The reinforced Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) enters into force with a new set of rules for economic and fiscal surveillance. The measures represent a major step towards achieving economic stability, restoring confidence and preventing future crises in the euro area and the EU.

European Commission EU to ease access to finance for SMEs (Small & Midsize Enterprises) The Commission proposes harmonising the requirements to access venture capital funds across the EU. The funds can then become bigger and more diversified in their investments to support promising start-up companies.

Resolving cross-border inheritance tax problems in the EUThe Commission recommends solutions to multiple tax claims and discrimination against non-residents, including a broader and more flexible use of existing national double taxation relief measures.

Following a two-day summit in Brussels focused on tackling the sovereign debtcrisis, European leaders agreed to draft a new treaty that will strengthen fiscal integration and enforce stricter financial discipline among European Union member states. "The 17 Member States of the Eurozone and already many others are committed to a new fiscal compact," said President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy. President Van Rompuy stressed that the major decisions taken at the summit will help "safeguard the Eurozone,...