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Contraband and counterfeit cigarettes - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 15 July 2010, 22:43 CET

The European Commission has announced a multi-year agreement with British American Tobacco (BAT) to work together in tackling the illicit trade in tobacco products. Under the legally binding agreement, BAT will work with the Commission, its anti-fraud office OLAF, and EU Member States' law enforcement authorities to help in the fight against contraband and counterfeit cigarettes. The Agreement includes substantial payments by BAT to the Commission and Member States, totalling USD 200 million (EUR 134 million) over the next 20 years. It should make a significant contribution to the EU’s efforts to fight the illicit tobacco trade, which robs the EU and Member States of billions of euros every year.

Deposit Guarantee Schemes - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 12 July 2010, 17:16 CET

The European Commission has proposed changes to existing European rules to further improve protection for bank account holders and retail investors. Since 1994, Directive (94/19/EC) ensures that all EU Member States have in place a safety net for bank account holders. If a bank is closed down, national Deposit Guarantee Schemes are to reimburse account holders of the bank up to a certain coverage level.

Insurance Guarantee Schemes (IGS) - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 12 July 2010, 17:16 CET

The European Commission has proposed changes to existing European rules to further improve protection for bank account holders and retail investors. Furthermore, the Commission has launched a public consultation on options to improve protection for insurance policy holders, including the possibility of setting up Insurance Guarantee Schemes in all Member States. Insurance Guarantee Schemes (IGS) provide last-resort protection to consumers when insurers are unable to fulfil their contract commitment.

Investor Compensation Schemes - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 12 July 2010, 17:06 CET

The European Commission has proposed changes to existing European rules to further improve protection for bank account holders and retail investors. Since 1997, the Investor Compensation Scheme Directive (97/9/EC) has protected investors who use investment services in Europe by providing compensation in cases where an investment firm is unable to return assets belonging to an investor.

European international investment policy - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 08 July 2010, 23:21 CET

The European Commission today took the first step towards a comprehensive European international investment policy with two initiatives. A policy paper lays out how the new EU competence on foreign direct investment can be used to boost competitiveness and trade resulting in growth and jobs. At the same time a draft regulation sets up transitional arrangements offering guarantees on existing or pending bilateral investment treaties concluded between EU and Non-EU countries. Under the Lisbon Treaty, investment policy will be developed and managed at the European level giving the EU a strengthened negotiating hand to deliver better investment protection for all European businesses.

Consultation on Derivatives and Market Infrastructures - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 15 June 2010, 23:52 CET

Frequently asked questions on a public consultation on Derivatives and Market Infrastructures launched by the European Commission on 15 June.

EU report shows ineffectiveness of simplified customs procedures by Ina Dimireva — last modified 07 June 2010, 23:22 CET

The European Court of Auditors has assessed whether the regulatory framework and control approach developed by the European Commission and put in place in the Member States effectively control simplified customs procedures for imports. According to a Special Report published by the Court today, simplified procedures are not yet effectively controlled in the majority of the audited Member States.

European Commission Green Paper on corporate governance in financial institutions and report on remunerations - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 02 June 2010, 20:13 CET

As part of its work on preventing a future financial crisis and strengthening the financial system, the European Commission has put forward amendments to the EU rules on Credit Rating Agencies and launched a public consultation on reforming corporate governance in financial institutions. On corporate governance, the Commission has launched a public consultation on a number of issues including how to manage risk more effectively in financial institutions and how to empower shareholders. The deadline for responses is 1 September 2010.

Improving EU supervision of Credit Rating Agencies - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 02 June 2010, 20:07 CET

As part of its work on preventing a future financial crisis and strengthening the financial system, the European Commission has put forward amendments to the EU rules on Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) and launched a public consultation on reforming corporate governance in financial institutions. Furthermore, in order to advance swiftly in completing the necessary reforms to ensure a safe and stable financial system in Europe, the Commission has adopted a more general Communication where it commits itself to table the remaining financial reform proposals in the next six to nine months from now. On CRAs, the Commission has two main objectives: ensuring efficient and centralised supervision at European level, and increased transparency on the entities requesting the ratings so that all agencies have access to the same information. These changes it says would improve supervision, increase competition in the CRA market and improve investor protection.

Latest trends in SMEs access to finance and EU financial instruments - Briefing by Ina Dimireva — last modified 07 May 2010, 08:44 CET

Latest trends in SMEs access to finance and on the financial instruments under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme.

Joint customs operation "Matthew II" - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 14 April 2010, 00:13 CET

A Joint Customs Operation code-named Matthew II has led to the seizure of more than 16 million cigarettes, 241 kilograms of tobacco products, 6 400 liters of alcohol, 20 tons of counterfeit perfumes, 53.418 other counterfeit items such as bags, coats, scarves, wallets, and 1.515,75 kilograms of cannabis. During the operational phase, additional seizures of more than 25 million cigarettes also took place in some EU ports.

Europe 2020: new economic strategy - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 03 March 2010, 15:07 CET

The European Commission has launched the Europe 2020 Strategy to bring Europe out of the crisis and prepare the EU economy for the next decade. The Commission identifies three key drivers for growth, to be implemented through concrete actions at EU and national levels: smart growth (fostering knowledge, innovation, education and digital society), sustainable growth (making our production more resource efficient while boosting our competitiveness) and inclusive growth (raising participation in the labour market, the acquisition of skills and the fight against poverty). This battle for growth and jobs requires ownership at top political level and mobilisation from all actors across Europe. Five targets are set which define where the EU should be by 2020 and against which progress can be tracked.

Montenegro Investment Climate 2009 by Ina Dimireva — last modified 05 February 2010, 15:42 CET

Montenegro is establishing a liberal investment regime. Although the continuing transition has not yet eliminated all structural barriers, the Government recognizes the need to remove impediments, reform the business environment, and open the economy to foreign participation.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Investment Climate 2009 by Ina Dimireva — last modified 04 February 2010, 13:43 CET

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has made considerable efforts to open its economy to more foreign investment. Major initiatives include a liberal State Foreign Investment Policy Law, a value-added tax (VAT), and a uniform trade and customs policy.

Switzerland Investment Climate 2009 by Ina Dimireva — last modified 01 February 2010, 21:49 CET

Switzerland welcomes foreign investment and accords it national treatment. Foreign investment is not hampered by significant barriers.

Norway Investment Climate 2009 by Ina Dimireva — last modified 29 January 2010, 12:28 CET

Norway welcomes foreign investment as a matter of policy and generally grants national treatment to foreign investors. Norwegian authorities encourage foreign investment particularly in the key offshore petroleum sector, mainland industry (e.g., high-tech and advanced areas), and in less developed regions such as northern Norway.

Serbia Investment Climate 2009 by Ina Dimireva — last modified 28 January 2010, 22:30 CET

Serbia is open to foreign direct investment (FDI), and attracting FDI is increasingly a priority for the government of Serbia (GoS). Serbia has a long history of international commerce, even under communism, and it once attracted a sizeable foreign company presence.

Fiscal and Tax Environment in Iceland by Ina Dimireva — last modified 22 June 2010, 19:52 CET

Information about the fiscal and tax environment for international organisations, investing in Iceland.

Iceland Investment Climate 2009 by Ina Dimireva — last modified 27 January 2010, 20:41 CET

The Icelandic Government encourages foreign investment in most sectors. The majority of investment is in energy-intensive industries such as aluminum smelting that take advantage of the country‘s abundant renewable energy resources. Icelandic laws regulating and protecting foreign investments are consistent with OECD and EU standards.

FYR of Macedonia Investment Climate by Ina Dimireva — last modified 27 January 2010, 00:57 CET

As a small, open economy, the FYR of Macedonia continues to take active steps to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). The country has enacted legislation that not only ensures an equal footing for foreign investors vis-à-vis their domestic counterparts, but also provides numerous incentives to attract such investment. Even before gaining full membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) in April 2003, Macedonia consistently provided national treatment to foreign investors. The country has concluded a number of bilateral investment protection treaties and other multilateral conventions that impose stricter protection standards for foreign investors.