The Folly of a Financial Transaction Tax
A bank levy will fail to raise revenue but not before urging companies to move their trades out of Europe.
Europe
German Parliament Votes to Expand Euro Rescue Fund
After Austria and Finland, Germany ratifies the expansion of Europe’s bailout fund.
Huge Gasfield Discovered in North West England
Will the environmentalist lobby allow Britain to fully take advantage of its domestic gas reserves?
Finland, Netherlands Resist Expansion Bailout Fund
Dutch and Finnish leaders oppose expanding Europe’s bailout fund but urge a quick resolution to its debt crisis.
French Socialists Win Senate Majority
The left-wing opposition in France takes control of what used to be a conservative bastion.
Green Cosmopolitanism Fashionable in North Europe
Socially liberal green parties are on the rise from Britain to Berlin.
Italy’s Credit Rating Suffers Further Downgrade
A rating agency says Italy’s weak growth and fragile government may not endure more austerity.
Eurobonds Thwarted by German High Court
A German court decision puts the issuance of eurobonds on hold.
Germany’s New Selfish Foreign Policy
The familiar postwar Atlantic order may be upset if Germany pursues a foreign policy that makes sense.
French Socialists Promise Growth, Fiscal Restraint
The left’s presidential candidates tried to convince voters that they will revive economic growth and reduce public expenditures.
Europe Seeks to Counter Russian Influence in Caspian
European countries pursue a common energy policy in Central Asia on the eve of a major gas find in Azerbaijan.
Socialists May Return to Power in Denmark
Denmark’s ruling coalition of conservatives and liberals is likely to be unseated in favor of a left-wing government.
Policy Divide Persists Among G7 Nations
Americans urge “unequivocal” support for troubled eurozone nations. Germany insists the priority is austerity.
Dutch Threaten Eurozone Exit for Profligate Nations
The Dutch say countries that won’t submit to stricter fiscal rules should consider leaving the euro.
Another Electoral Setback for Germany’s Ruling Parties
The ruling conservative and liberal parties suffer defeats in regional elections.