Member News

DS-Concept opens new branch in Iceland

Iceland’s export-driven economy with fishing, energy and aluminum smelting as its staple industries, has become increasingly competitive as it benefits from a strong commitment to open market policies that facilitates dynamic flows of trade and investment. With the opening of its new branch in Iceland, DS-Concept continues to strengthen its position as a leader in global trade finance. The new branch located in Reykjavik will service its growing client base of trading companies and processors in the seafood and consumer...

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Chapter News

Report Launch: Rise in Global Protectionism Could Stunt Economic Growth

Washington, DC – A new report from the Atlantic Council and Zurich Insurance Group examines best-, worst-, and base-case scenarios for three geopolitical trends and the potential impact for businesses and the world at large. It also highlights the risk mitigation solutions for each scenario. The report, “Our World Transformed: Geopolitical Shocks and Risks,” concludes that a rise in global protectionism stemming from a backlash against free trade and globalization could have significant impact on economic growth, poverty levels, and...

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Chapter News

Spain: Taking Stock of the Investment Plan for Europe, an Opportunity for Growth

The Investment Plan for Europe was presented today at the headquarters of the European institutions as “a growth opportunity for Spain” at an event attended by Luis de Guindos, Spain’s Minister of the Economy, Industry and Competitiveness, Jyrki Katainen, Vice-President of the European Commission (EC) responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, Román Escolano, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Pablo Zalba, CEO of the Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO). Aránzazu Beristain, Head of the EC’s Representation,...

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Chapter News

EU’s Farthest-flung Fisheries need Funding, say MEPs

Young fishermen and fish farmers in the EU’s outermost regions (ORs) need financial help and incentives, including money for new boats, said Parliament on Thursday. The non-legislative resolution was passed by 428 votes to 64, with 118 abstentions. An amendment to allow EU and national funding to renew the OR fleet was passed by 358 votes to 240, with 16 abstentions. Commenting on the resolution and the amendment, rapporteur Ulrike Rodust (S&D, DE) said "I have tried to work out the...

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Chapter News

New Action Plan to Help Regions Defend Biodiversity and Reap the Economic Benefits of Nature Protection

The European Commission has adopted a new Action Plan to improve the protection of nature and biodiversity in the EU, for the benefit of its citizens and the economy. The Plan consists of 15 actions to be carried out by 2019 to rapidly improve the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives, which are the EU's flagship nature policies. These Directives establish the largest coordinated network of biodiversity-rich protected areas in the world (Natura 2000 network), covering more 18% of land...

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Chapter News, Uncategorized

Europe Passes Last Hurdle to End Mobile Roaming Fees on June 15

The European Council yesterday adopted the legal act that limits how much mobile operators can charge each other — the final step in the multi-stage, multi-year process for the region’s lawmakers to agree an end to roaming charges for citizens. The ‘roam like at home’ policy will come into affect across the European Union from June 15. A preliminary deal to end charges for EU citizens’ using their mobile device in another European country other than their own was agreed in June 2015. This February final agreement was reached between the executive...

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Chapter News

Tackling Europe’s crisis legacy: a comprehensive strategy for bad loans and debt restructuring

Years after the start of the financial crisis, non-performing loans and private debt remain obstacles to the recovery of bank credit and investment. Eight years after the start of Europe’s financial crisis, the legacy of non-performing loans and excessive private debt remains a key obstacle to the recovery of bank credit and investment. The efforts to reduce and remove NPLs from the balance sheets of creditors must simultaneously remove excess debt from the balance sheets of debtors. This is the only...

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Chapter News

North Sea Plan for Fisheries: Council Ready to Negotiate with the EP

On 25 April 2017 the Council agreed its negotiating position, also referred to as a general approach, on the multi-annual plan for demersal stocks in the North Sea. The plan will be the first comprehensive long-term strategy for the North Sea aimed at managing a variety of species, fishing vessels and interested parties. As soon as the European Parliament votes on its report, negotiations between the institutions can start. "The North Sea plan is key to the implementation of the reformed...

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Member News

International Property Tax Institute (IPTI): Update on Property Tax Issues in Europe

Update on Property Tax Issues: IPTI May 2017 The EACC, in partnership with the International Property Tax Institute (IPTI), wants to keep members up to date with the latest developments in property taxes both in the USA and Europe. IPTI has put together a selection of brief reports from articles contained in IPTI Xtracts which can be found on its website (www.ipti.org). As far as Europe is concerned, this month’s report includes articles concerning Croatia, Ireland, Latvia, Norway and a focus...

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Member News

‘A WAVE OF CHANGE’ – The Toy Association Responds to Evolving Member Needs with New Strategy, New Name, & Major Rebrand, Driving Change Across the Organization

The Toy Association – the largest trade association of its kind in the world – today unveiled a new mission statement, new name, and major re-brand driven by an innovative strategic plan. Formerly called the Toy Industry Association, The Toy Association supports a diverse membership whose global reach is revolutionizing the face of toys and play. The organization’s member-focused programs, products, trade shows, and consumer events promote international business growth for all members. Its new tagline, “Inspiring Generations of...

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