Topic: European Union

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When dictators fall, so do their banknotes

The following now defunct or possibly soon-to-be defunct banknotes are imbued with the symbols and iconography of their leaders, past and present.
Beyond the 'fiscal cliff': 6 reasons to be optimistic about America's future

As Americans take stock of 2012 and gear up for 2013, it's tempting to adopt "decline think" about the country, especially since there is still no deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff" of steep budget cuts and tax increases. But here are six reasons Americans should still be optimistic about their future.
In key Syrian city, snipers and bombing tear at fabric of daily life

As rebels and the Syrian government battle for control of Aleppo, residents tap caution – and dark humor – to survive.
10 ways the Android is better than iPhone 5

Sure a larger iPhone screen, 4G LTE support and a faster CPU are welcome additions, but Apple is a year late and $199 short. Android has provided all these features and more.
For these four nations, 2012 is worse than the Great Recession

The Great Recession of 2008/09 delivered the worst blow to the global economy since the 1930s. But in a few nations, 2012 is turning out to be worse than 2009 in terms of economic growth. Europe's debt crisis, the general slowing of the world economy, and domestic political troubles have played a role in undercutting 2012 growth for one or more of these four nations. Can you guess who they are?

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Robert Reich How corporations pressure government into tax breaks and subsidies

Google, Amazon, Starbucks, every other major corporation, and every big Wall Street bank, are sheltering as much of their US profits abroad as they can, Reich writes, while telling Washington that lower corporate taxes are necessary in order to keep the US 'competitive.'
In visit with Pope, Angela Merkel urges strong financial regulation

Two days after Pope Francis called for world finance reform, German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with him to discuss financial crises worldwide. She emphasized the need for tightening financial regulation.
EU austerity hawks shrug off criticism of flawed academic paper

Despite a new paper detailing flaws in the Rogoff-Reinhart study that has been used to argue in favor of austerity policies, Europe's austerity advocates are holding course.
Spain's controversial educational reform: Will the Green Tide wash it away?

New government reforms aim to reduce Spain's dropout rate. But they are opposed by green-shirted protesters from the education sector, known as the Green Tide.
The Monitor's View: How Europe can find its feet again

Now in its longest recession since World War II, Europe is the world economy's weakest link. But as it achieves financial stability, it must now focus on structural overhaul to spur innovation and worker retraining.
Stash your cash in Switzerland? US and Europe push to make it harder.

A Spanish court ruling and investigations spurred by whistleblowers are aimed at scaring tax evaders and raising revenue. One watchdog's list could lead to some 300 billion euros in tax havens.
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator: we're being asked to make all the sacrifices

Saeed Jalili, Iran's top nuclear negotiator and a contender in the June presidential election, sat down with the Monitor to share his views about an 'unbalanced' nuclear offer made by world powers.
Global News Blog Germany's uncomfortable role as Europe's 'economic police'

Since World War II, Germany has preferred to stay out of international leadership roles. But the eurocrisis has put the country at Europe's head – with all the criticism that entails.
Drunk driving: Why is MADD among critics of lower alcohol limit?

The National Transportation Safety Board is proposing that the legal limit for a driver's blood-alcohol content be reduced from 0.08 to 0.05. Critics say it's the wrong focus for anti-drunk driving efforts.
Iran nuclear talks in Istanbul show progress remains elusive

Talks in Istanbul today over Iran's nuclear program and sanctions that have crippled its economy yielded little in the way of progress.
As Europe struggles, the Franco-German alliance turns testy

The relationship between France and Germany undergirds postwar Europe – and some worry the countries' increased sniping over economic woes is threatening the EU's foundation.
Opinion: What could finally topple Iran's regime? Earthquakes.

Poor government response to earthquakes in Iran exposes the regime's corruption and incompetence. As the EU's Catherine Ashton and Iran’s Saeed Jalili meet in Turkey today, Tehran should heed history’s warning: No nuclear program can save a regime from a toppling earthquake.
Energy Voices Oil boom boosts US, but Europe could see decline

The benefits of the North American oil boom on this side of the Atlantic are well-documented – and the same technologies might help developing nations. But Europe's energy industry, which separately became a target of a price-fixing investigation, could emerge as a loser.
No clear path forward for Bulgaria after election split

The discovery of hundreds of thousands of illegal ballots has left Sunday's already divisive electoral results even more uncertain – and likely compounded Bulgaria's ongoing problems.
Japanese yen plunges to four-year low. G7 unlikely to act.

Japanese yen's plunge vs. the dollar makes its exports cheaper and its companies more competitive. G7 finance ministers will focus on the Japanese yen at talks in the UK this weekend.
Is Europe witnessing 'the end of the dogma of austerity'?

France's finance minister said so this week, just the latest in a growing chorus calling for a change to Brussels' hardline adherence to budget cuts as the solution to Europe's debt crisis.
Will Dutch police soon be stalking cybercriminals on your computer?

A minister has proposed empowering Dutch law enforcement to access and control the computers of suspected cybercriminals, even if those computers are outside of the Netherlands.
Bangladesh factory collapse death toll passes 1,000

By Friday, May 10, the death toll from the Bangladesh factory collapse had reached 1,021, and more bodies are still being found. A fire at a nearby sweater factory highlighted that safety conditions in Bangladesh factories have not been improved in the two weeks since the factory collapse.
The Monitor's View: Glint of a Mideast peace as Turkey-Kurd pact plays out

A peace deal to end a long, violent Middle East conflict between Turkey and its minority Kurds began Wednesday when PKK rebels began a retreat into Iraq under a cease-fire. Now Turkey must deliver its part of the bargain. Both sides recognize a new reality in the region.
Venezuela's Maduro globe trots: building regional ties or a domestic distraction?

On his first official trip abroad, Venezuela's new leader is visiting Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil. But a domestic dispute over the legality of Maduro's presidential victory drags on at home.
Donors pledge cash to Somalia to rein in terrorist threat

At a conference in London, international donors said they'd give $350 million to Somalia's new government. Most of the money would go toward beefing up the feeble security sector.
Notorious Egyptian terror group tries to carve a nonviolent path in politics

Al Gamaa al-Islamiya, which waged a deadly campaign of terror against the government for decades, says it has renounced violence and wants a spot in Egypt's fledgling democracy.
Why China is welcoming both Israel's Netanyahu and Palestinians' Abbas

The coinciding visits to Beijing of the Israeli prime minister and the Palestinian Authority president this week speak to China's growing interests in the Middle East.
Hollande's popularity hits new lows after a year at France's helm

President François Hollande was expected to bring about reform and fight austerity when he took office a year ago. But his term so far has been mired in protest and scandal.
Portugal adds an hour to public employees workday as part of budget cuts

In order to meet its bailout targets, Portugal will raise the retirement age by one year to 66 and increase the workday for public employees by an extra hour. The measures will save roughly 4.8 billion euros.