Finance Guides

Up one level

Belgium Investment Climate 2009 by Ina Dimireva — last modified 12 October 2009, 22:58 CET

Belgium has traditionally maintained an open economy, highly dependent on imports and international trade for its well-being. Since WWII, foreign investment has played a vital role in the Belgian economy, providing technology and employment. Both the federal and the regional governments encourage foreign investment on a national treatment basis. Foreign corporations account for about one-third of the top 3,000 corporations in Belgium.

Austria Investment Climate 2009 by Ina Dimireva — last modified 07 October 2009, 23:20 CET

Major structural conditions and the decisive parameters for foreign investors remain unchanged and favorable, despite the global economic downturn. As a small, open and highly internationalized economy, Austria is swayed by world developments including the current downturn: 2009 will be the first full-year recession in Austria since 1981.

Access to finance - Austria by Ina Dimireva — last modified 18 May 2012, 14:59 CET

There are various types of direct state support in Austria for the promotion of business as well as one-off subsidies, interest subsidies, low interest loans, state equity capital financing, state assumption of liabilities and state guarantees.

The Euro - Business Benefits by Ina Dimireva — last modified 02 October 2009, 21:35 CET

In addition to cutting costs and risk, the European Union's single currency benefits business by encouraging investments and bringing more certainty to business planning – thus allowing businesses to be more effective overall.

Commission proposal on temporary measures for a consistent response to carousel fraud in certain sectors - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 29 September 2009, 22:44 CET

As a response to new and worrying fraud patterns reported by several EU Member States, the European Commission has adopted a proposal for an optional and temporary application of the reverse charge mechanism to supplies of certain goods and services, which will allow Member States to fight carousel fraud in a consistent manner across the European Union. The proposal notably covers greenhouse gas emission allowances that have been the object of VAT fraud during last summer. The proposal includes evaluation and reporting obligations for Member States which will allow a precise assessment of the efficiency of the measures.

Review of EU Prospectus Directive - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 24 September 2009, 16:29 CET

In line with the "Better Regulation" principles, the European Commission has today put forward a proposal for the review of the Prospectus Directive. The proposal is part of simplification exercise within the Action Program of the European Commission for the Reduction of Administrative Burdens in the European Union. The proposal increases legal clarity and efficiency in the prospectus regime and reduces administrative burdens for issuers and intermediaries. It also bears in mind the importance of enhancing the level of investor protection and ensuring that the information provided is sufficient and adequate to cover the needs of retail investors. It reflects consultation with all major stakeholders. The proposal now passes to the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers for consideration.

European Union food aid for deprived persons - European Court of Auditors report by EUbusiness — last modified 22 September 2009, 21:47 CET

Information note of the European Court of Auditors concerning Special Report No 6/2009 - European Union food aid for deprived persons: an assessment of the objectives, the means and the methods employed.

EU Communication Stepping up international climate finance - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 10 September 2009, 17:48 CET

The European Commission today put forward a blueprint for scaling up international finance to help developing countries combat climate change. This initiative aims to maximise the chances of concluding an ambitious global climate change agreement at the December U.N. climate conference in Copenhagen. By 2020 developing countries are likely to face annual costs of around €100 billion to mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Much of the finance needed will have to come from domestic sources and an expanded international carbon market, but international public financing of some €22-50 billion a year is also likely to be necessary. The Commission proposes that industrialised nations and economically more advanced developing countries should provide this public financing in line with their responsibility for emissions and ability to pay. This could mean an EU contribution of some €2-15 billion a year by 2020, assuming an ambitious agreement is reached in Copenhagen.

GDP and Beyond - Measuring progress in a changing world by EUbusiness — last modified 10 September 2009, 23:16 CET

Measuring progress in a changing world is the focus of a European Commission Communication launched at a high-level workshop on 9 September. The actions proposed in this Communication aim to improve the measurement of a nation's progress by complementing the current and best known measure of economic activity, Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As a part of efforts to make the shift towards a low carbon, resource-efficient economy the Commission will present a pilot version of a comprehensive environmental index in 2010. The European Statistical System will implement Environmental Accounting as a standard in Macro-economic statistics.

Borrowing Environment in the EU by Ina Dimireva — last modified 07 August 2009, 23:07 CET

Most businesses in Europe rely on bank loans for their external financing. However, borrowing can be difficult for SMEs - particularly if they lack collateral or do not have a long enough track record or credit history. For this reason, governments and other public authorities often facilitate small businesses' access to lending via various loan and guarantee schemes.

Commission approves EUR 251 million aid for Gdansk shipyard in Poland - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 22 July 2009, 13:38 CET

Following an in-depth investigation opened in June 2005, the European Commission has authorised under EC Treaty state aid rules various support measures worth EUR 251 million, spread over several years and extending into the future, in favour of the Gdansk Shipyard in Poland. Privatised in 2007, the yard recently presented a restructuring plan that will to a large extent be financed from private resources raised by the yard and its owner. The Commission concluded that the plan will ensure the viability of the yard and that the distortions of competition, caused by years of subsidised operations, will be adequately reduced by production capacity closures.

Investment Funds in the EU by Ina Dimireva — last modified 12 July 2009, 15:40 CET

UCITS (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) are investment funds that have been established in accordance with UCITS Directive (adopted in 1985). Once registered in one EU country, a UCITS fund can be freely marketed across the EU.

Union for the Mediterranean - background by EUbusiness — last modified 10 July 2009, 18:19 CET

The Union for the Mediterranean (UpM), created at the Paris Summit of Euro-Mediterranean Heads of State and Government on 13 July 2008, is the framework of multilateral relations between the EU and the Mediterranean non-EU countries. It complements bilateral relations, which will continue to develop under the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and the pre-accession framework.

Union for the Mediterranean: Commission increases contribution to priority projects - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 10 July 2009, 18:20 CET

On the eve of the first anniversary of the launching of the Union for the Mediterranean (Paris, 13 July 2008), the European Commission has announced an additional contribution of EUR 72 million, for 2009-2010, to the areas identified as priorities by the Euro-Mediterranean Heads of State and Government in Paris. Work will focus on the de-pollution of the Mediterranean Sea, maritime and land highways, alternative energies, with a focus on the Mediterranean Solar Plant, higher education and research and supporting investment in businesses. Part of the funds will be dedicated to support the running of the Union for the Mediterranean Secretariat. With this contribution, the total community budget dedicated since July 2008 to the priorities identified by the Union for the Mediterranean amounts EUR 90 million.

Useful information by Ina Dimireva — last modified 13 July 2009, 14:18 CET

Useful links and practical information on banking and credit institutions in the EU

Regulatory capital in the EU by Ina Dimireva — last modified 13 July 2009, 14:17 CET

The objective of the capital requirements in the EU is to have in place a comprehensive and risk-sensitive framework and to foster enhanced risk management amongst financial institutions. This is aimed at maximising the effectiveness of the capital rules to ensure continuing financial stability, maintain confidence in financial institutions and protect consumers.

Banking: Key EU directives by Ina Dimireva — last modified 13 July 2009, 14:20 CET

Key banking legislation in force in the European Union

Banking policy in the EU by Ina Dimireva — last modified 13 July 2009, 14:19 CET

Achieving an integrated market for banks and financial conglomerates is a core component of European policy in financial services sector.

Financial services - General Policy by Ina Dimireva — last modified 12 July 2009, 15:39 CET

Completing the single market in financial services is a crucial part of the European Commission's overriding objective of achieving more and better jobs in a more dynamic, innovative and attractive Europe.

Commission recommends 2012 for correction of Latvia's excessive deficit - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 02 July 2009, 12:15 CET

The European Commission on 2 July concluded that Latvia is running an excessive deficit under Article 104.7 of the EU Treaty and has proposed a deadline for its correction.