European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
financial instruments
Amending securitisation requirements for the impact of coronavirus [EU Legislation in Progress]
Preserving the ability of banks to continue lending to companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, is key when it comes to softening the economic impact of the pandemic and easing recovery. Continue reading
Fintech (financial technology) and the European Union: State of play and outlook
The financial technology (fintech) sector encompasses firms that use technology-based systems either to provide financial services and products directly, or to make the financial system more efficient. Continue reading
Review of the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR): Updated rules on supervision of central counterparties (CCPs) [EU Legislation in Progress]
The increasing importance of central counterparties (CCPs) and challenges such as the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU call for a more comprehensive supervision of CCPs in EU and non-EU countries to secure financial market infrastructure and build confidence. Continue reading
Financial technology (FinTech): Prospects and challenges for the EU [Policy Podcast]
Written by Cemal Karakas, Carla Stamegna, FinTech, the abbreviation for financial technology, is a broad term. It is mainly used to refer to firms that use technology-based systems either to provide financial services and products directly, or to try to make the financial system more efficient. Examples include robotic trading, cashless payments, crowdfunding platforms, robo-advice, … Continue reading
Recovery and resolution of central counterparties (CCPs) [EU Legislation in Progress]
In recent years, the role and systemic importance of central counterparties (CCPs) has expanded with the gradual implementation of the obligation to centrally clear liquid and standardised over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives. Continue reading
Prospectuses for investors [EU Legislation in Progress]
Written by Angelos Delivorias (3rd edition), On 30 November 2015, the European Commission published a proposal for a regulation on prospectuses (legal documents that provide details about an investment offer in an easily analysable format) to replace Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended by Directives 2008/11/EC, 2010/73/EU and 2010/78/EU. The aims of the regulation are to contribute … Continue reading
The ECB and the financial crisis: Rigid theory vs a pragmatic approach
Written by Cemal Karakas The European Central Bank’s (ECB) main objective is stable inflation in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). During the financial crisis, the ECB decided to face the economic slump by, amongst other actions, increasing and then decreasing interest rates and the money supply. In addition, it launched a quantitative easing (QE) … Continue reading
Covered bonds – ripe for expansion?
Written by Angelos Delivorias The covered bond is a debt instrument with a long history in Europe. There has never been a default of a covered bond, and they performed relatively well during the latest financial crisis. They are characterised by the double protection offered to their holders, the separation of collateralised assets in a … Continue reading
Crowdfunding – an alternative financing option for SMEs
Written by Agnieszka Widuto The economic and financial crisis has significantly reduced banks’ lending to businesses. This gap in financing, coupled with the rise of social media and interactive online platforms, has contributed to the increased popularity of crowdfunding as a possible alternative source of funding. In this context, the European Commission adopted a communication … Continue reading
Microfinance in Europe and within Cohesion Policy
The European Union runs microfinance programmes (loans under €25 000) for self-employed people and businesses with fewer than 10 employees. The EU does not directly provide microloans (loans up to €25 000) to individuals or businesses, but provides guarantees, loans and equity to intermediaries who can then lend to small businesses or make available equity … Continue reading
EU budget for growth and employment – In Focus
The EU has recently set its budgetary priorities for the next seven years, adopting the 2014-20 Multiannual Framework Programme (MFF). Two briefings present the key points of the agreement and its flexibility provisions allowing some additional room for maneuver in multi-year planning to promote growth and to fight unemployment. Overall, the 2014-20 MFF allocates up … Continue reading
Social dimension of austerity measures: Cases of four EU countries in receipt of financial assistance
The economic and financial crisis has been affecting the EU since 2008. The effects of growing budgetary deficits have included the increase in governments’ borrowing costs to unsustainable levels in Greece, Portugal, Ireland and Spain, forcing them to request financial assistance. In return, they committed themselves to reducing the deficits through spending cuts and increases … Continue reading
EU financial instruments for external action
6 language versions available in PDF format EU-Finanzinstrumente für auswärtiges Handeln Instrumentos financieros de la UE para la acción exterior Les instruments financiers de l’Union pour l’action extérieure Strumenti finanziari dell’UE per l’azione esterna Instrumenty finansowania działań zewnętrznych UE EU financial instruments for external action New proposed regulations for European Union (EU) financial instruments for … Continue reading
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