Staying ahead of the curve
A comprehensive review of the financial services landscape is necessary for the EU to address structural inefficiencies, ensure market dynamism and support long-term economic growth. The report emphasises that while Europe’s financial system has expanded in size and complexity, and there have been efforts to diversify and integrate financial markets, progress remains uneven, with fragmented […]
Why we need to rewire Europe’s financial sector – to end fragmentation and bolster integration
If Europe wants to stay ahead of the curve and be able to follow – and eventually lead – its international counterparts, the new European Commission should have a focused agenda that balances regulatory simplicity with forward-looking strategies. This is particularly the case in capital market integration, bank competitiveness, digital finance and sustainability. Over the […]
Analysis of developments in EU capital flows in the global context (2023)
With the start of the war in Ukraine, geo-economics and the risks of economic fragmentation are at the centre of the debate. A fast-evolving scenario has unveiled the extent of global interdependence and intricate interconnections through trade linkages, value-chain exposure and cross-border investment. Risks associated with supply-chain disruptions and the weaponisation of trade dependencies could […]
The EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment
Striking a different note from most commentators on the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), this paper finds that the Agreement does deliver on the EU’s negotiation mandate. It notes that much criticism of the CAI surfaced before the provisional agreement was actually published. This text-based analysis considers how the Agreement lifts the barriers to […]
How (more) equity financing for SMEs can become reality
The key challenge that European capital markets are facing in the current pandemic environment is how to recast the emergency rescue measures already implemented, in order to support the recapitalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and ensure their survival and growth in the long term. To achieve that, three questions need to be answered. […]