No #Brexit more likely than disorderly one, say economists

The chances that Brexit will be cancelled are now greater than the chances Britain will leave the European Union without a deal, according to economists in a Reuters poll, who again pushed back their expectations for when the Bank of England will raise interest rates, writes Jonathan Cable. Last week, the EU delayed Brexit until the […]

MEPs strengthen #EUFinancialWatchdogs

MEPs approved rules strengthening the EU financial supervision needed for safer financial markets, fighting money laundering, and protecting consumers. The new law, adoptedthis week by 521 in favour, 70 against, with 65 abstentions, already agreed with EU ministers and spearheaded through Parliament by Othmar Karas (EPP, AT) and Pervenche Berès (S&D, FR), consists of an […]

Better working conditions for all: Balancing #Flexibility and #Security

Enrique Calvet Chambon Parliament wants all workers to benefit from minimum rights on working conditions, including those on non-traditional contracts. On 16 April MEPs approved rules introducing new minimum rights on working conditions, including the length of the probationary period, working hours and restrictive contracts. The rules would also require that all new employees, including those on […]

UK businesses stash cash as #Brexit gloom deepens – Deloitte

A growing number of large British-based businesses are prioritizing cashflow, fearing a downturn, as their view of the long-term economic impact of Brexit has darkened to its most negative so far, accountancy firm Deloitte said this week, writes David Milliken. Some 81% of chief financial officers surveyed expect Brexit to lead to a long-term deterioration in […]

Rocky road to replacing #VladimirPutin

The transition to Putin’s constitutionally scheduled replacement as president of Russia may be rougher than currently expected. Sir Andrew Wood Associate Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Programme, Chatham House Soldiers drill for the Victory Day parade in front of a portrait of Vladimir Putin. Photo: Getty Images. The prevailing assumption outside Russia is that an ordered […]

Labour Party denies newspaper report that #Brexit talks have stalled

The Labour Party has denied a Guardian newspaper report that Brexit talks with Prime Minister Theresa May’s government have stalled, write Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden. The newspaper had said talks had stalled due to a Conservative desire for post-Brexit deregulation including pursuing a US trade deal. “There has to be access to European markets and […]

#Kazakhstan presidential election to benefit stability in country

Head of the Delegation for Co-operation with Central Asia MEP Iveta Grigule-Pēterse shared her view on announcement of the snap presidential election in Kazakhstan, Kazinform‘s correspondent reports. “The election is the only democratic way of expression of people’s consent to the country’s course. In your situation, the announcement of early election is a good decision. […]

#OLAF – Parliament paves way for a more effective fight against fraud

The European Parliament has adopted its negotiating position at first reading on the reform of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). “We have reached an important milestone on our way towards a stronger anti-fraud policy at EU level,” said Inge Gräßle MEP, chairwoman of the Budgetary Control Committee, who authored the report. “We reached a consensus […]

Simpler and regionally adaptable rules for #EUFishermen

After more than three years’ work, the European Parliament has adopted new simplified and regionally-adaptable rules on how, where and when fishermen can fish. Over the past few years, the legislation, which aims at limiting unwanted catches and reducing the impact of fishing activities on natural resources and ecosystems, has developed into a very complex […]

#BankingUnion – Parliament approves rules to reduce risks to EU banks and protect taxpayers

 Parliament adopted a significant step towards reducing risks in the banking system and establishing the Banking Union, this week. The rules approved by Parliament and already informally agreed with member states, concern prudential requirements to make banks more resilient. This should help to boost the EU economy by increasing lending capacity and creating more liquid capital […]