Weeks, John, (2015), “Economic Recovery? Why Eurozone Under-performance Continues”, Social Europe Journal, 25 Αυgust Prior to the release of growth statistics in the middle of August there was widespread expectation that a sustained eurozone recovery would at last be verified. However, the numbers showed a result familiar to long suffering commuters all over Europe – “we regret that this service is delayed”. This is far from the first such disappointment …Read More

Mody, Ashoka, Wolff, Guntram, (2015), “Euro Area Banks Remain Vulnerable”, Bruegel publications, 21 Αυγούστου The euro area’s biggest banks have reported record profits. The stress tests published by the European Central Bank late last year showed that the largest banks—those with assets of more than €500 billion—have been able to cut their non-performing exposures and increase their provisions. But the euro area banking system is not out of the woods. …Read More

Bluedorn, John,  Ilyina, Anna, Iossifov, Plamen, (2015), “Banking Union Before Euro Adoption: Flak Jacket or Straitjacket?”, IMF Direct, 19 Αυgust All European Union members, except Denmark and the United Kingdom, are expected under EU treaties to eventually adopt the euro. Six Central and Eastern EU members – Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania – are yet to do so. In the meantime, these countries have a decision to make: Should they opt in …Read More