Following the launch of the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the announcement of the first funding opportunities, today the Commission opens the first EIC Accelerator calls. The funding worth over €1 billion aims to help scale up start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses that have the potential to achieve high impact. While over half of […]
Data Protection Research: In 2020 Fines Reach €307 Million in Europe
A new reporto by Federprivacy has analyzed official sources of information in the 30 countries that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA). The Covid-19 emergency has not stopped the data protection authorities in Europe that during 2020 have imposed more than € 307.000.000 of fines, according a new report by Federprivacy that has […]
The Bailout Business. Who Profits?
The Bail Out Business, a new report published by the Transnational Institute (TNI), reveals how rescue packages for EU banks have become a business benefiting a small group of audit and financial consultancy firms. According to EU data, bail out packages have led to losses of more than 200 billion euro up to 2017. TNI […]
ECB Can’t Get No, Satisfaction, From The German, CPI Data…
Inflationary pressure in Germany remains low. Based on the results of several regional states, German headline inflation increased to 1.4% YoY in December, from 1.3% in November. On the month, German prices increased by 0.4% MoM. Based on the harmonised European definition (HICP), headline inflation decreased to 1.2%, from 1.6% in November. On the month, […]
Latvia Joins Euro With Smooth Transition
Latvia has adopted the euro as its official currency and “the changeover is running smoothly and according to plan” according to the European Commission. The previous national currency – the lat – is now being phased out during a transitional two-week dual circulation period when both currencies have legal tender status. By the end of […]
Tsipras Meets Rehn. The Bro-mance That Never Was.
In Brussels, Alexis Tsipras, Greek MP and President of Synaspismos, met with Mr Karas and Mr Liêm Hoang Ngoc, to be briefed about the progress of the ongoing inquiry by the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee of the European Parliament on the role of the troika in the countries under Memorandum, Tsipras said: “We came […]
Bah! Humbug! German New Orders Disappoint
Still zig-zagging. Festive cheer is lacking as new figures show German new orders disappointed in October, dropping by 2.2% MoM, from a 3.1% increase in September. On the year, new orders are still up by 1.9%. The drop was broadly driven by weaker foreign and domestic demand. German new orders have been on a zig-zag […]
Germany (almost) Has A New Government
Early this morning, the two Christian-democratic parties (CDU and CSU) and the social-democratic SPD reached a final coalition deal. Details of the deal will only be presented later today. Up to now, the only settlements known are a deal on a minimum wage of 8.50 (with some exemptions), a reduction of the retirement age to […]
“Banks Can No Longer Exclude Citizens From Society,” – Klute
Everyone legally residing in the EU must have the right to open a basic payment account, and this right should not be denied on grounds of nationality or place of residence, said the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee amending a draft law to this end, Monday, in Strasbourg. Fees and rules for these accounts should […]
Best Supporting Actor, Almunia Adopts New Film Rules
European Commission Vice-President, Joaquín Almunia, has adopted revised criteria for EU state aid in favour of films and other audio-visual works. The new Cinema Communication allows aid for a wider scope of activities, highlights Member States’ discretion in defining cultural activities worthy of support, introduces the possibility to give more aid to cross-border productions and promotes film […]
