The results show that large banks continue to have strong capital levels and could continue lending to households and businesses during a severe recession. The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday released the results of its annual bank stress tests, which showed that large banks continue to have strong capital levels and could continue lending to households and businesses during a severe recession. "Over the past year, the Federal Reserve has run three stress tests with several different hypothetical recessions and all...

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The webinar looked at the state of digital transformation in European regions, taking stock of the latest research showing an increasing digital divide across European regions and urban-rural communities. Invited speakers shared their views on how public authorities at all levels can facilitate the digital transition of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), showcasing some best practices and collaboration initiatives from the European Entrepreneurial Regions. In the opening session, Mr Ivan Štefanec, Member of the European Parliament and President of SME Europe, identified three...

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EU carbon sinks will de facto raise 2030 emissions reduction target to 57% Greenhouse gas budget must guide 2040-target New independent EU scientific body to monitor progress The new EU Climate Law increases the EU’s 2030 emissions reductions target from 40% to at least 55%. With the contribution from new carbon sinks it could raise to 57%. Parliament endorsed the Climate Law, agreed informally with member states in April, with 442 votes to 203 and 51 abstentions. It transforms the European Green...

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The European Commission has today extended – by one additional year –the current transitional regime regarding the capital requirements that EU banks and investment firms must maintain when exposed to non-EU central counterparties (‘CCPs'). This transitional regime will therefore continue to apply until 28 June 2022. Mairead McGuinness, EU Commissioner responsible for financial services, financial stability and Capital Markets Union said, “Today's decision gives us a bit more breathing space while we continue to work on equivalence decisions. It also gives EU...

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Rising world food prices for producers are making headlines and causing concerns among the public. The most recent data show a moderation in consumer food price inflation globally, but as we explain below, that could change in the coming months. This would only add to the high prices that consumers in many countries already lived through last year. If prices eventually rise again, there will likely be sizeable differences between countries. Due to various factors, it is probable that the effect...

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