About: Eurozone
Le Pen’s softened stance on Frexit is just talk
French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has softened her stance on France's possible exit from the EU but her programme for the country, if elected, suggests otherwise.
Bulgaria may seek exception to any EU sanctions on Russian gas and oil
Bulgaria supports sanctions on Russia as a means to halting its invasion of Ukraine, but will likely seek an exception on banning Russian natural gas and oil imports if such a proposal is put forward, Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said.
Germany, France show divisions on EU budget rules
Germany and France laid out differing visions for the future of the European economy Monday (17 January), signalling a fight later this year to overhaul the bloc's strict rules on government spending.
Omicron dents euro zone’s economic rebound
Eurozone economic sentiment dropped more than expected last month while inflation hit another record high, indicating the economy is under renewed stress as surging coronavirus infections force governments to tighten restrictions.
Two decades on, euro can’t shake reputation as price driver
Europeans have been living with euro banknotes and coins for 20 years now, but many still point the finger at the single currency for covertly driving up consumer prices -- despite plenty of evidence to the contrary.
Greece to borrow 12 bln euros in 2022, issue first green bond
Greece plans to tap bond markets next year to borrow 12 billion euros ($13.6 billion), including issuing its first green bond, its debt agency (PDMA) said on Thursday as it outlined its 2022 funding strategy.
EU leaders set no date for banking union, ask for plan to get there
European Union leaders reiterated on Thursday (16 December) their political commitment to finishing the bloc's banking union, but set no date for it, underlining the deep disagreements between governments on what needs to be done to get there.
Life after COVID: EU re-thinks budget rules for new era
So often the source of rows between its members, the European Union starts reviewing its rules for national budgets to fit a post-pandemic reality of higher public debt and the huge costs of transitioning to a zero-emissions economy.
Amid Delta scare, EU forecasts higher growth in eurozone
The eurozone economy will grow faster than previously thought both this year and next, the European Commission said on Wednesday (7 July), despite emerging concerns the fast-spreading Delta variant of the coronavirus could lead to new restrictions.
Europe’s unemployment rate rises for fifth straight month in August
While the unemployment rate in the eurozone reached 8.1% in August, it rose to 7.4% for the bloc as a whole, according to Eurostat. EURACTIV's partner EUROEFE reports.
Eurozone retail sales return to pre-pandemic levels
The volume of retail sales in the euro zone rebounded in June to levels recorded in February before lockdowns, official estimates showed on Wednesday (5 August), completing a recovery that began in May after record drops in March and April.
Joint EU debt must not become a regular thing, says Germany’s Weidmann
A decision by European leaders to issue joint debt to finance coronavirus aid for weaker member states should remain an exemption and not serve as a blueprint for future budget challenges, Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann said on Sunday (26 July).
ECB seen beefing up eurozone support as pandemic persists
Most analysts expect the European Central Bank on Thursday (4 June) to beef up its emergency bond-buying scheme with hundreds of billions of euros to weather the coronavirus pandemic, providing governments with the breathing space to decide their own response.
ECB will continue doing whatever is necessary to deliver on mandate, Lagarde says
European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde has responded to a recent German court ruling that challenged the bank's authority by saying the ECB is an independent institution, accountable to the European Parliament, that will continue to do whatever it takes to deliver its mandate.
All eyes on ECB for further virus-fighting moves
The European Central Bank has launched a series of never-before-seen measures to cushion the economic blow from the coronavirus pandemic but it looks set to reaffirm Thursday (30 April) it will do more still, even if some of the options appear limited.
Reforms, investment and the EU Recovery Plan
The EU member states are finally discussing an ambitious European Recovery Plan and the good news is that they already have the right tool at hand, writes Dragoș Pîslaru.
Merkel open to bigger EU budget, bonds to finance post-crisis recovery
German Chancellor Angela Merkel signalled readiness on Monday (20 April) to finance economic recovery in Europe from the coronavirus pandemic through a bigger European Union budget and the issuance of joint debt via the European Commission.
Coronavirus exit: Re-inventing the EU supply chain
This crisis is also teaching us logistical lessons, and particularly the need to produce things at home or closer to home. Eastern Europe remains competent and cheaper, and can make the difference in the EU supply chain, writes Radu Magdin.
EU ministers to agree virus rescue plan, not ‘coronabonds’
EU countries are nearing an economic rescue plan for European countries worst hit by the coronavirus outbreak, sources said on Monday (6 April), but not at the level of ambition called for by Italy and Spain.
EU open to ‘coronabonds’ to cushion economic fallout – von der Leyen
The European Commission is ready to consider backing common debt issuance in the eurozone to help the bloc weather the massive economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak, its president said on Friday (20 March).
Coronavirus will send EU spiraling into recession in 2020: Breton
The coronavirus pandemic will plunge the European Union into recession this year, the EU’s internal market Commissioner Thierry Breton said, estimating the bloc’s economy risked a 2-2.5% hit.
EU ministers hold videoconference to agree coordinated economic coronavirus response
European Union finance ministers plan to agree on Monday (16 March) on a coordinated economic response to the coronavirus pandemic, with the European Commission forecasting the effects of the virus could push the EU into a recession. The action would...
Coronavirus deaths rise in Italy, government prepares economic support
The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has risen to 34, five more than a day earlier, officials said on Sunday (1 March), as the government prepared to boost spending to help the fragile economy.