BRUSSELS | By Ann Mettler | The worst response to the Italian elections would be not to speak the truth, to cave in to the idea that somehow “austerity” is to blame for the current woes, that once again breaking the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact would somehow improve the situation.
MADRID | By Javier Flores, analyst at Asinver | The question, of course, is how long it will take for the curve to head downwards. No expansion lasts for ever.
The Czech Republic was targeted in a string of cyber attacks last week. Why? As a small country with a relatively developed Internet infrastructure, it is an ideal testing ground for hackers who are planning to hunt for bigger prey, say Internet experts.
BRUSSELS | by Eberhard Rhein | However important balanced budgets might be for Europe in view of its rising social charges, in particular the huge burden resulting from an ageing population, Germany does not deserve praise for having precipitated the balancing of its budget.
MADRID | By Julia Pastor | Soledad Pellón, analyst at IG Markets: “Spain is now in better conditions to start the recovery”
BEIJING | In his last speech the outgoing Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao, acknowledged the social challenges China is dangerously facing. The new leadership will have to deal with local governments and State Owned Enterprises ready to defend their current status quo and likely to be sceptical about any form of reform.
MADRID | By J.L.M. Campuzano | Fitch’s decision to downgrade Italian debt from A – to BBB + last Friday didn’t come as a big surprise. Nor did the negative outlook. However, it does pose a warning about the fundamental problems of this country and of the rest of the eurozone, where authorities and investors are currently showing a disturbing complacency/conviction in a better future.
ISTANBUL | Although a member of numerous regional and international organisations, Turkey is still not in the EU, despite negotiations dating back some 50 years. Öztin Akgüc wonders if the the country has missed its chance to become anything more than an auxiliary to US foreign policy in the Middle East.
BARCELONA | CNA | 1,300 biomedical companies will participate in the event, with more than 2,000 delegates and executives. 60 out of the 100 Spanish companies attending are from Catalonia.
By Ralf Grahn, EU affairs advisor | This time around, are the heads of state or government going to send a credible message to the growing numbers of the unemployed on the road to long term joblessness and social exclusion?