The excellent Mr Mario Draghi
MADRID | By Daniel Álvarez, analyst at XTB | Let us be fair with Mario Draghi: he is in charge of an institution that, unlike its peers, has very restricted powers and legal barriers he has sorted with precision.
In Europe
The German pessimism about Spain and Angela Merkel’s tips
MADRID | By Luis Alcaide via Capitalmadrid | A German economist recently questioned the role of Spanish exports to balance the country’s deficit, ignoring statistical facts. His pessimistic attitude shows an exaggerated interpretation of austerity. Meanwhile Angela Merkel is calling for patience and avoiding political responsibility in the construction of a fiscal and economic union.
Will the 21st century be built on nuclear power?
By Keath Parker, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association | All the increases in renewable energy remain minuscule in terms of global energy provision, which remains dominated by coal – nuclear must be part of a low carbon transition, argues industry body.
Against a two-bloc Europe
MADRID | The construction of a Latin front that could counterbalance a few powerful neighbours to the north, led by Germany, is too simple a solution to the crisis and encourages the nationalism of old Europe, writes Javier Cercas.
Will Lithuania rekindle faith in Europe?
VILNIUS | By Valentinas Berziunas | On July 1, the Baltic state of Lithuania takes over the EU’s rotating presidency for the next six months. Its mandate is set to begin in an atmosphere of defiance towards the Union, which is unlikely to facilitate the task faced by Vilnius.
Portugal crumbles after ‘architect of austerity plan’ leaves government
LISBOA | By José Alves via capitalmadrid.com | Now the debt ratio in Portugal has risen almost 30 points to about 130% of GDP, the budget gap will exceed 8% this year and the unemployment rate approaches 20%.
Snowden Affair | Frustration at failing to be spied?
MADRID | By JP Marín Arrese | In the EU melt pot no one has a clear idea where are we heading for. Having access to encrypted e-mails from government officials, as the Snowden affair exposes, won’t lead you much far in understanding the Old Continent.
Spanish Treasury pockets bond market bonanza
BARCELONA | By CaixaBank Research team | In the first five months of the year, the Spanish Treasury’s bond issuance rate has beaten the records of the last few years.
Tuesday’s Eurozone chart: peripherals on recovery path, Germany contracts
LONDON/MADRID | Financial analysts in Madrid noted today the positive surprise of a recovery tendency among Eurozone peripheral economies, particularly those of Italy and Spain.
British pensioners still fall for Spain
LONDON | The choice of Spain is not based merely upon economical arguments. A study by Numbeo ranks Portugal as the cheapest country where to live, followed by the US, and then Spain and Germany.