UK tax policy dictated by companies not ministers says leading treasury expert

The UK’s tax policy is effectively dictated by companies and not ministers, according to a leading barrister and adviser to the treasury on its recent “Google tax”.

Euro Area Hits Cruising Speed as ECB Stimulus Adds to Momentum

The euro-area economy probably grew at the fastest pace in almost two years in the first quarter, underpinned by the start of the European Central Bank’s largest-ever stimulus program.

Britain records biggest budget surplus in seven years in January

Britain posted its biggest budget surplus since before the financial crisis in January, as stronger tax receipts put Chancellor George Osborne firmly back on track to meet the Government's borrowing target this year.

EU Stress Test Shows How Capital Rules Give Room to Hide

The European Union’s toughest-ever stress test was meant to leave banks with nowhere to hide. The results show how the bloc’s capital rules got in the way.

Concerns rise over US-EU trade talks

There are rising concerns in Europe over negotiations to liberalise trade with the United States. The project, the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or TTIP, aims to remove a wide range of barriers to bilateral commerce.

EU-US trade deal could add £10bn to UK economy a year, claims minister

The government has rebutted accusations that a vast free trade deal being negotiated between the EU and the US will act as a cover to privatise the NHS while also watering down food standards and banking regulations.

EU Banks Must Shun Bitcoin Until Rules in Place, EBA Says

The European Commission signaled it will try to impose rules on virtual currencies such as Bitcoin after the bloc’s banking regulator ordered lenders to shun them.

Europe's cybersecurity policy settings under attack

Brussels (AFP) - Even as Europe powered up its most ambitious ever cybersecurity exercise this month, doubts were being raised over whether the continent's patchwork of online police was right for the job.

Germany's current account surplus is a wider issue than it first appears

When the US treasury recently added its voice to the chorus of critics of Germany's chronic current account surplus, it underscored the deep disagreement over what, if anything, should be done about it.

Labour's Chuka Umunna slams government export schemes

Two major government export schemes have failed to help a single firm, the shadow business secretary has said.

Euro zone may need lower rates: ECB member

(Reuters) - Euro zone countries are experiencing a recovery but lower interest rates may be needed to nurture it, European Central Bank executive board member Benoit Coeure told France's Le Figaro newspaper on Friday.

Employers plan to take on more new graduates

A survey of 100 big employers suggests they are planning to increase the number of new graduates they take on this year.

Greece plays up progress as it takes on delicate EU presidency

(Reuters) - Greece took over the presidency of the European Union on Wednesday and chose the moment to deliver a staunch defense of its efforts to recover from six years of recession and two bailouts that have cost it more than 200 billion euros.

Monte Paschi delays approval of new rescue plan

(Reuters) - The board of Monte dei Paschi di Siena (BMPS.MI), Italy's third biggest lender, delayed approval on Tuesday of a restructuring plan aimed at winning European Union approval for a 4.1 billion-euro ($5.5 billion) state bailout and averting nationalization.

French auditor urges economic reforms to slash spending

France's national auditor has warned that further cuts in public spending are needed if the country is to get its ailing economy back on track.

Germany says 'no' to EU tariffs against China

BERLIN: Germany told the European Commission Monday that it rejected a proposal to slap tariffs on Chinese solar panel imports, its economy minister said.

Lew to Press for European Policy Changes

WASHINGTON — Jacob J. Lew began his first trip to Europe as Treasury secretary on Sunday, a four-city tour in which he is expected to try to persuade finance ministers to pursue a little more growth and a little less austerity to improve the economic fortunes of the Continent and the world.

Rehn: big bank depositors could bear cost of bank failure

People with big deposits could suffer a ‘haircut’ under planned European Union law if a bank fails, the EU's economic affairs chief Olli Rehn said.

Latvia formally applies to join eurozone

Latvia has applied to join the eurozone next year, a sign of the faith in the troubled currency bloc as it looks to become the 18th member.

European leaders inch towards deal on EU budget

European leaders are inching towards a deal on the EU's new seven-year €1tn (£860bn) budget that should allow David Cameron to argue he has succeeded in forcing a real cut in Brussels spending.