Together, the EU and the U.S. are working to reduce or eliminate differences in technical regulations, standards, and certifications that cost business and consumers both time and money. In July, the transatlantic partners took two important steps forward toward enhancing transatlantic compatibility in the regulatory area. On July 17, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology and the EU’s Joint Research Center (JRC) agreed to expand their current scientific cooperation in 10 areas, including energy, environment, food safety, healthcare,...

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Markets remain wary of economic data surprises as global growth improves Euro-area seen posting improving data U.S. growth poised to continue Global inflation remains subdued Low interest environment to remain

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The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (“AIFMD”) is now effective .  In conjunction with the AIFMD, the following directly applicable regulations are also now in force, effectively creating 2 new regimes for funds wishing to invest in European Small and Medium Enterprises (“SMEs”): Regulation (EU) No. 345/2013 on European venture capital funds (“EuVECA”); and Regulation (EU) No. 346/2013 on European social entrepreneurship funds (“EuSEF”). EuVECA The main purpose of EuVECA is to provide a common framework for European venture capital funds in order...

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Over the next years, 90% of world demand will be generated outside the EU. That is why it is a key priority for the EU to open up more market opportunities for European business by negotiating new Free Trade Agreements with key countries. If we were to complete all our current free trade talks tomorrow, we would add 2.2% to the EU’s GDP or €275 billion. This is equivalent of adding a country as big as Austria or Denmark...

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