Chapter News

Council conclusions on European climate diplomacy after COP21

Recalling its conclusions of July 2015 which invited the High Representative and the Commission to report back in early 2016 on the outcome of the COP21 and its implications for climate diplomacy, the Council adopted the following conclusions. The Council welcomes the Paris Climate Agreement as a landmark achievement for combating climate change, and for multilateralism. The Paris Agreement represents an ambitious, balanced, equitable and legally binding agreement. The adoption of the agreement and the cumulative announcement by the end...

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Chapter News

Reform of UK membership: “Parliament will do the utmost to support the compromise”

In the case of a deal on a reform of the UK’s EU membership, Parliament will do its utmost to support it, but the result is not guaranteed, warned EP President Martin Schulz. He spoke out after UK Prime Minister David Cameron discussed Parliament’s position with leading MEPs on Tuesday. The visit came ahead of Thursday’s European Council summit when heads of state will try to come to an agreement. Schulz will attend to present Parliament’s position. Although Schulz said...

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Trade & TTIP Related

Outcome of the Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership Advisory Group

The consultative committee representing public stakeholders in the Transatlantic Trade & investment Advisory Group published the outcome of their last meeting, including the wish for increased access to consolidated texts for advisers, forward looking standards for regulatory practices, energy efficiency, and renewable energy standards that avoid negative impacts. Up  to three negotiating rounds are set to take place before the summer, which will focus on detailed technical work in the rules and regulatory cooperation chapters. (European Commission)

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Trade & TTIP Related

Official announcement of the 12th round of TTIP negotiations

The official announcement of the 12th round of TTIP negotiations was made this week. The negotiations will be held from 22 to 26 February in Brussels. This round of negotiations will focus on market access, regulatory cooperation, and rules. During the same week, the Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission will organize two stakeholder engagement events. If you are interested in joining, please find more information on what topics will be covered and who is eligible to present here.

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Chapter News

Governor Cuomo Announces Empire State Development Now Requesting Proposals to Revitalize Republic Airport

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Empire State Development has issued a Request for Proposals to revitalize more than 40 acres at Republic Airport in East Farmingdale, Suffolk County. The development of this land will help generate new economic opportunities for Long Island, in terms of both attracting new businesses and creating jobs. "Republic is already a key part of New York’s regional transportation network and, with this action, we are seeking to unlock its potential as a major...

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Chapter News

Climate Awareness Bond hits 100th Green Bond listing on LuxSE

Key Topics: Third EUR Climate Awareness Bond (CAB) increased to or above EUR 1.5bn EUR 13bn of Green Bonds issued by EIB to date via 59 CABs in 11 currencies Increasing role of Green Bonds in the context of COP21 Increasing role of stock exchanges in promoting transparency and comparability Today, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the development institution owned by the EU Member States, increased the 0.500% Climate Awareness Bond (CAB) 11/2026 to EUR 1.5bn, now the largest Green Bond in this part...

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Chapter News

IMF Executive Board Concludes 2015 Article IV Consultation with Austria

On February 10, 2016, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the 2015 Article IV consultation with Austria. Austria is stable and affluent. It has weathered the global financial crisis well, and output and employment have recovered to pre-crisis levels. The budget deficit has been well contained in recent years. Nevertheless, as in other countries, budget support for bank restructuring and resolution has ratcheted up public debt, which stands now at about 86 percent of GDP. Crisis...

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Chapter News, Trade & TTIP Related

Time for Action: T-TIP and Global Leadership

Remarks by Ambassador Michael Froman at the Munich Security Conference | February 12, 2016 | Munich, Germany   Since its first meeting over 50 years ago, the Munich Security Conference has changed in many ways. It has grown from what was called a “transatlantic family meeting” into a truly global gathering. Discussions once limited to strategic studies have expanded to include experts on energy, technology, health and other areas. You’ve even opened your doors to trade ministers. To a certain degree, these...

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Member News, Uncategorized

Recent lifting of the EU nuclear-related sanctions against Iran: some business restrictions still apply!

Further to the verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran has implemented the agreed nuclear-related measures as set out in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Council of the European Union terminated all EU nuclear-related economic and financial sanctions on 16 January 2016 (I). This statement does not however mean that all business restrictions sanctions have ceased to apply to Iran. Some proliferation-related sanctions and restrictions against Iran will indeed still be applicable while...

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Member News, Uncategorized

DS-Concept Provides $1 Million Export Factoring Facility to Sporting Goods Manufacturer in Pakistan

DS-Concept Factoring, a member of the EACCNY and a global commercial finance company specializing in international non-recourse factoring, has provided a $1 million export accounts receivable facility to a sporting goods and accessories manufacturer in Pakistan. The client, exporting to Europe and North America, is implementing this facility to support the increased demand for open account payment terms from their overseas buyers. With the export factoring facility in place, the client anticipates an annual factored volume of $8MM-$10MM. “We are excited to announce another...

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