EU watchdog wants Apple to pay €13bn in back taxes after all February 1, 2021 EU competition enforcers are filing to overturn a verdict which they claim was a legal mistake when it abandoned an order for Apple to pay €13bn (£11.46bn) in Irish back taxes. The decision forms part of the European Commission’s clampdown on ‘aggressive’ tax planning by multinationals. The Commission said in 2016 that two Irish tax [...]
EU securities watchdog calls for stricter regulation on greenwashing January 29, 2021 The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) said today EU rules are needed to regulate ratings on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects of companies to avoid investors being deceived by “greenwashing”. Asset managers use ESG ratings to make “green” environmentally conscious investment decisions. Greenwashing refers to inaccurate claims that investments are sustainable and [...]
EU chief Von der Leyen calls for ‘democratic limits’ to Big Tech power January 20, 2021 European Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen has called for a crackdown on the “untrammelled” power of tech giants following violent riots at the Capitol earlier this month. In a speech marking the inauguration of Joe Biden, Von der Leyen welcomed the new US president, adding: “After four long years, Europe has a friend in [...]
EU politicians pushing for ‘masterplan’ to steal City jobs from London and promote euro in global trade January 18, 2021 EU politicians pushing for 'masterplan' to steal banking jobs from London and promote euro in global trade
EU and China sign investment pact after Merkel’s intervention December 30, 2020 The EU and China have concluded in principle negotiations on an investment deal, with Angela Merkel playing an “active role” in driving through the accord. The deal comes amid deep concerns about the Chinese government’s use of its economic clout to enmesh itself in western countries. A European Commission statement said the agreement is of [...]
EU and China on the brink of sealing historic trade pact December 29, 2020 The European Union and China are close to signing a trade and investment pact, according to multiple reports. The deal would be the first fissure in trade policy to develop post-Brexit between the UK and the continental trading bloc. The pact is said to open up China’s manufacturing and construction sectors to EU companies. Whilst [...]
New: Parliament to vote on Brexit deal on December 30 December 24, 2020 PM Boris Johnson has said he “hopes” Parliament will vote through his Brexit deal on December 30. The treaty will need to be ratified in Westminster in order for it come into force in time for our departure. The UK will leave the customs union and single market on December 31. Read more: Deal finally [...]
Reports: EU putting in place ‘procedures’ for post-Brexit trade deal December 23, 2020 EU member states are beginning to put in place procedures for post-Brexit trade deal, reports have emerged in the last few minutes. Three diplomatic sources told Reuters that preparations have been stepped up. Reuters reports that national diplomats have been told to prepare for a meeting as early as Thursday should a deal be struck [...]
Google CEO criticises antitrust regulation December 23, 2020 Google's chief executive officer, Sundar Pichai warns that "regulation can get it wrong" in an interview with the Financial Times.
Ursula von der Leyen: ‘Narrow path to agreement’ in Brexit talks December 16, 2020 Ursula von der Leyen said there is a "path to agreement now" this morning, as hopes of striking a Brexit deal by the end of the week rise.