European Headlines
FT – Google shakes up European units in face of tougher rules
Search giant a focal point for backlash over surveillance and tax avoidance
WSJE – ECB’s test: find enough bonds to buy. The ECB has pledged to buy hundreds of billions of euros of government bonds to help revive the Eurozone economy. Now it will have to find them.
INYT – China steps up pressure on civic groups. Non-state organisations find their freedoms, and followers, are vanishing.
France
Le Monde – Islam: Minister Cazeneuve asks Muslims to rally. The Interior minister would like to create an institution to foster dialogue with all components of Islam, which would meet twice a year.
Les Echos – Deficit: postponement for France until end of current presidential mandate. The EC approves a two year delay for Paris to return to under 3%. Brussels expects 4 billion more in cuts. Unemployment records a surprise decline in January.
Germany
Frankfurter Algemeiner – Rüdiger Grube believes there is still a strike risk.
Deutsche Bahn chief considers the train drivers’ demands to be “completely unrealistic”.
SudDeutsche Zeitung – Tax scandal unsettles Commerzbank.
Germany’s second largest bank forced to concede that it is only now shutting down letterbox companies in Panama. Hitherto, the establishment has only admitted to “old cases”.
Italy
La Republica – Rai Way: the government rejects Mediaset’s plan. Enel on way to privatisation: the Treasury sells a 5.7% share.
The government has rejected Mediaset’s offer for TV and radio mast operator Rai Way. 51% of the company will remain public. The State also launched the divestment process for 5.7% of its capital in power company Enel.
Il Sole 24 Hora – Government stops Mediaset’s bid; Rai Way will remain public. Berlusconi’s company has launched a €1.22 billion public tender offer for the broadcast towers. The government immediately vetoed it; 51% of Rai Way must remain public.
Poland
Gazeta – In vitro without a marriage. PM Ewa Kopacz has waged a battle with conservatives in her Government and also in her Office to guarantee in vitro’s accessibility to all couples. Today, the case is referred to the Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers.
Spain
El Pais – Madrid paid extra bonuses to judges for attending meetings
The regional government created a special committee for nine judges
Expansion – Telefónica bets on dividends
The company will pay out €0.75 per share in 2015-2016
UK
The Times – Putin ready to turn off Europe’s gas supply Russia raises the stakes over Ukraine conflict
The Guardian – HSBC boss: I’m ashamed but not culpable. Chairman admits bank’s reputation is tainted but shifts blame to Swiss arm.
©europeanunion2015
