The complex issue of tackling dirty money flows is not new. The fight against money laundering and terrorist financing is vital for financial stability and security in Europe. Legislative gaps in one Member State have an impact on the EU. That is why EU rules must be implemented and supervised efficiently and consistently to combat […]
Commission opens first European Innovation Council calls worth €1 billion
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 […]
Taxation: Council adopts new rules to the digital platform economy starting from 2023
The Council adopted new rules to improve administrative cooperation in the field of taxation and address the challenges posed by the digital platform economy. A large and growing number of individuals and businesses use digital platforms to sell goods or provide services. However, income earned through digital platforms is often unreported and tax is not […]
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 […]
Tsipras “Optimistic” On Sustainable Greek Solution
New Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras visited the European Parliament today where he was welcomed by EP President Martin Schulz. After the meeting Schulz said: “Mr Tsipras is battling for European cooperation, not only seeking a solution for Greece. He has my full support.” He also stressed the need for a framework for “constructive dialogue […]
Hills Says Pension Funds Could Get Two Year Clearing Exemption
The European Commission has published a report recommending granting pension funds a two-year exemption from central clearing requirements for their over-the-counter (OTC) derivative transactions. The report, which is based on an extensive study requested by the European Commission, concludes that central counterparties (CCPs) need this time to find solutions for pension funds. At the same time, […]
“Solidarity should not replace necessary decisions,” – Schäuble
EU solidarity should not replace decisions that must be taken in countries suffering economic difficulties, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble told Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee MEPs in Tuesday’s special debate on the review of the economic governance framework. His Italian colleague Pier Carlo Paduan, vehemently rejected criticism of measures to bring down Italy’s deficit […]
Small, But Significant, EU Employment Rise
Small signs of hope are emerging as new figures show the ranks of Europe’s working population increased by 0.2% in the euro area2 (EA18) and by 0.3% in the EU282 in the second quarter of 2014 compared with the previous quarter, according to national accounts estimates published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. […]
Banking Union Steps Up To The Mark
In Brussels, the Council, represented by the Greek Presidency, has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on the single resolution mechanism regulation. Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who is chairing the intergovernmental conference on certain aspects of the single resolution fund, also participated in the negotiations. “On behalf of the Presidency, I should like to […]
Last Talks Before Troika Findings Established
“Don’t blame the fire brigade for fire damage”, ECB Exective Board member Benoît Coeuré urged Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee MEPs at a hearing held on Thursday to assess the economic crisis recovery work of the ECB/EU Commission/IMF “Troika”. This followed a committee debate on Wednesday about which findings to flag up in the Troika […]