Member News

HSBC International Business Guides: Germany

At the heart of Europe and an intrinsic part of the European Union, Germany is an economic powerhouse. Famed for its industry, manufacturing and engineering, it is Europe’s greatest exporter. Its people are highly educated, skilled and motivated, making it a core market for growing businesses. Founded in Germany in 1785, HSBC Germany offers in-depth local knowledge and financial expertise from its base in Düsseldorf and 11 other locations across the country. With almost 3,000 employees in Germany, backed by...

Read more

Member News

More Affordable and Innovative Medicines and Treatments in Europe – Has the Competition Enforcement Met the 2009 Objective?

By Marie-Laure Combet and Lena Boucon | Orrick  A decade ago, the European Commission conducted a thorough sectoral inquiry into the European pharmaceutical sector that identified antitrust shortcomings impeding access to more affordable and innovative medicines and treatments. Concluding this inquiry by setting priority actions for the years to come, former Competition Commissioner Kroes called for “… more competition and less red tape …” (sic). Since this statement, there has been intense enforcement activity in the sector not only by the European Commission itself,...

Read more

Brexit News, Chapter News, News

Brexit: Council adopts a series of contingency measures for a “no-deal” scenario

Press Release 19-3-2019 The Council today adopted a series of legislative acts as part of its contingency preparations for a "no-deal" Brexit scenario. The aim of these acts is to limit the most severe damage caused by a disorderly Brexit in specific sectors where it would create a major disruption for citizens and businesses. They come on top of other measures, such as on citizens' rights, adopted by member states as part of their preparations for a "no-deal" scenario. These measures are...

Read more

Brexit News, Chapter News, News, Uncategorized

Parliament speaker rules out third vote on ‘same’ Brexit deal

By Charlie Cooper Theresa May's government cannot hold a third vote on its Brexit deal without securing a "demonstrable change" agreed with the EU, House of Commons Speaker John Bercow ruled, throwing the government's plans into further chaos. In an announcement that took MPs by surprise, Bercow said that according to parliamentary conventions dating as far back as 1604, the government could not hold repeated votes in the House of Commons, in the same parliamentary session, on a motion that...

Read more

Chapter News, News

EU Industrial Policy After Siemens-Alstom: Finding a New Balance Between Openness and Protection

The ongoing technological revolution and China’s rise have sparked fears that Europe's industry risks falling behind, and that its unmatched openness is being used against its strategic interests. Amid calls for a more ambitious and strategic EU industrial policy, this paper explores a possible new balance between openness and protection as part of a joined-up strategy to create a more level global playing field, while shoring up industrial innovation and productivity at home. BEGIN REPORT: The European Commission’s decision of 6...

Read more

Member News

5 Ways to Improve Candidate Experience

By Len Adam, CEO | ACG Resources The candidate experience is essential to a company’s ability to attract top talent. Unemployment is low and the competition for talent is tough, so it’s vital to get off on the right foot and create a positive impression. A lot can go wrong during the interview process, so striving for positive candidate experience is key.    Be Expedient One of the quickest ways to lose a candidate’s interest is by taking too long. The hiring...

Read more

Member News

ING Italy to strengthen compliance

ING has been informed by the Banca d'Italia of their report with conclusions regarding shortcomings in AML processes at ING Italy. ING will analyse the findings from an inspection conducted from October 2018 until January 2019 and will discuss them further with the Banca d'Italia. In line with the enhancement programme announced last year, it is taking the necessary steps to improve processes and management of compliance risks as required by the Banca d'Italia. In close consultation and in agreement...

Read more

Brexit News, Member News

British Parliament likely to vote again on the Withdrawal Agreement in last push to get Brexit over the line

By Mike Archer, Director Public Affairs, Strategic Communications | FTI Consulting On Wednesday 20th March 1,000 days will have passed since the UK held an historic vote to leave the European Union. 1,000 days filled with accusations and counter-accusations; procrastination followed by sudden acceleration; anger, frustration and despair; and, of course, soundbite after soundbite. But perhaps most of all, 1,000 days of uncertainty for business and citizens across the European continent. When the headlines are written this week, will they...

Read more

Brexit News, Chapter News, News

Theresa May asks for one more week

By Tom McTague Prime minister’s latest move effectively creates a seven-day deadline for MPs to sign off on her Brexit deal. Theresa May has a week to save her deal — and possibly Brexit. After another stinging defeat in the House of Commons Wednesday night, the U.K. prime minister confirmed MPs would get a vote to delay Brexit on Thursday. This would take the form of either a short technical extension of Article 50 in order to agree a Brexit deal with the...

Read more

Brexit News, Member News

The Weekly Vulcan View For March 11th – March 15th 2019 Featuring Analysis Of The Latest EU Developments

Key Events This Week: Third time lucky for the PM’s deal? In what was another dramatic week in the House of Commons MPs decisively rejected the Prime Minister’s deal and on Wednesday moved to rule out a No Deal scenario in all eventualities. However, the latter was non-binding as the legal default remains that a No Deal outcome can only be removed by Westminster either voting for a Withdrawal Agreement, choosing to unilaterally revoke Article 50 or extending the negotiating...

Read more