Enterprise Florida, Florida’s economic development agency, published its latest report on foreign-direct investment in Florida in January 2022. It states that “according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Florida ranked fifth (5th) in the nation in 2019 in terms of foreign direct investment employment, and 1st in the Southeastern U.S. with a total of 366,100 jobs supported by majority foreign-owned companies.” Most notably, majority foreign-owned companies from Europe account for the largest share BY FAR at 62 percent of...

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As part of the ongoing work of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS to implement the Two-Pillar Solution to Address the Tax Challenges Arising from the Digitalisation of the Economy, the OECD is seeking public comments on the Draft Rules for Tax Base Determinations under Amount A of Pillar One. The purpose of the tax base determinations rules is to establish the profit (or loss) of an in-scope MNE that will be used for the Amount A calculations to reallocate...

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Today, the Commission presents its Communication on Decent Work Worldwide that reaffirms the EU's commitment to champion decent work both at home and around the world. The elimination of child labour and forced labour is at the heart of this endeavour. The latest figures show that decent work is still not a reality for many people around the world and more remains to be done: 160 million children – one in ten worldwide – are in child labour, and 25...

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On 23 February 2022, the Commission proposes new rules on who can use and access data generated in the EU across all economic sectors. The Data Act will ensure fairness in the digital environment, stimulate a competitive data market, open opportunities for data-driven innovation and make data more accessible for all. It will lead to new, innovative services and more competitive prices for aftermarket services and repairs of connected objects. This last horizontal building block of the Commission's data...

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Why is the Commission presenting this initiative? The transformation to a sustainable economy is a key political priority of the EU. It is essential for the wellbeing of our society and our planet. Companies play a key role in creating a sustainable and fair economy and society but they need support in the form of a clear framework. EU-level legislation on corporate sustainability due diligence will advance the green transition, and protect human rights in Europe and beyond. In addition to...

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Today, the European Commission has adopted a proposal for a Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence. The proposal aims to foster sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour throughout global value chains. Companies play a key role in building a sustainable economy and society. They will be required to identify and, where necessary, prevent, end or mitigate adverse impacts of their activities on human rights, such as child labour and exploitation of workers, and on the environment, for example pollution and...

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'In exceptional times, monetary finance may provide helpful policy support but there are risks.' The severe economic challenges posed by the global financial crisis, and more recently the pandemic, sparked a debate on whether central banks should expand their unconventional monetary policy toolkit to include monetary finance—the financing of government via money creation. Monetary finance is often associated with Milton Friedman’s metaphor of a helicopter dropping money from the sky. Reflecting on the role of monetary policy during the Great...

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"Check against delivery" Good morning. It is a pleasure for me to take part in this joint ECFIN-EESC conference on the way forward for the EU's economic governance framework. This event forms part of our effort to engage in a wide-ranging and inclusive debate on the economic governance review with all stakeholders. We have taken good note of the very useful European Parliament resolution of July 2021 that Ms Marques coordinated. We have also paid close attention to the own-initiative opinion of the...

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European security situation The Foreign Affairs Council discussed on the European security situation. The Council condemned the Russian military build-up around Ukraine, increased ceasefire violations and provocations from the Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. It also condemned actions, staged events and information manipulations aimed at creating a pretext for military escalation against Ukraine. Furthermore, it commended Ukraine’s restraint in the face of intimidation and violations of the Minsk agreements and international law. During their discussion, ministers had the opportunity to informally exchange views...

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