In The News

Spiegel: Fixing the Euro

Henrik Enderlein June 6, 2018
The European Union has a lingering problem with some members taking on excessive debt. In turn, economic woes fuel resentment against more disciplined members, suggesting that some loans could go unpaid. “The danger emanating from the current, out-of-control situation doesn't just come from the possible return of the euro crisis and its far-reaching consequences for growth and prosperity,”...

Project Syndicate: Macron’s Internationalism

Kemal Derviş June 1, 2018
In stark contrast to the views of the US president, French President Emmanuel Macron embraces a new global order and the growth of intergovernmental organizations. He still has strong faith in the Iran deal, and supports international trade is necessary for liberal-democratic politics. In the wake of Brexit, he pursues pan-European politics, maintaining a pro-globalization stance in the face of...

NewStatesman: US Tariffs Expose Brexit Fantasies

George Eaton June 1, 2018
Protectionism is the foe of cooperation, spurring widening antagonism. The United States under Donald Trump is treating longtime allies as adversaries, and this offers a cautionary tale to Brexit supporters who had expected a special relationship with the United States, notes George Eaton for the New Statesman. US tariffs on steel and aluminum will apply to Europe, Canada and Mexico – and that...

BBC: Italy Political Crisis Hits Stock Markets

May 29, 2018
Italy is in political upheaval three months after the election and protracted negotiations between Five Star and League, two parties combined that won 50 percent of the vote. President Sergio Mattarella “vetoed their choice of a eurosceptic economy minister, and appointed former International Monetary Fund official Carlo Cottarelli as interim prime minister with the task of trying to form a...

Spiegel: Trump Wedge for Germany and France

Markus Becker, Christiane Hoffmann, Peter Müller, Christoph Schult and Gerald Traufetter May 21, 2018
Donald Trump is withdrawing the United States from the Iran nuclear agreement, re-imposing sanctions, and by doing so has divided Europe. The European Commission is considering a “blocking statute” to prohibit European firms from obeying US sanctions and pay out damages. “Behind the scenes, it was largely Macron applying the pressure, whereas Germany seemed to shy away from a confrontation with...

Financial Times: Could the Euro’s Italian “Nightmare” Come True?

Mehreen Khan May 15, 2018
More than 10 weeks after its election, Italy’s Five Star Movement and the far-right League struggle to the finishing touches on a ruling coalition, extending negotiations over issues dividing the parties including who will serve as prime minister. Coalition proposals include a reduced income tax, a flat tax, social security payments and a return to old pension rules. Previous governments had...

Financial Times: Europe to Seek Exemptions From US Sanctions on Iran

Anne-Sylvaine Chassany, Michael Peel and Tobias Buck May 9, 2018
European leaders met with Donald Trump, detailing their opposition to US exit from the Iran nuclear deal, contending that the agreement was working and that adjustments could be made. Regardless, Trump exited the deal and promised sanctions on countries that do business with Iran. Europe could stand to lose the most from the new sanctions. “EU leaders said they would press Washington to exempt...