Economic growth in Europe is expected to remain modest as key trading partners' performance has slowed and some of the so far supportive factors start to wane. As a result, GDP in the euro area is forecast to continue growing at modest rates over the 2015-2017 period. According to its spring forecast, the Commission expects euro area GDP of 1.6% in 2016 and 1.8% in 2017 after 1.7% in 2015 (Winter forecast: 2015: 1.6%, 2016: 1.7%, 2017: 1.9%). GDP...

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The fight for fair taxation in the EU is high on Parliament's agenda following the revelations as a result of LuxLeaks and the Panama papers. At a time when EU countries are struggling to recover from the crisis, MEPs are pushing for greater transparency and an end to tax unfair practices. Read on for our overview of Parliament initiatives. The new committees dealing with tax issues Parliament has set up two special committees to look into tax rulings and is in...

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An upgrade of the EU lobbyist register is in the works after the European Commission launched a public consultation on switching from voluntary to mandatory registration for anyone interested in speaking to EU institutions to influence their work. EP Vice-President Sylvie Guillaume holds a debate with experts together with Commission’s First Vice-President Frans Timmermans on 2 May at 15.00 CET in Parliament’s premises in Brussels. Follow it online and watch our video to learn more. The European Transparency Register was...

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In 2014, Germany's primary foreign direct investment stocks (outward FDI) and foreign direct investment stocks in Germany (inward FDI) rose only moderately on balance. German corporate assets abroad Claims from outward FDI rose significantly to just under €1.3 trillion in total, for which an increase in primary investment capital (+€78 billion) was primarily responsible.  Loans to German FDI companies abroad and to foreign affiliates of German companies remained virtually unchanged (€248 billion). However, liabilities from lending by foreign investment enterprises to their German investors...

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New customs rules come into force on Sunday 1 May that will make life simpler for businesses that trade in Europe and better protect consumers against illegal and counterfeit goods. The new Union Customs Code (UCC) represents a major overhaul of existing EU customs legislation, which dates back to 1992. It is a milestone for the European Customs Union, the framework which allows more than €3 trillion worth of goods to flow in and out of the EU each year. The...

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The EIB Group, formed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Investment Fund (EIF), is providing EUR 100 million for a private equity fund designed to support investment in midcaps mainly in the technology and industry sectors. With a first closing of EUR 400 million, the fund has also attracted a EUR 100 million participation by the Centre for Technological and Industrial Development (CDTI) as well as private investment. This is the first operation signed in Spain in 2016 under...

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In the debate with Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič the EESC stressed the importance of establishing an intelligent, efficient and sustainable EU external energy policy and the need for a shared vision – rather than mere technical/administrative reporting - to ensure that the Energy Union objectives are effectively pursued. There should be a greater focus on the social dimension of the Energy Union according to the EESC's opinion on the State of the Energy union 2015 (Rapporteur:  Stephane Buffetaut, Employers' Group)...

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