Finance & Trade

EU Considers Rejection of French Budget

October 08, 2014

The Telegraph reports that, for the first time, the EU may use its new authority to police national budgets by forcing France to revise its 2015 budget plan due to the country's minimal projected spending cuts.
Report Finds Financial Benefit from U.K. Exit from EU

October 01, 2014

A report from the U.S.-based Heritage Foundation finds that a British exit from the EU and signing of a trade deal with the U.S. would boost the U.K. economy by £10 billion.
EU Countries Warn U.K. over Payment of Unemployment Benefits

October 01, 2014

A group of fellow EU member states have accused the British Government of refusing to pay unemployment benefits to people who had worked in the U.K. but had returned to their home countries after losing their jobs, raising the possibility that these countries may seek action on the issue by the European Commission.
EU Will Punish Avoidance of Banker Bonus Caps

October 01, 2014

As it begins enforcement of EU caps on bonuses to banking executives, the European Banking Authority has indicated that it will take a stricter stance than the U.K. and other EU member states on what constitutes fixed pay, thus clamping down on attempts by banks to "sidestep" the rule.
EU Rejects U.K. Calls for Independent Assessments of Proposals

October 01, 2014

EurActiv reports that the incoming European Commission has rejected a proposal, among others circulated by the British Government among EU officials, calling for an independent body to review the impact of Commission proposals on the competitiveness of European businesses and on consumers.
EU Seeks Strict Enforcement of Banker Bonus Caps

September 17, 2014

As the U.K. seeks to fight the EU's restrictions on bonuses paid to European bank executives, European Commission Vice-President Michel Barnier has expressed his desire to clamp down on banks that attempt to avoid the regulation by paying their executives an allowance in cash or shares.
EU Considers "Tax and Spend" Policies to Exit Crisis

September 17, 2014

The European Commission is considering a number of different spending measures that would seek to promote growth in the stagnant economic bloc, including a 300-billion-euro investment program proposed by the new Commissioner Jean-Claude Juncker.
EU Considers "Green" Proposals Banning Household Appliances

September 03, 2014

According to The Telegraph, following the Brussels directive banning high-powered vacuum cleaners, EU officials are considering proposals that would ban certain hairdryers, lawn mowers, and electric kettles on the basis of energy efficiency.
British Businesses Support Transfer of Power from Brussels

September 03, 2014

Reuters reports that a recent poll shows over half of U.K. businesses support the striking of a new deal between Britain and the EU that would return authority to the national capital.
EU Vacuum Directive Riles British Businesses

August 27, 2014

U.K. companies are criticizing a new EU directive banning the production and importation of vacuum cleaners that operate on over 1600 watts and requiring businesses to place an "energy rating" on vacuum packaging.