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Romania Claims Bias in Treatment by EU
January 08, 2019
The Associated Press reports that, prior to taking over the rotating presidency of the European Council, Romanian officials accused EU authorities of hypocrisy in its dealings with their country, pointing to a special EU monitoring mechanism seeking to promote the rule of law in the country’s justice system as an example of the bloc’s double standards.
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EU Investment Bank Issues “Green Loan” to Spanish Utility
January 08, 2019
In December, the European Investment Bank issued its first “Green Loan,” totaling 335 million euros, to Spanish electric utility company Endesa to fund the construction of 15 wind farms and 3 photovoltaic plants, as the development bank ramps up its efforts to advance the EU’s strategy to combat global warming.
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EC Orders Gibraltar to Collect EUR 100 Million in Taxes
January 08, 2019
The European Commission (EC) has determined that Gibraltar violated EU rules on “state aid” by exempting corporate interest and royalties from taxation - along with issuing various tax rulings - and has ordered the country’s government to recoup what the EC says is 100 million euros in unpaid corporate taxes.
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Austrian Official Declines Support for EU Army
January 04, 2019
Oliver Lane writes that Austrian Defense Minister Mario Kunasek has declined support for the development of a pan-EU army, though he approved of greater collaboration among EU members and institutions on defense and security policies.
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UK Official Explains Skills-Based Post-Brexit Migration Plan
January 04, 2019
UK Minister of State for Immigration Caroline Nokes describes how the UK’s post-Brexit immigration plan will still permit the migration into Britain of EU citizens who are students or who have “skills and experience that will benefit the UK economy and our society.”