The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced on 26 January that it is providing a EUR 70 million loan to Austrian company AVL List GmbH (AVL) to help fund research, including R&D projects for hybrid and fully electric powertrains as well as advanced driver assistance systems for connected and autonomous vehicles.
Meeting on 23 January, EU finance ministers removed eight jurisdictions from the EU’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, following commitments made at a high political level to remedy EU concerns.
Pierre Moscovici, Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs
At their meeting on 22 January, euro area finance ministers reached a political agreement on the third review of Greece’s economic adjustment programme, based on the conclusion that the Greek authorities have implemented nearly all reforms required under the review.
Agenda
Public consultation on EU funds in the area of investment, research & innovation, SMEs and single market. Deadline 8 March 2018.
Public consultation on building a proportionate regulatory environment to support SME listing. Deadline 26 February 2018.
Public consultation on fake news and online disinformation. Deadline 23 February 2018.
Which fiscal policy instruments are most effective at reducing income equality?
Euro area annual inflation was 1.4% in December 2017, down from 1.5% in November.
The Commission has welcomed the entry into force of new rules obliging Member States to give tax authorities access to data collected under anti-money laundering legislation.
Bulgaria’s EU Presidency has started with a EUR 100 million Juncker Plan loan for agri-pharma business Huvepharma to finance a boost in production levels and research and development in the area of animal health.
In December, the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) increased further, continuing the upward trend observable since autumn 2016.
“I am highly motivated to take on the helm of the Eurogroup. We have a unique window of opportunity to deepen monetary union, making our common currency more resilient against future crises.”
On 13 January, Mário Centeno started his mandate as Eurogroup President, taking over from Jeroen Dijsselbloem who had served in the position since 2013.
Agenda
Public consultation on fake news and online disinformation. Deadline 23 February 2018.
Public consultation on the fair taxation of the digital economy. Deadline 3 January 2018.
Targeted consultation on the draft Guidance on Public Procurement of Innovation. Deadline 2 January 2018.
Extension of the European Fund for Strategic Investments – EFSI 2.0
