In The News

EU Agrees Screening Process for Tax Havens, Critics Cry Foul

Francesco Guarascio November 10, 2016
European Union finance ministers are preparing a weak blacklist of tax havens and suggest that zero tax rates may not be a qualifying factor. “The bloc committed in May to agree on a common list of tax offenders by the end of next year, after leaked documents - the so-called Panama Papers - that showed how some multinationals and individuals avoided paying tax,” reports Francesco Guarascio for...

“Brexit” Requires a Vote in Parliament, UK Court Rules

Stephen Castle November 3, 2016
British voters had their say on the nation leaving the European Union, and the High Court has ruled that Parliament’s approval is required, too. The decision may delay Brexit. “Although most lawmakers opposed the decision to leave the European Union, it would be politically toxic for them to overturn the referendum outcome,” reports Stephen Castle for the New York Times. “Still, the pound, which...

Razing of Calais ‘Jungle’ Camp Relocates Migrant Crisis

Noemie Bisserbe and Stacy Meichtry November 1, 2016
France razed a large refugee encampment in Calais, a French town on the English Channel. The official refugee center and surrounding area known as the “Jungle” provided a temporary home for up to 10,000 migrants. Conditions were appalling, and French authorities evacuated the camp, relocating occupants to shelters throughout the country, but thousands may have fled, hoping to find a way to travel...

Germany Struggles to Find United Stance on Russia

Christiane Hoffmann, Peter Müller, Ralf Neukirch, Christoph Pauly, Christoph Reuter, Mathieu von Rohr and Christoph Schult October 27, 2016
Politically divided nations struggle to present a strong front on foreign policies. The United States supports sanctions against Russia for supporting Syria’s dictator, attacking civilians, delaying negotiations, as well as annexation of Crimea. Such sanctions are ineffective without solid European support. German Chancellor Angela Merkel governs with a coalition government, and German Foreign...

The Decline of the West, and How to Stop It

Javier Solana and Strobe Talbott October 25, 2016
Western democracy’s many achievements are in jeopardy as cooperation erodes at both the global and national levels, warn Javier Solana, former secretary general of NATO, and Strobe Talbott, president of the Brookings Institution. “A vital lesson of the modern era is that internationalism has stabilized the world, while lapses into bellicose nationalism have wreaked havoc,” the two write. Nations...

Belgium Walloons Block Key EU Ceta Trade Deal with Canada

October 24, 2016
Negotiating trade deals and satisfying special interests are never easy. A region in Belgium blocked agreement on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and Europe. Other EU members were ready sign the agreement that has been in the works since 2009. “Wallonia, a staunchly socialist region of 3.6 million people, has led objections to the deal, demanding stronger safeguards...

Brexit’s Big Winner? It Could Be New York City

David Francis October 21, 2016
Many in the London banking industry are asserting that the city’s financial operations could relocate to New York City once Prime Minister Theresa May initiates Brexit. Banking is crucial to the British economy and accounts for up to 10 percent of national GDP, reports David Francis for Foreign Policy. He lists reasons for relocating. London bankers had opposed Brexit and can’t help but wonder...