there, the European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker called once again on Tuesday (5 June) for a fast and deep reform of the Economic and Monetary Union.
President readies Italy for snap polls to be fought on EU, euro
Italy's president set the country on a path to fresh elections on Monday (28 May), appointing a former International Monetary Fund official as interim prime minister with the task of planning for snap polls and passing the next budget.
Technocrat PM to take over in Italy as President steps in to protect the euro
Italy's president is expected to ask a former International Monetary Fund official today (28 May) to head a stopgap government amidst political and constitutional turmoil, with early elections looking inevitable.
EU ministers reach key agreement to unlock Banking Union file
Member states have reached an agreement on a package of measures aimed at reducing risk in the banking industry. The political consensus built upon a joint proposal by the French and German Finance ministers paves the way for a deepened reform of the Economic and Monetary Union.
Eurozone to decide terms of Greek bailout exit, debt relief in June
Eurozone finance ministers will decide next month on all measures, including further debt relief, needed for Greece to exit its bailout successfully, their chairman said on Thursday (24 May).
Giuseppe Conte approved as Italian prime minister
Italy's president on Wednesday (23 May) approved little-known lawyer Giuseppe Conte's nomination to be prime minister of a government formed by far-right and anti-establishment parties.
Commission to pour cold water on Bulgaria’s Eurozone ambition
Euro-hopeful Bulgaria does not yet meet the criteria to adopt the single currency, the European Commission will say today (23 May) in an assessment of European Union countries that must one day switch to the euro.
Italian president hesitates as novice put forward as premier
Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and the far-right League on Monday (21 May) proposed Giuseppe Conte, a little-known law professor, as prime minister to lead their big-spending coalition government.
France ups the pressure for eurozone budget
Without reform the euro area won’t survive, according to France's economy minister, adding to the pressure on Germany a few weeks ahead of a crucial European Council summit. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Trump’s policies could throw EU’s economic expansion ‘off track’, warns Commission
The European economy is expected to continue growing at a robust pace, but faces negative spillovers from the fiscal stimulus and trade restrictions adopted by US President Donald Trump, the European Commission warned on Thursday (3 May).
Difficulties in combating money laundering in Europe
Despite tougher rules against money laundering, there are still many shortcomings among Member States, the European Central Bank and the Commission. EURACTIV.fr reports.
France and Germany going through a rough patch
Neither France nor Germany is ready to acknowledge a cooling down in their relationship. But the German government's complete lack of flexibility is ruffling the feathers of the French side. EURACTIV.fr reports.
IMF demands €100 billion from Germany for eurozone safeguard
The IMF has a big plan: A multi-billion rainy day fund is meant to strengthen the euro. According to the proposal, Germany alone is supposed to pay €10 billion per year for a 10-year period. EURACTIV Germany’s media partner "WirtschaftsWoche” reports.