New measures would give all Europeans a legal right to a basic bank account anywhere in the EU – and make switching to another provider easier.

The economy is projected to return to growth in the second half of 2013. However, annual GDP is forecast to contract by 0.1% in the EU and 0.4% in the eurozone.

Some countries need to step up reforms to resolve civil and commercial cases efficiently – key to attracting investment and business.

Initial proposals would establish a framework for closer integration of EU economic and monetary policies.

Return to growth more gradual than expected, says Commission's latest forecast – despite substantial improvement in EU financial market conditions since summer 2012.

Financial trading tax would be applied by Austria, Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.

Europe needs to coordinate growth and job creation efforts, help those affected most by the crisis and address rising social inequality.

EU presidents and prime ministers took eurozone countries closer to banking union when they sat down to their customary end-of-year meeting in Brussels on 13 December.

EU presidents and prime ministers will find the European commission’s vision for closer economic, monetary and banking union on the table when they sit down to their customary end-of-year meeting in Brussels on 13 and 14 December.

Around €1 trillion is lost to tax evasion and avoidance every year in the EU. A new action plan encourages European governments to work together to clamp down on companies and individuals not paying their fair share.

Plan maps path to full economic, monetary, budgetary and political integration.

EU promotes programmes to help older people stay active in their communities by recognising some of the best initiatives.

The short-term outlook for the economy of the EU and the eurozone remains fragile. But GDP growth is expected to gradually return in 2013, with further strengthening in 2014.

New proposals on further economic integration among EU countries will benefit consumers, workers and businesses.

Investors buying financial products would get better information and more protection under proposed new measures.

Package of measures would improve consumer access to services in other EU countries, boosting growth and jobs.

Plan for a coordinated EU approach would establish common rules for intervening when a bank is in financial trouble – and help make taxpayer-funded bailouts unnecessary.

Package of recommendations for each of the 27 EU countries and for the eurozone offers guidance on 2012-2013 domestic budgets and economic policies.

Report projects that nearly one third of Europeans will be 65 or over by 2060, in a total EU population of 517 million.

The EU economy is estimated to be currently in a mild recession. But a slow recovery is forecast from the second half of the year.

Join others born in 1992 and submit videos, photos, cartoons, essays or smartphone apps on what Europe’s single market means for your generation. Deadline is 9 September.

Standard EU registration rules would make it easier and cheaper to relocate vehicles to another EU country.

New law would ensure European companies have the same opportunities to benefit from global markets as their competitors have in Europe.

For borrowers, it can be a welcome alternative to traditional banking – for others it may threaten financial stability – the Commission is seeking your views on ‘shadow banking’.

EU provides hands-on expertise to help Greece return its economy to growth and job creation.

The EU economy is projected to stagnate in 2012, while the euro area is set to enter into a mild recession. Modest growth is predicted to return in the second half of the year.

The EU wants your opinion on ways to help workers when companies restructure.

We need your opinion on how to give EU shoppers a better choice of cash-free payment methods, especially online – by spurring competition in the electronic payments market.

Proposals to encourage more online commerce would make it easier to shop on the Internet across the EU – contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Agreement by most EU governments on further economic integration should be complemented by moves to restore growth and create jobs, says Barroso.

Package of economic and budgetary recommendations sets priorities for 2012 and includes new measures to reinforce eurozone financial governance and stability.

Eurozone governments should move quickly to support the common currency, end the debt crisis and forge a deeper economic union, says Commission President José Manuel Barroso, announcing plans for new proposals.

EU seeks to strengthen oversight of credit ratings agencies as part of ongoing financial market reforms.

EU growth will remain at a near standstill during 2012 and return to slow growth in 2013. Unemployment is forecast to remain at the current high levels.

EU leaders agree on measures to provide more support for countries with debt problems and restore financial stability to Europe.

The Commission roadmap sets the agenda for a meeting between Europe’s heads of state and government on the economy (23 October).

EU growth projected to come to a near standstill by the end of 2011 due to sovereign debt crisis and financial market turmoil.

All across Europe, families are prioritising where to spend their money. Some luxuries are being cut, as people invest in what really matters for the future.

Recommendations for each of the 27 EU countries offer guidance on 2011-2012 domestic budgets and economic policies.

The EU economy is set to further consolidate its gradual recovery, growing by around 1¾% in 2011.

EU targets 12 priority measures to make its single market work better for consumers, workers and businesses.

Most EU countries continue to meet deadlines for incorporating single market rules into national law, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Common tax rules for companies operating in more than one EU country will make it easier and cheaper for them to do business in the single market.

EU-backed project bonds to support strategic investments in transport, energy, Internet and telecommunications networks.

Report sets 10 priorities for tackling the bloc's main economic challenges, launching the first ever ‘European semester'.

Estonians will start using the euro on 1 January 2011. Good advance planning and public information should make for a smooth changeover from the kroon.

New measures will make cross-border litigation cheaper and easier for companies, and reduce administration for people living, working and travelling in other EU countries.

Public consultations on the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive and on financial services sanctions.

EU economic recovery expected to continue over the period 2010-12, with modest employment growth from next year.

New rules for the EU's single market will make it easier to live and do business anywhere in Europe.

New EU framework for crisis management in the financial sector for managing problems before they spiral out of control.

Global and EU- level taxes on financial sector would help to fund international challenges such as development or climate change and fix the fallout from the global economic crisis.

In response to the financial crisis, the Commission has put forward legislative proposals to strengthen and expand existing tools for coordinating economic and fiscal policy in the EU.

Proposed changes to EU rules would make short-selling and trading in over-the-counter derivatives safer and more transparent.

Financial reform programme faces a major test in the months ahead

Baltic country wins final approval from finance ministers after getting the go-ahead from parliament, the central bank and other EU institutions.

Proposals to improve protection for bank account holders and retail investors, and set up similar schemes for insurance policies.

Eurostat report just published shows that the crisis has brought some lower taxes.

G20 leaders, finance ministers and central bank governors meet in Toronto on 26 and 27 June for discussions on recovery from the global financial crisis.

Leaders move to restore confidence in Europe’s financial stability and reinforce economic governance.

12 countries have taken effective action to get their budgets back in shape.

New legislation for pan-European supervision of credit rating agencies and a public debate on how financial institutions are managed.

Commission proposes a bank tax to cover the costs of winding down banks that go bust

Eight other countries still not ready to join the euro area.

GDP growth in the EU expected to gradually pick up, though recovery less robust than past upturns.

EU leaders agree to cooperate more on economic policy – part of a strategy to spur higher growth over the next decade.

Commission sets out a 10-year strategy for reviving the European economy, casting a vision of ‘smart, sustainable, inclusive' growth rooted in greater coordination of national and European policy.

Commission expects GDP in the EU to gradually return to pre-recession levels. But the economy still faces headwinds.

Recommendations adopted for correcting Greece’s budget deficit and improving the competitiveness of its economy.

Lithuania and Malta granted reprieve on budget deficits; Hungary and Latvia on track to meet deadlines.

The economic crisis has left many countries with budget deficits well over the 3% limit. The commission is proposing deadlines for reducing the gaps.

Europeans can now use direct debit from their home account to pay bills anywhere in the EU.

The outlook is for a gradual recovery, with growth expected to slacken off next year.

Plans mark “paradigm shift” in approach to derivatives.

Euro report says currency provided protection from interest and exchange rate turbulence.

New EU laws proposed for closer oversight of financial services industry, sending a strong signal to this week's G20 summit.

Growth expected to return in the second half of 2009. Forecasts are still uncertain but fears of a severe, prolonged recession are fading.

EU seeks new tools for measuring economic performance that give more weight to social and environmental aspects of wellbeing.

Commission outlines plans for closer financial supervision at European level

The EU is going through its worst recession since WWII. Inflation has slowed, but employment and public finances are hard hit. The situation should stabilise in 2010.

Commission proposes first EU law on hedge funds and issues guidelines on bank pay practices.

Throwing a lifeline to the global economy, the G20 agrees to channel $1.1 trillion (€832bn) into the IMF and other institutions and to tighten rules on financial markets.

Businesses are about to get a big break on the costs of filing for an EU trademark.

Commission calls on EU members to rein in budget deficits

Summit approaches economic crisis from all fronts: financial market regulation, economic stimulus, job security

Urging EU leaders to move fast to restore confidence in the markets, the commission sets out proposals for a comprehensive reform of the financial system.

European experts recommend more supervision to avoid repeat of financial crisis.

Commission reviews EU expansion in 2004/2007, concluding it was good for economy.

Business to get a break under streamlined EU VAT rules.

Commission cuts economic growth forecast as scale of financial crisis and ensuing global downturn become apparent.

Slovaks are gearing up for the arrival of the euro on 1 January, when their country becomes the 16th member of the euro area.

Agreements reached on climate change, economic recovery and Lisbon treaty in historic summit.

Economic recovery plan combines national action with EU policy.

EU moves to regulate credit rating agencies.

EU wants G20 meeting to pave the way for reform of the international financial system.

Hit by economic turmoil and the sharp global downturn, growth in the EU slows almost to a halt.

Commission previews comprehensive plans to tackle financial crisis as EU leaders gear up for international summit.

US and European leaders agree to series of summits on world finance.

EU leaders call for overhaul of international financial system.

EU guidance on bank rescues to protect taxpayers' money and ensure fair competition.

The agreement came in Paris at an emergency summit of the 15 euro countries. Leaders of all 27 EU governments are expected to examine the plan when they meet in Brussels on 15 October.

New rules on the table to curb bank practices blamed for financial crisis.

In an increasingly difficult global economy, prospects for economic growth in the EU worsen and inflation has not yet started to ease off.

Minimum tax EU countries must levy on cigarette and tobacco sales would rise gradually under proposal aimed at reducing smoking and smuggling.

Budgets in EU countries in much better shape but further action required for healthier public finances

As EU celebrates ten years of its single currency, Slovakia gets the nod to join eurozone in 2009.

The right tax systems boost economic growth, create jobs and keep us in work.

Europeans have chosen the new design for a commemorative 2-euro coin to mark the single currency's tenth birthday.

EU countries are making record time in adopting EU single market rules.

Europeans to vote on their favourite new design for a commemorative 2-euro coin marking ten years of the single currency.

Greater choice and better prices expected as EU consumer credit market is unified.

New coins and banknotes for the people of Cyprus and Malta as the two countries become the newest members of the eurozone.