Articles archive
Major Spanish banks at risk - warns Fitch
Most large Spanish banks are at risk of downgrade, according to a new report by credit rating agency Fitch
EU plans internet-surfing revolution
New EU data protection proposals are due before the end of January, Francesco Guarascio considers the implications for users, officials, politicians and businesses
Happy New Year - prepare for recession across Europe in 2012
Political leaders warn citizens to expect the worst from 2012 - with recession looming large on the horizon for all EU nations, aside from Germany
Engaging with 'troubled families' or grabbing headlines?
The UK government claims it is targeting 'troubled families', but attempts to catch the eye of the public and the media risk undermining the whole agenda – writes Jenny Pennington
David Cameron's negotiations on Europe
The British veto was far from game, set and match - as the Eurosceptics claim - but will the same tactics be used again? Our resident satirist considers the evidence
The revolution will not be televised
Our resident satirist analyses whether televising EU discussions really does deliver the transparency and engagement that was promised
Slovenia rating cut on euro crisis fears
Moody's has lowered Slovenia's credit score but maintained its current ratings on Denmark, Austria, Romania and Slovakia
Pressure on Hungary over bank independence
The ECB and Standard & Poor's have joined the European Commission in expressing concern about the independence of Hungary's central bank
UK growth boost provides little cheer
A small upward revision of the United Kingdom's third quarter growth figure failed to lift the economic gloom as analysts predicted a "bleak 2012'
A seasonal gift: How to become an EU Commissioner
Our resident satirist provides some seasonal advice on how to make the grade and become a European Commissioner – with special tips for British applicants
Bitter reality of child labour in Uzbekistan
Despite strong condemnation of child labour the EU still grants Uzbekistan reduced cotton trading imports - leaving it to trade unions to fight for workers' rights, writes Paul Murphy
Portugal headed for deep 2012 recession
Portugal and Italy head for recession as eurozone banks demonstrate their funding pressures by snapping up cheap loans offered by the ECB
EU eyes Greenland's vast resources
After decades of neglect, the EU is waving its chequebook at Greenland's 56,000-strong population. Justin Stares asks why
Action needed on 'huge problem' of data theft
Legislation to tackle data breaches is necessary but will only work if companies are not able to game the system, argues Rob Rachwald
'Paradigm shift' in measuring progress
Quality of life measurements could be used in addition to basic GDP statistics as the basis for EU policy decisions, writes Professor Ian Bache