More Europeans at risk of poverty since the economic crisis began in 2008
In 2011, 24% of the European Union population were at risk of poverty or social exclusion, corresponding to around 120 million people.
In Europe
UK’s most influential newspapers won’t let Leveson tame British journalism
Lord Justice Leveson’s much-anticipated report into British press standards has been published and provided a damning indictment of media ethics. As a result of the scandal, which erupted over illegal interception of telephone calls, a host of journalists face criminal charges.
Cameron’s stubbornness in Brussels will be expensive for the UK
Britain wants the budget frozen at its 2011 level. But if the talks collapse, the 2013 budget will simply be rolled over to 2014 but with inflation added. The budget would end up far larger than 2011, says John Springford, research fellow at the Centre for European Reform.
The Banking Union risks melting down
EU has once and again proved it can only curb its dwarfing tendency when confronted to emergency situations. Let’s hope the row over the Banking Union governance is settled well before the next one.
Greece deserves better
Constantly struggling to keep up with the austerity imposed by the Troika, Greece has managed to cut public spending much more efficiently than it’s acknowledged. Economic recovery, though, is still nowhere to be seen. The IMF is right to rethink the current policies before it is too late.
Is the EU finally backtracking on its tough fiscal stance?
Ever more austerity? Only Ireland has managed to escape, and barely, from the budget-cut trap at a considerable cost. No wonder the Commission hesitates to plunge Spain into a similar ordeal.
Integration and disintegration of the EU
BRUSSELS | 80% of the Venetians would support independence. Mario Monti has convened an informal summit about centrifugal forces that most of the EU members are facing. Dangers of the community pax. By Jacobo de Regoyos.
European Strike November 14
MADRID | Governments throughout Europe should be less confident that ever before about this general strike passing by without further consequences. From Madrid and Lisbon to Athens, the European middle classes are getting more and more restless.
Let’s solve the euro crisis: more Europe or more Eurocracy?
Reporter Martin Nangle tells Brussels what’s at stake: “many see ‘More Europe’ as additional funding to the already lavish gravy train lifestyle enjoyed by a greedy elitist group who have little or no allegiance to Europe’s citizens.”
Is Britain about to alight from the EU?
LONDON | The temptation to leave the battered ship adrift of the European Union increases by the hour in Downing Street, amid the silence of the opposition and the business community. If Brussels and Berlin arouse disaffection among their close partners, what would you expect from London?