Debt
France, Belgium see ratings outlooks cut to negative
High debt and political challenges are cited by ratings agencies in reducing their outlooks.
ECB to cut rates again as economic outlook sours
France pledges to spare middle class after unveiling draconian budget cuts
The rise and fall of Macronomics
France plans to tax big business and the rich, while slashing public spending
Barnier’s first big test: A budget to cut France’s ‘colossal debt’
Spain’s explosive growth isn’t losing steam, economy minister says
The rapid expansion comes as Germany stagnates.
SPD: Der Kühnert-Rücktritt und wie es weitergeht
Der Parteilinke und SPD-Vizefraktionschef Matthias Miersch soll neuer Generalsekretär der Sozialdemokraten werden. Welche neuen Akzente Miersch setzen wird, wie sich die SPD dabei bereits jetzt für den …
European Commission maps out ‘power grab’ over €1.2T money pot
The Commission floated merging 530 programs into one national cash pot.
You could kill the EU, says France. No, you could, Germany replies.
Macron and Scholz clash again over how to counter protectionist America and Chinese power.
France plans eye-watering €40B in budget cuts for 2025
Prime Minister Michel Barnier said it would take until 2029 to get the country’s deficit in line with EU rules.
Italian Commissioner Gentiloni backs political rival Fitto for key EU job
Former PM urges his own center-left party to put the national interest first.
Barnier lays out a survival plan for France … and himself
The former Brexit negotiator tried to appeal to both sides of the political aisle during his first major policy speech.
EU cross-border bank mergers pose real risks, Nagel warns
Key among the risks is the lack of a common deposit guarantee scheme, which could leave customers exposed.
France will need until 2029 to comply with EU spending rules, Barnier says
Addressing France’s “colossal” debt was the first major point the new PM hit in his speech.
5 things to watch for in French PM Barnier’s first parliamentary address
What he says will affect everyone from French pensioners to European commissioners.
France’s new government reportedly mulls higher taxes on big companies
Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government is working on an exceptional, temporary tax on the profits of big corporations, as well as a new tax on share-buybacks, Le Monde reported.
Breton slams ‘empress’ von der Leyen’s power grab and France’s loss of influence in EU
Former French commissioner tells Le Monde that France has lost power in the new European Commission setup.
Financial services role goes to Albuquerque ― but she brings baggage
Former Portuguese finance minister is known for introducing harsh economic austerity.
What the new French government means for Brussels
With both president and prime minister vying for control in the policy domain, the political picture could look somewhat different.
New French government deal struck, PM Barnier says
The agreement still must be approved by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Germany retains quiet grip on Europe’s finances
Von der Leyen’s loyalists hail from countries that don’t like splashing the cash. While others may have posher titles, those frugal hands still hold the power.
Pressure mounts on France’s Barnier not to raise taxes despite budget disaster
Macron’s camp threatens to drop support to new French prime minister if he raises taxes.
You cannot be serious! Europe’s next migration chief was a tennis hotshot
Magnus Brunner was one of the favorites to be economy commissioner. He’ll be dealing with borders instead.
France’s Le Maire bids adieu to economy ministry after record tenure
But is this à bientôt to politics?
Wanted: 4 key ministers to avoid future French cabinet’s collapse
Newly appointed French leader faces an uphill battle to form a government with a fragmented parliament, an unhappy left wing, and a far right that wields key influence.
The tragedy of Liz Truss
The former prime minister faces an up hill struggle to rehabilitate her battered reputation.
Mario Draghi’s plan to fix a broken Europe already looks impossible
The Draghi report is full of good intentions to mend a continent losing its way. But while the vision is bold, the politics are practically impossible.
Germany’s Lindner rejects Draghi’s common borrowing proposal
“Germany will not agree to this,” country’s finance minister tells POLITICO.
Budget will be key to Barnier’s survival