Bank Bailout Invites Scrutiny of Belgian Credit Risk
The partial nationalization of a Franco-Belgian investment bank confounds the financial difficulties of the Belgian state.
Western Europe
Aubry, Hollande Face Off in French Primary Contest
Former party boss François Hollande faces his successor, Martine Aubry, in the presidential primary.
Britain’s Labour Party Living in the Past
Ed Miliband claims to represent “new politics” but his class rhetoric suggests otherwise.
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?
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.
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.
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.
French Government Reluctant to Cut Spending
Austerity in France means raising taxes.
Eurobond Faces Major Obstacles
How would eurobonds work and why are they unpopular in the economically stronger north of Europe?