Anti-corruption and ”blood diamonds” in EP: Transparency Directive

Yesterday I referred to the building of the single market as generally ”humdrum actions for trade and prosperity in Europe”, but seemingly dull business regulation can target hot topics, such as government corruption in developing countries and ”blood diamonds”, (rare) minerals from warlords in conflict areas and "flavour of the season" tax evasion. Read: Anti-corruption and ”blood diamonds” in EP: Transparency Directive

Cameron's aborted Europe mission

The cyclopean UK government refuses to consider European level democracy. Like a weathervane prime minister David Cameron again found a pretext to abort a European tour, but he had already sent an advance message of a flexible Europe (nothing to do with cherry-picking), while the eurozone deepens integration through eventual treaty change (Irish Independent). Read: Cameron's aborted Europe mission

EU Transparency Directive proposal

In the blog entry Amending the EU Transparency Directive we presented the two directives to be amended (2004/109 and 2007/14) and the Commission proposal COM(2011) 683 accompanied by the impact assessment documents SEC(2011) 1279 final/2 and SEC(2011) 1280. Here we register a few key points from the proposal. Read: EU Transparency Directive proposal

From Thatcher to opinions on the Transparency Directive revision

Britain, Europe and the rest of the world ponder the legacy of the unforgettable and divisive UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher (Financial Times obituary, €), but despite her visceral opposition to fundamental aims of deeper European integration, the Single European Act SEA and the single market remain milestones of her influence beyond the borders of the United Kingdom and for what now is known as the European Union. Despite the milestones, the internal market or single market is mostly about countless small steps to make cross-border commerce among thirty European countries (EEA) seamless. Let us return to the Transparency Directive revision, one of these humdrum actions for trade and prosperity in Europe. Read: From Thatcher to opinions on the Transparency Directive revision

Amending the EU Transparency Directive

The European Commission has proposed amendments to the Transparency Directive 2004/109 in order to ease the regulatory burden for listed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but also to establish uniform administrative sanctions and to clarify various duties. Read: Amending the EU Transparency Directive

EU action plan on SMEs' access to finance

Yesterday's entry reminded us of tight financing conditions for businesses, especially in the weaker eurozone economies, and of the actions promised by the Single Market Act (SMA I) COM(2011) 206 to improve access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Now you can read: EU action plan on SMEs' access to finance

Britain nixes European democracy

The minor steps the UK government has taken or promised will do little to convert the EU referendum and Brexit brigade at home (or the secessionists abroad), but they strengthen the case of those who see that European level democracy and accountable government have to be built on the eurozone, which needs full representative democracy, functioning government, robust rules, good governance, accountability and transparency. Read: Britain nixes European democracy

Access to finance for SMEs in EU

A recent story in the Financial Time ”Eurozone SMEs struggle to access finance” (€) pointed at tougher conditions and higher charges for smaller companies, especially in troubled economies such as Italy and Spain, another example of financial fragmentation across the euro area. Read: Access to finance for SMEs in EU

Roundup: European Venture Capital Funds

One part of following the (first) Single Market Act COM(2011) 206 has been to watch the legislative process concerning the proposed regulation on European Venture Capital Funds COM(2011) 860, with the EuVECA passport. Read Roundup: European Venture Capital Funds

Is the single market a blessing or a curse for the UK?

Could something good emerge from the Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union? Read: Is the single market a blessing or a curse for the UK?

European Venture Capital Funds

The European Union wants to foster the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by improving their access to finance through the establishment of an EU-wide passport for managers of venture capital funds (EuVECA) relating to the marketing of their funds. Read: European Venture Capital Funds

Businesses and citizens review UK-EU relations

The great need for a better class of UK secessionists and more informed British voters in general is repeatedly brought home to me through (social) media channels. Let us continue our struggle against lack of information and especially the widespread refusal to even contemplate serious study among anti-EU campaigners.Read: Businesses and citizens review UK-EU relations

Anti-EU media poison UK opinion

Relentless drive for EU referendum leading to Brexit: Anti-EU media poison UK opinion

Tepid EU support from UK Labour and Liberal Democrats

Tepid EU support from UK Labour and Liberal Democrats We turn to the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats and public opinion in the United Kingdom with regard to the European Union.

UK in EU: On the way out, send in the clowns?

UK in EU: On the way out, send in the clowns?