Euro & Finance

5 differences in corporates & federations communication

In April 2016, EURACTIV circulated a survey among EU affairs experts working in corporations and federations in Brussels, trying to examine the different roles these entities play in “the Bubble”, the synergies between them, but also what sets them apart in their approach to raise awareness of various policy aspects.

Timeline of a crisis: Europe’s economic strategy from 2008 to today

At the outset of the economic crisis in 2008, the EU mirrored the rescue packages seen in the US and elsewhere. In total, more than €1.6 trillion was used to save the banks and €200 billion to keep the European economies afloat.

Spain’s left-wing parties reject new Rajoy government

Spain's two biggest left-wing parties ruled out supporting a government led by the ruling People's Party (PP) on Monday, complicating Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's efforts to build a coalition to stay in power after a tight general election.

Splintered Spanish vote heralds arduous coalition talks

A historically fragmented vote in Spanish elections on Sunday (20 December) heralded weeks of talks to form a coalition government, with neither Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's conservatives nor left-wing parties winning a clear mandate to govern.

Summit achieves minor progress on banking union deposit scheme

German chancellor Angela Merkel reluctantly accepted on Friday (18 December) giving a green light to start discussions on the European deposit insurance scheme, the remaining part of the banking union.

Tsipras forced to back down on anti-austerity plan

The Greek government has caved to the demands of its creditors and abandoned plans for a "parallel programme" of counter-austerity measures. Our partner La Tribune reports.

France targets ‘low-cost’ terror financing at UN

France's finance minister is pushing for global standards to prevent small, anonymous money transfers believed to be used to finance attacks such as Islamic State's assault on Paris in November.

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No progress on tax transparency without European agreement, says France

The French parliament has finally rejected country by country reporting for the activities of the biggest French companies, refusing to get tough on tax optimisation without the involvement of their European partners. EURACTIV France reports.

Foreign investment in European ‘unicorns’: A hollow debate?

The acute lack of venture capital in Europe means that 40-60% of funding rounds greater than €10 million are financed by American firms. For the directors of the French fund Idinvest, this is not a problem. Our partner La Tribune reports.

France eyes European system to track terrorism finance

In the absence of better cooperation from Washington, France wants European countries to set up their own system to track terrorism finance.

MEPs unite behind ‘pro-Uber’ report

Members of the European Parliament backed Uber-type companies in the heated debate about the sharing economy, calling on regulators to encourage their development in Europe.

Erosion of Schengen is ‘worrying’, IMF says

The IMF is becoming increasingly concerned about the lack of consensus among EU countries to address the refugee crisis, and its impact on the freedom of movement within the Schengen area, senior officials from the institution said on Friday (11 November).

Gabriel raps Merkel for boosting France’s National Front

The leader of Germany's Social Democrats (SPD) accused Chancellor Angela Merkel today (11 December) of fuelling support for France's far-right National Front by insisting on tighter budgets during the eurozone crisis.

More infringement procedures for Italy

Two new infringement procedures have been opened against Italy by the European Commission, which has also taken further action in three cases that are already active. EURACTIV Italy reports.

Member states limit new flexibility clauses in EU fiscal pact

EXCLUSIVE / EU member states believe the European Commission is giving too much breathing space to struggling national economies when applying the Stability and Growth Pact, and decided to adopt a more restrictive view of EU fiscal rules, according to an official paper seen by EURACTIV.

Ten EU states agree aspects of Financial Transaction Tax

Ten euro zone countries agreed on Tuesday on aspects of a harmonised tax on financial transactions - and gave themselves until the middle of next year to reach agreement on remaining issues, including tax rates, the group said in a statement.

Commission investigates McDonald’s tax rulings in latest Luxleaks twist

EU antitrust regulators will investigate McDonald's tax deals with Luxembourg which enabled the US fastfood chain to escape paying taxes on European franchise royalties from 2009, in a move which could lead to hefty back taxes for the company.

EU lawmakers’ panel seeks stronger tax-dodging rules from regulators

A panel of EU lawmakers stepped up pressure on the bloc's regulators on Tuesday (1 December), urging them to come up with concrete rules to clamp down on tax-dodging based on proposals from a special tax committee.

Schulz denies blocking TAXE committee’s Luxleaks investigation

Green MEPs have accused European Parliament President Martin Schulz of blocking the TAXE committee's tax evasion work to protect some of the politicians being investigated, such as Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem

Italy, France and Belgium warned over high debt, low growth

Italy, France and Belgium are vulnerable to economic shocks because of their large public debts and low potential growth, the European Commission warned on Thursday (26 November).

TAXE committee to fight tax evasion for another six months

The European Parliament yesterday (25 November) adopted the TAXE committee's report on the tax practices of big businesses in Europe. But Europe's work on tax evasion is only just beginning. EURACTIV France reports.