|
ECON Committee: EU/ECB/IMF Troika needs fixing, but ministers must shoulder responsibilities
The Troika helped four EU countries out of the crisis and prevented it from getting worse. But flaws in the way the Troika worked hindered national "ownership" of economic reforms, and compromised transparency and accountability, says an ECON Committee resolution. (Includes EP group comments.)
View Article
|
Bruegel: The long haul - Managing exit from financial assistance
Even assuming all goes well, Ireland, Portugal and Greece will be subject to enhanced post-programme surveillance for decades. Managing such long-term relationships will be a key challenge.
View Article
|
Kathimerini: Preliminary deal on bank needs
Bank of Greece Governor Giorgos Provopoulos and Troika representatives reached a deal on the main parameters for the assessment of the capital needs of banks during their first meeting, though some secondary technical details still need to be ironed out, according to sources.
View Article
|
Patrick Jenkins: Greece's plight offers clue to future of EU banking system
Establishing the reasons for the range of estimated capital shortfalls at Greek banks is key, writes Jenkins in the FT.
View Article
|
ECB/Praet & ESM/Regling: Portugal - "Clean" exit or precautionary programme?
In separate interviews, Praet and Regling discuss the merits of the two different options for Portugal, finding pros and cons with both. "What is essential is being able to convince the markets and euro area partners that reforms will continue to be implemented", said Praet.
View Article
|
FT: Five risks to Portugal's bailout success
Separate new reports by the Commission and the IMF highlight several remaining risks that could prevent Portugal achieving the goals of its painful adjustment programme.
View Article
|
IMF: Spain: Financial sector reform—Final progress report
The Spanish authorities' implementation of the programme has been steadfast, and their measures have substantially reduced threats emanating from banks to the rest of the economy. However, important challenges for the financial sector remain and it is crucial to maintain the reform momentum.
View Article
|
Guardian: Matteo Renzi wins Italian senate backing for his coalition government
Italy's new prime minister has gained the backing of the upper house of parliament for his fresh-faced government, after he insisted the chance for change in the economically struggling country was "real, concrete and immediate". (Includes statements from Presidents Schulz and Van Rompuy.)
View Article
|
Reuters: France not negotiating new EU deficit target - Moscovici
France is sticking to its current deficit reduction plans and is not seeking extra time to bring its finances in line with EU rules, Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici said.
View Article
|
Merkel calls for Britain to remain at heart of Europe
During her one-day visit to Britain, it is unlikely that Merkel will make significant concessions to prime minister David Cameron on his key concerns. These include changes to EU treaties to return powers from Brussels.
View Article
|
Estonia's centre-right PM Andrus Ansip to resign
Ansip has said he will resign on 4 March, in time to allow a successor to build support ahead of elections next year. Siim Kallas, the current European Commissioner for Transport and a former prime minister, is tipped as a front-runner.
View Article
|
Plenary Session: EU cannot accept cherry-picking by Switzerland
Switzerland must take stock of the possible consequences of its 9 November referendum vote to impose immigration quotas, not least for its own citizens and economy, said political group leaders debating the outcome.
View Article
|