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U.S. Secretary of Commerce Announces Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework is Open for Business

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the newly launched Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework is now accepting self-certifications. The Framework provides companies a mechanism to comply with Swiss data protection requirements when transferring personal data from Switzerland to the United States in support of transatlantic commerce. “The Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework supports U.S. economic growth by ensuring that Swiss and American businesses can transfer data and deliver innovative online products and services under enhanced data protection,” said Secretary Ross. “It...

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Chapter News

Werner Hoyer: Multilateralism Crucial for a Functioning Global Economy

Europe faces considerable challenges, EIB President Werner Hoyer warned in his speech at the Columbia University in New York on 10 April 2017. “Brexit confirmed the severity of the disenchantment,” said President Hoyer. “Some European citizens may have taken for granted the Union and some of the values it represents.” But multilateralism remains crucial for a functioning global economy in his view. “Going forward, an important factor will be the strength of multilateral institutions”, he said and called for equal...

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Chapter News, News

Trade recovery expected in 2017 and 2018, amid policy uncertainty

Growth in the volume of world merchandise trade is expected to rebound this year from its tepid performance in 2016, but only if the global economy recovers as expected and governments pursue the right policy mix, WTO economists reported. The WTO is forecasting that global trade will expand by 2.4% in 2017; however, as deep uncertainty about near-term economic and policy developments raise the forecast risk, this figure is placed within a range of 1.8% to 3.6%. In 2018, the...

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Chapter News

MEPs Propose Cutting Food Waste

Environment MEPs put forward a number of possible measures to cut the EU 88 million tonnes per year food waste by half by 2030 on Tuesday. MEPs called on the European Commission to lift existing restrictions on food donations and stressed a solution is needed for the confusion created for many consumers by the “best before” and “use by” labelling. “In developed countries food is wasted mostly at the end of the chain, at distribution and consumption. Everyone has a...

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Chapter News

Republic of Moldova: European Council Agrees to €100 Million in Financial Assistance

On 12 April 2017, EU ambassadors agreed the Council's negotiating stance on macro-financial assistance for the Republic of Moldova. Up to €100 million is proposed in EU assistance, of which €60 million in loans and €40 million in the form of grants. It would supplement resources provided by the IMF and other multilateral institutions. The assistance would be aimed at supporting the country's economic stabilisation and structural reform agenda, helping to cover its external financing needs over the coming two years. Ambassadors asked the presidency to...

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Chapter News

EU to Work with Mediterranean Partners on Research and Innovation – Informal Deal with EP

The Maltese Presidency today struck a provisional deal with the European Parliament on the participation of the EU in a partnership to develop innovative solutions for sustainable water provision and management and food production in the Mediterranean region. The initiative, known as PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area), will pool the know-how and financial resources of the EU and participating states. The partnership currently involves nine member states: Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg,...

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Chapter News

New EIB Investment Survey Highlights Investment Gaps and Obstacles Amid Recovery

The investment recovery is strengthening in Europe. 84% of European firms reported having invested in the previous financial year. Going forward, more firms expect to expand their investment activities than to scale them back. Firms consider only some 44% of their machinery and equipment to be “state-of-art”. Global competition and technological advancement call for a quick action. But most firms say uncertainty (69% of firms), lack of skilled labour (68% of firms) and the business and the regulatory...

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Brexit News, Chapter News

Strasbourg Plenary Highlights: Brexit Priorities, Medical Devices, Car Emissions

MEPs overwhelmingly approved a resolution setting out European Parliament's priorities for the negotiations concerning the UK's withdrawal from the EU during this week's plenary session in Strasbourg. In addition MEPs urged European authorities to establish new checks to prevent car emissions fraud and also approved stricter rules to ensure the safety of medical devices as well as plans to enable more flexibility regarding the EU's long-term budget. Brexit Any Brexit agreement will require Parliament's approval before it can enter into force....

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Chapter News

Monetary Policy and the Economic Recovery in the Euro Area

Speech by Mario Draghi, President of the ECB, at The ECB and Its Watchers XVIII Conference, Frankfurt am Main, 6 April 2017: Over the course of the crisis, the making of monetary policy has become progressively more complex. We have operated in an environment where the limits of our traditional instruments have been tested, and where new instruments have had to be introduced. This has required adaptation, not just by those of us who decide on it, but also by...

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Chapter News

Eurogroup President Dijsselbloem Speaks after April 7 Meeting

Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem spoke to press and public representatives following the group's April 7 meeting: "Good afternoon and welcome to this press conference, here after the Eurogroup in Valletta. I want, first of all, to thank the Maltese hosts for the excellent organisation and the wonderful venue for today's discussions. Today in the Eurogroup, we welcomed Danièle Nouy of the ECB Supervisory Board and Elke Koenig of the Single Resolution Board. They joined us to speak about their work,...

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