Breaking news

Business news and information from the European Union

Dutch uneasy at role as Cameron's EU reform podium — 17 January 2013, 03:57 CET

The Dutch are increasingly uneasy about Prime Minister David Cameron coming to the Netherlands to make his speech on Britain's future in Europe, with some critics saying he'd be better off staying at home.

Irish PM warns UK exit from EU would be 'catastrophic' — 17 January 2013, 00:27 CET

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny warned Wednesday that a British exit from the EU would be a disaster, after giving a passionately pro-Europe speech to the European Parliament.

EU warns Latvia about non-resident banking — 16 January 2013, 22:46 CET

The European Commission warned eurozone aspirant Latvia on Wednesday to guard against growing banking sector imbalances and to closely monitor the identity of non-resident account holders.

Euro-Parliament approves tighter ratings agency rules — 16 January 2013, 22:44 CET

The European Parliament on Wednesday voted through tougher transparency standards for the credit rating agencies that many blame for stoking risk and deepening the eurozone debt crisis.

Bundesbank says will bring home gold reserves — 16 January 2013, 22:44 CET

The Bundesbank has decided to bring home to Germany some of its huge piles of gold ingots stashed away in the United States and France, it said on Wednesday after accusations that it has not kept proper track of the reserves.

British PM gambles with risky Europe speech — 16 January 2013, 22:44 CET

British Prime Minister David Cameron gives a long-awaited speech in the Netherlands on Friday that could push his country towards the European exit door and put his own position at risk.

IMF releases EUR 3.2 bn aid payment to Greece — 16 January 2013, 22:41 CET

The International Monetary Fund said Wednesday it would release 3.2 billion euros in aid to Greece that had been frozen for months amid fears about the country's ability to surmount its debt crisis.

EU nations offer new help to push back Mali jihadists — 16 January 2013, 19:49 CET

European Union nations stepped up offers of help in the campaign against Mali's Islamist rebels Wednesday, with Germany and Italy pledging logistical support a day ahead of key crisis talks.

Greek banks regain access to ECB funding — 16 January 2013, 19:49 CET

A number of Greek banks have regained access to regular European Central Bank funding following Athens' implementation of a bank recapitalisation plan, the ECB said on Wednesday.

Serbia president rules out UN seat for Kosovo — 16 January 2013, 19:48 CET

Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic on Wednesday rejected any possibility of Serbia agreeing to breakaway Kosovo's bid to join the United Nations.

EU pledges $26.6 mn to fight hunger in Haiti — 16 January 2013, 16:08 CET

The European Union has pledged $26.6 million (20 million euros) to help improve food security in Haiti, where a study found more than 1.5 million people are at high risk of going hungry.

EU hints at insecticide ban over threat to bees — 16 January 2013, 15:48 CET

The European Commission has hinted that it could ban several insecticides, some made by German chemicals giant Bayer, after scientists found disturbing evidence of harm to bees.

European car sector hits 17-year low, Renault cuts jobs — 16 January 2013, 13:05 CET

European auto sales plunged to the lowest point for 17 years in 2012, trade data shows, revealing the dire state of the sector despite the global strength of German car makers.

Ireland to exit bailout 'before end of year' — 16 January 2013, 12:38 CET

Ireland has met all its obligations to EU and IMF creditors under its 2010 bailout and will exit the aid programme "before the end of this year," Prime Minister Enda Kenny said on Wednesday.

Italy reports EUR 2.4 bn trade surplus in November — 16 January 2013, 12:37 CET

Italy reported on Wednesday a trade surplus of 2.4 billion euros ($3.1 billion) in November, a figure almost unchanged from the October level.

Eurozone inflation 2.2% in December — 16 January 2013, 12:36 CET

Inflation in the 17-member eurozone was stable at 2.2 per cent in December, official data confirmed on Friday, as the slowing economy took pressure off prices.

EU asks citizens to join debate on GM food — 16 January 2013, 12:35 CET

The European Union on Tuesday took the debate about genetically modified crops to the public with a survey asking citizens to share their thoughts on organic farming.

Serbia hints willing to talk about UN seat for Kosovo — 16 January 2013, 11:21 CET

Serbia, which fiercly opposes independence for Kosovo, hinted for the first time on Tuesday that it may give up its opposition to the breakaway territory's bid to join the United Nations.

Cameron's deputy warns of uncertainty over Europe — 16 January 2013, 11:19 CET

Lawmakers from Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservative Party will on Wednesday issue a "manifesto" spelling out the sweeping changes that need to be made to keep Britain in the European Union.

Bank winding up system priority for this year: Barroso — 15 January 2013, 23:51 CET

Progress on a system to wind-up failing banks before they can wreck the wider economy is of critical importance this year, says the European Commission.

French GM corn cancer researcher to detail work — 15 January 2013, 22:35 CET

A French researcher who claims a link between genetically modified corn and cancer says he will publish his work - a day after the EU, which has cleared the maize, promised to make public its own assessment.

EU speeds up aid for Palestinians — 15 January 2013, 22:12 CET

The European Union said Tuesday it was speeding up disbursement of aid to help ensure there is no interruption in its support for the Palestinian Authority and UN refugee programmes.

Euro-MPs regret France left alone in Mali — 15 January 2013, 22:10 CET

Members of the European Parliament Tuesday hailed France's military intervention in Mali while regretting the European Union's failure to take part as a bloc in the battle against West Africa's terrorist groups.

Raunchy Bulgarian pop-folk genre gets EU aid — 15 January 2013, 22:01 CET

Bulgaria's top promoter of the region's raunchy pop-folk music genre known as "Chalga" is set to receive some one million euros in EU funding, it emerged Tuesday, sparking an outcry among parts of the cultural establishment.

Crucifix-wearing British woman wins European court case — 15 January 2013, 17:49 CET

A British Airways employee banned from wearing a crucifix said she felt "vindicated" after she won her case at the European Court of Human Rights on Tuesday.