Finance and Monetary Affairs in the EU

Latest business news about the Financial Policy in the European Union.

An overarching policy and strategy in financial services and financial markets ensures coherence and consistency between the various policy areas, such as banking, insurance, securities and investment funds, financial markets infrastructure, retail financial services and payment systems.

FACT SHEETS

General Information

• Financial Services in the EU - General Policy
• Regulatory Capital in the EU
• Investment Funds in the EU
• Useful Information
• Contacts

Banking

• Banking policy in the EU
• Banking: Key EU directives

LATEST NEWS

Greek drama reveals a more euro-cautious Germany — 21 March 2010, 13:56 CET

As Europe looks to Germany for answers on how to bail out debt-stricken Greece, Berlin has become ever more willing to defend its national interests rather than toe the European line, analysts said.

Europe waits on Germany as Greece deadline looms — 21 March 2010, 13:55 CET

The summit opens on Thursday, the subject isn't even on the agenda and the markets have control of the political keys, even as Germany debates what to do about Greece.

Merkel not opposed to bilateral aid for Greece — 21 March 2010, 13:53 CET

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in comments broadcast Sunday, indicated she would not oppose bilateral aid to help Greece out of its debt crisis, though she did not think it was yet necessary.

EU ready to give 'urgent assistance' to Greece — 20 March 2010, 16:37 CET

The European Union is ready to provide urgent help to debt-ridden Greece, a report said on Saturday, putting new pressure on Germany which has been seen to drag its feet on the country's financial crisis.

No European financial protectionism: Barnier — 20 March 2010, 16:32 CET

EU financial services commissioner Michel Barnier sought on Friday to calm US fears of discrimination over European financial services reforms that would regulate hedge funds.

Pressure mounts over IMF role in Greek crisis — 19 March 2010, 22:48 CET

Europe split over IMF intervention for debt-ridden Greece on Friday, upping pressure on national leaders to resolve crisis plans just days from a crunch EU summit.

Barroso calls for swift EU agreement on aid for Greece — 19 March 2010, 22:52 CET

EU Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso on Friday urged member states to approve "as soon as possible" the creation of a financial aid mechanism for Greece to use if necessary.

Pressure mounts over IMF role in Greek crisis — 19 March 2010, 18:42 CET

Europe split over IMF intervention for debt-ridden Greece on Friday, upping pressure on national leaders to resolve crisis plans just days from a crunch summit.

Germany says IMF aid an option for Greece — 19 March 2010, 15:58 CET

Germany is open to International Monetary Fund aid for Greece, Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman said on Friday, describing the creation of a European version of the fund as a longer term objective.

Greece should consider insolvency if cannot pay debt: German central banker — 19 March 2010, 14:01 CET

Greece should be prepared to declare itself insolvent if it cannot repay its debts, a director of the German central bank said in remarks published Friday, signalling a hard line against help for heavily indebted EU countries.

Berlin sees trade surplus criticism as compliment — 19 March 2010, 14:01 CET

Foreign criticism of Germany's trade surplus, most recently from France, is a compliment, Finance Minster Wolfgang Schaeuble said on Friday.

Europe turns towards IMF fix for Greece — 19 March 2010, 16:02 CET

The euro fell sharply Friday as the European Commission pressed EU member states to approve financial aid pledges for debt-laden Greece amid a shift toward IMF intervention in the crisis.

Dutch government backs IMF option for Greece — 19 March 2010, 11:24 CET

The Dutch finance minister has supported the idea of Greece getting financial help from the International Monetary Fund but said it would probably not be enough.

EU trade chief lashes out at US 'protectionism' — 19 March 2010, 09:43 CET

The United States on Thursday dismissed criticism from EU trade commissioner, Karel De Gucht, who accused Washington of having a "protectionist" agenda that was holding up a global free-trade deal.

Greece urges EU aid, but Germany 'open' to IMF appeal — 19 March 2010, 00:49 CET

Greece warned on Thursday it could call on the IMF for help unless European leaders offered financial aid next week, with Germany now appearing "open" to the idea as the Greek debt crisis hit the euro.

Iceland's EU bid must be negotiated with payback: Netherlands — 18 March 2010, 22:28 CET

Talks on Iceland's bid to join the European Union should go hand in hand with negotiations for a compensation deal for the collapsed Icesave bank, a Dutch minister said on Thursday.

India urges US 'leadership' on WTO — 18 March 2010, 22:28 CET

India on Thursday urged the United States to take the lead in resuming global free trade talks after the EU trade chief lashed out at "protectionism" by President Barack Obama's administration.

Commission requests exit tax changes — 18 March 2010, 22:33 CET

The European Commission has formally requested Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands to change tax rules which impose an immediate exit tax when companies transfer their seat or assets to another EU Member State.

IMF expects EU to resolve Greece debt crisis — 18 March 2010, 17:10 CET

The IMF still expects the EU to resolve the Greece debt crisis even though the country is considering resorting to the Fund for a bailout, an IMF spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Germany 'open' to IMF help on Greece — 18 March 2010, 17:09 CET

Germany would be amenable to an intervention by the International Monetary Fund to bail out debt-stricken Greece, government sources said on Thursday, insisting that Athens has not yet asked for aid.

Embattled Latvian PM urges austerity drive support — 18 March 2010, 23:16 CET

Embattled Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis Thursday urged lawmakers to maintain support for austerity measures in an international bailout, after he lost hold on parliament in a coalition revolt.

US banks must meet EU criteria: France — 18 March 2010, 17:11 CET

French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde said on Thursday that non-European banks, starting with US rivals, should meet the same capital requirements and other criteria as those in Europe.

Barroso rejects Sarkozy's call for EU economic government — 18 March 2010, 16:17 CET

European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso on Thursday dismissed as unrealistic a call by French President Nicolas Sarkozy for Europe to create an "economic government."

'Natural' for Greece to keep IMF option open: EU official — 18 March 2010, 16:21 CET

The European Commission said Thursday it was "natural, logical and prudent" for Greece to keep all options open as Athens considers the possibility of going to the IMF.

No tax breaks on porn booths: EU court — 18 March 2010, 15:15 CET

Individual booths used to watch porn videos cannot be classified as cinemas and therefore are not eligible for VAT cuts, the European Court of Justice ruled on Thursday.