European Institute

By Alexander Privitera Executive Director, European Institute

The latest gathering of the Governing Council (GC) of the European Central Bank (ECB) provided ample ammunition to all those who expect the central bank to expand or extend its program of asset purchases, also known as QE. In his public remarks following the GC meeting President Mario Draghi indicated that a decision could come as early as December. The ECB is shifting from a wait and see approach to a, in Draghi’s own words, “work and assess” mode, as the slowdown of emerging economies is starting to have a negative impact on the euro zone’s exports and risks to the euro zone’s economy are clearly tilted to the downside.

Single Market Would Promote NonBank Financing, Remove Investment Obstacles, Encourage Financial Innovations

By James D. Spellman, Strategic Communications LLC

The European Union set out an ambitious plan to remove barriers to cross-border investment, a move that could make it easier for a business in one country to obtain capital in any member-state. The resulting expansion of financing options could lower funding costs and provide more diversity in the financial products and services available in Europe to meet a company’s complex financing needs.[i]

From Google to Apple, U.S. Companies Face Countless Challenges from Europeans Asserting Privacy Violations

By James D. Spellman, Strategic Communications LLC

Europe’s highest court suspended immediately (October 5, 2015) a “Safe Harbor” agreement between the United States and the European Union that had allowed U.S. businesses to transfer personal data of European citizens to the United States.