Archive
Year: 2010
-
Zero Growth Offers No Relief in Euro Crisis
April 7, 2010
Zero GDP growth in the eurozone for the last quarter of 2009 and a feeble recovery in the first quarter of 2010 is not what most of Europe’s finance ministers might wish to hear, but that’s the latest message from the OECD. It just shows what a challenge Europe faces in restoring the strength of public finances, most especially in Greece and other eurozone countries facing massive budget deficits. There is certainly no sign of...
-
They just don’t understand me!
April 2, 2010
As a consultant in the public affairs sector here in Brussels I am beginning to sound a lot like many representatives of other industries I meet. The recent furor in the UK over ex-ministers allegedly seeking lobbying jobs with journalists posing as fake companies made me let out a cry of desperation and exclaim "they just don't understand what we do!" Before I start don't get me wrong, the ministers concerned may or may not...
-
Who said what last week on energy?
March 31, 2010
We've flagged our conference last week on financing Europe's energy needs shamelessly on this blog in recent days and weeks. You'll be happy to know, no more. This is the last reference to it we shall make. Just to note for the 150 souls that didn't make it off the waiting list to gain entrance, many of the principal speakers agreed kindly to repeat some of their main points to camera post their conference interventions...
-
Combating climate change: it’s a marathon
March 26, 2010
At the Financing Europe's Energy Needs conference on Wednesday, which, I might add (and completely impartially), was a huge success, speaker Russel Mills (Global Director of Energy & Climate Change Policy for Dow Chemicals) described the climate change mission as a 'long marathon' and profoundly questioned, 'how do we win this marathon?' In an attempt to inspire the pessimists and sceptics amongst you I wanted to take Mr. Mills' incredibly apt metaphor and extend it...
-
Carbon Market – The EU Goes It Alone?
March 25, 2010
Yesterday at the FH/Barclays Capital Conference on Financing Energy Needs, a lot was said about financing mechanisms for energy investments and climate mitigation measures. As argued by Philip Lowe and Jos Delbeke, the lion’s share of funds will have to come from private sources, because of Member States’ reluctance to dedicate national funds in these times of economic crisis. Another source of revenue will eventually come from carbon markets, but with current low carbon prices...
-
Insights from the home front
March 25, 2010
With an election by all accounts little more than a month or so away, yesterday's UK budget is perhaps a key marker in a national election that will no doubt further define one of most reluctant member state's relationship with the European project. True to form our UK colleagues led by Nick Williams and Julie Harris have turned out not only a blog post on the budget but also a Budget Insight Special 2010 briefing...
-
Join Us: Financing Europe’s Energy Needs and Climate Action in the 21st Century
March 24, 2010
In support of the European Union's efforts to achieve its ambitious emission reduction targets, this high level event, jointly organised by Fleishman-Hillard and Barclays Capital, will bring together representatives from the financial services, energy and environment sectors respectively. Discussions will focus around the financing requirements associated with the development of Europe's energy infrastructure. This conference follows on the heels of the Copenhagen Climate Summit, and with the new European Commission already setting its sights on...
-
Follow ‘Financing Europe’s Energy Needs’ online
March 23, 2010
Tomorrow sees our conference on financing Europe's energy needs at the Bibliotheque Solvay. Alas, we reached the 200 delegate limit some time ago and so there is around 100 of you that won't get to attend in person due to Belgium's pesky fire regulations. Fear not. You can follow discussions on our Twitter feed www.twitter.com/eurotwittering or using the hashtag #euenergy If you are there in person, feel free to join in the conversation online. We...
-
Bilateral deals will open up EU trade
March 23, 2010
Eighteen months ago, when the world economy seemed on the brink of collapse, one of the biggest fears was that economic depression would trigger a global wave of protectionism. So it’s all the more surprising that Europe is busily working on new trade treaties. The EU is on the brink of finalising a major free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea, has opened negotiations with Vietnam and Singapore and is aiming to conclude a deal...
-
Bilateral Deals Will Open up EU Trade
March 22, 2010
Eighteen months ago, when the world economy seemed on the brink of collapse, one of the biggest fears was that economic depression would trigger a global wave of protectionism. So it’s all the more surprising that Europe is busily working on new trade treaties. The EU is on the brink of finalising a major free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea, has opened negotiations with Vietnam and Singapore and is aiming to conclude a deal...