Dear Chancellor, thank you very much for your kind introduction. Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. It’s always a pleasure to be in London. We are here for our annual review of the British economy, the Article IV consultation. Last time I met with you was in December 2017, so just about nine months ago. At that time, the 2017 cycle had been delayed by the election and taken about 18 months. So, I guess on average we are OK… How...

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President Juncker stresses the need for Europe to become more sovereign so as to be able to play a role in shaping global affairs European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on September 12 delivered his 2018 State of the Union Address, before the Members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, presenting his priorities for the year ahead and outlining his vision for how the European Union can continue to build a 'More United, Stronger and More Democratic Union', which was the...

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EUR 500 m bonds demonstrates commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals New bonds expand benefits of impact reporting and transparency beyond climate High-impact water projects to benefit from first sustainable bonds The European Investment Bank today issued its first Sustainability Awareness Bond. The EUR 500 million transaction represents the first EIB funding intended to directly support sustainable finance and builds on the EIB’s pioneering role unlocking investment through green bonds. “The launch of the EIB’s new Sustainability Awareness Bonds today...

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Speech by Luis de Guindos, Vice-President of the ECB, at La Granda courses, Asturias, 31 August 2018 It is a pleasure to be here at La Granda courses in Asturias. In my remarks today, I would like to review the economic developments in the euro area, explain our recent monetary policy decisions and reflect on the necessary reforms of Economic and Monetary Union, or EMU. Recent economic developments Economic growth in the euro area remains solid and broad-based, as confirmed by the...

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Following the conclusion of the EU-Japan talks on personal data protection in July 2018, the Commission launched today the procedure for the adoption of its adequacy decision. Commissioner Jourová today briefed the College on the next steps and the Commission is publishing the draft adequacy decision and the related documents. This includes the additional safeguards that Japan will apply to EU personal data transferred to Japan, as well as commitments regarding access to personal data by Japanese public authorities for law enforcement...

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In light of the difficulties faced by European farmers affected by drought this summer, the European Commission continues acting to provide practical support to the sector. Additional flexibility will be granted to help farmers provide sufficient feed to their animals. The European Commission presented today an additional package of actions aimed at increasing the availability of fodder resources for livestock, one of the main challenges faced by farmers dealing with the impact of drought. This package complements the measures already announced...

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