Evert van Walsum, Head, Investors and Issuers Department European Securities and Markets Authority: Dear Members of the European Parliament Ladies and Gentlemen I would like to thank your Committee for hosting this scrutiny session on level II measures and reports under the CRA Regulation. I am grateful for this opportunity to share with you some of the experience and insights ESMA has gained through its work on these important and challenging items. In my remarks, I will first provide some context...

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Commission takes new steps to enhance compliance and practical functioning of the EU Single Market Today's package of measures will make it easier for people and companies to manage their paperwork online in their home country or when working, living or doing business in another EU country and it will help ensure that commonly agreed EU rules are respected. Jyrki Katainen, Vice-President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, said: "EU rules protect and empower 500 million people in the Single Market....

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The world’s economic leaders and stakeholders came together at the 2017 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings amid a more positive outlook on the global growth, which is forecast to hit its fastest pace in five years. A clear theme running through the meetings was the need to protect the growth momentum, given policy and political uncertainties, and to help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to share in the fruits of global integration and technological progress. More than 10,000...

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In the eyes of a growing number of citizens, belonging to the EU is a good thing. According to the latest Eurobarometer survey of Europeans’ attitudes, figures are virtually back at their pre-crisis levels in 2007. The survey, commissioned by the Parliament and published on Thursday, shows that EU membership is a good thing in the eyes of 57% of Europeans, up by four percentage points compared to the previous survey of September last year and almost at the same...

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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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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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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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