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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The European Commission has adopted a new Action Plan to improve the protection of nature and biodiversity in the EU, for the benefit of its citizens and the economy. The Plan consists of 15 actions to be carried out by 2019 to rapidly improve the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives, which are the EU's flagship nature policies. These Directives establish the largest coordinated network of biodiversity-rich protected areas in the world (Natura 2000 network), covering more 18% of land...

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