In this unprecedented situation, let me stress that we are clear and united in our response with regard to EU trade policy, the policy area that I am responsible for. Trade makes a vital and positive contribution to the EU's economic and external policy and we will make sure that it continues to deliver real benefits to EU citizens. Our negotiations with key partners will continue. The European Union has an ambitious trade agenda and remains engaged in pursuing and concluding...

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Introductory speech by Mario Draghi, President of the ECB, at the ECB Forum on Central Banking, Sintra, 28 June 2016 In recent years central banks across advanced economies have been engaged in the same task, namely raising inflation and inflation expectations back to levels consistent with price stability. Each has faced conditions particular to its own jurisdiction. Each has deployed measures appropriate to its own context. And each has acted to fulfil the mandate laid down in its own constitution. And...

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On 27 June 2016, the Council adopted a directive aimed at increasing legal certainty for transactions involving vouchers by harmonising national VAT rules in this area.  The directive sets out to reduce the risk of mismatches in national tax rules leading to double taxation, non-taxation or other undesired consequences. This can happen where a voucher is issued in one member state and used in another, and particularly where vouchers are traded. Vouchers are used increasingly and come in many forms. They include...

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Commissioner Lord Hill, responsible for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union, has informed European Commission President Juncker of his decision to resign from his post as European Commissioner. President Jean-Claude Juncker said: "It is with great regret that I have accepted Lord Hill's decision to resign from the European Commission. Lord Hill is an experienced politician for whom I have great respect and I want to sincerely thank him for his loyal and professional work as a...

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Der heutige Tag ist ein Einschnitt für Europa, er ist Einschnitt für den europäischen Einigungsprozess", so Bundeskanzlerin Merkel in Berlin zum Brexit-Votum der Briten. Die Schlussfolgerungen aus dem Referendum in Großbritannien seien aber mit historischem Bewusstsein zu ziehen. Großbritannien hat mehrheitlich für einen EU-Austritt gestimmt. Foto: picture-alliance/Ohlenschläger Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel bezeichnete das Ergebnis des Referendums in Großbritannien als einen Einschnitt für Europa und für den europäischen Einigungsprozess. Mit Ruhe und Besonnenheit solle jetzt die Lage analysiert werden. "Die Europäische Union ist...

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Article 50 of the Treaty of the European Union (December 2009) sets out the procedural requirements for a member state to terminate its membership. Legal withdrawal would mean that EU Treaties and their Protocols would no longer apply, and EU financial programmes would be phased out. If the UK votes to leave the EU on Thursday, the result will not immediately have a binding legal effect. The UK government would need to launch a proposal to activate Article 50, and hold a...

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