Archive
What Will Common EU Unemployment Benefits Mean?
While the idea of a central budget authority has been widely discussed, the common unemployment benefit has been largely neglected by the press. The IMF announced last Wednesday that the
Strong British Case in EU Clash over Banking Bonuses
The UK is taking legal action against the EU, the cause being disagreement over banking bonuses. It is another case among a flurry of legal actions against EU rules, such
A Secret for Success: Understanding Risk Management
If the state of risk analysis could stand some improvement, what does that say about risk management? The point is, flawed risk analysis leads to poor risk management: garbage in,
Spain and Britain Renew Dispute over Gibraltar
The UK has called in EU officials to Gibraltar to look into Spain’s heightened border controls in the area; in possible violation of EU free movement rules. The centuries-long dispute
Grand Coalition or Odd Couple? Merkel’s Dilemma
Despite the resounding victory, Chancellor Merkel faces a politically risky decision that will have far-reaching consequences for the stability of her government and for the German and European economies. On
Ukraine Teeters Between the EU and Russia
Even if Ukraine-EU trade association agreements are signed, will they be harmful to Ukraine’s economy? Several weeks ago, signs suggested Ukraine was moving towards Europe when the government officially stated
Shanghai’s Free-Trade Zone Unclear on Key Details
Last Sunday, China’s newest free-trade zone was officially launched in Shanghai. This development demonstrates the government’s willingness to open up the financial system, internationalize its currency and ease restrictions to
Is PetroChina’s Lack of Performance Simply Bad Business?
PetroChina is one of the globe’s foremost producers of crude oil and China’s largest company. Following its establishment in 1999, the oil giant has experienced a number of ‘ups’, but
Troika’s Greece Policy Is Still Not Working
Representatives of the troika – from the European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund – are back in Athens for another review of progress in fiscal adjustment and
China’s North Korea Investments Safe Despite Export Ban
Investing in a place like North Korea is always fraught with danger, yet China’s assets in the hermit kingdom remain safe despite the export ban. Political risks are the major
