Financial Services

ECB cuts again as it heads into an uncertain future
The central bank expects big spending programs at home to offset weaker demand for eurozone exports.

EU frees up billions in Covid cash for defense spending

EU clears Bulgaria to adopt euro in 2026

Brussels rebukes Romania and Austria for breaching EU spending rules

Bulgaria prepares to join the euro — but Poland couldn’t be less interested

Denmark to drop ‘frugal’ stance on EU budget to counter threat from Russia

Trump administration prepares to ease big bank rules
Economic fears mount as Trump tariffs are snarled in court
The fear is that Trump will bristle at both adverse court rulings and perceptions on Wall Street that he’s ready to bail on his protectionist agenda.
Berlin drafts bill to tax digital platforms
“We consider a tax rate of 10 percent to be moderate and legitimate,” Germany’s culture minister said.
Slovakian Governor Kažimír convicted of bribery in fresh embarrassment for ECB
The governor of Slovakia’s central bank had been charged with bribing an official in 2016, while he was finance minister.
Trump’s not happy about Wall Street’s name for tariff flip-flops
He bristles at the acronym TACO, which stands for ‘Trump always chickens out.’
Merz’s coalition agrees on policy program aimed at boosting Germany’s economy
The first formal meeting of coalition partners ends in success as the parties agree on a wide range of measures for the government.
Countries face losing out on billions with EU set to reject Covid recovery fund extension
Italy, Spain and Poland among those at risk as European Commission prepares to say €650 billion scheme’s 2026 deadline is here to stay.
Christine Lagarde discussed leaving ECB early to run Davos forum, founder says
Klaus Schwab says Europe’s top banker could take over the World Economic Forum by early 2027 “at the latest.”
Document: EU to loosen rules for resold debt
The European Commission plans to make it easier for banks to invest in resold debt, known as “securitization,” under draft proposals to revise rules for the practice …
EU to approve Bulgaria’s euro bid
The country could join the single currency on Jan. 1, 2026, even as local concerns over adoption persist.
EU is set to approve shifting Poland’s post-Covid funds to defense
Warsaw wants to use around €6 billion in EU money to build shelters and roads for tanks.
France risks running out of cash for social spending, auditors say
Court of Auditors warned that a “liquidity crisis” could impact benefits payments as soon as 2027.
Nicușor Dan starts nightmare new job as president of Romania
Monday’s inauguration comes at a critical time for the Eastern European nation of 19 million amid the threat of credit rating downgrades, a budget deficit crisis and a loss of faith in democracy.
French minister dials back suggestion to get rid of cash to fight drug dealing
Gérald Darmanin said the government lacked the “political means” to take such drastic action.
Europe needs to go much further in slashing red tape, French minister urges
Benjamin Haddad says the EU has a window to act right now.
Commission exempts 38,000 companies from 8 EU laws
The EU executive is creating a new category of “small mid-cap” companies as it continues a deregulation push.
German economy set for zero growth thanks largely to Trump, government advisers say
The stagnation is fueled by the U.S. president’s tariff war, says German Council of Economic Experts.
Brussels tries (again) to build its elusive single market
We’ve been here before. Will a Commission plan to tear down internal trade barriers work this time?
EU to Africa: No more free cash
The European Commission wants to strengthen the link between foreign aid and domestic priorities like energy and migration.
EU-UK defense pact saves the hard part for later
A further deal allowing U.K. companies to benefit from an EU plan to boost defense spending is still to be agreed.
Macron announces €20B of fresh foreign investment amid economic turmoil
The French president is gathering CEOs from all over the world in Versailles.
EU downgrades growth estimates after US trade war
U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs hit prospects.
EU and UK ink post-Brexit deal on security, fish and energy
Keir Starmer says Britain’s “back on the world stage” — but he’s facing scrutiny over a big compromise on fish.
EU eyes sanctions targeting Nord Stream and banking sector to pressure Putin
The measures will be discussed during a meeting of the leaders of more than 40 countries in Albania.
Is Germany’s powerful finance minister in over his head?
Lars Klingbeil has rapidly risen to become one of his country’s most influential politicians. But the hard part is just beginning.