ECB to use own funds portfolio to invest in BIS’ euro-denominated green bond fund BIS’ fund invests in renewable energy production and energy efficiency projects Step marks ECB’s contribution to environmental objectives and EU climate goals
New unit, operational as of early 2021, to strengthen and bring together ECB work on climate Decision reflects growing importance of climate change for the economy and the ECB’s policy Climate change centre will shape and steer climate agenda
Ukraine has re-classified Hungary as high-risk regarding the coronavirus epidemic, Ukrainian news agency UNIAN said.
460,000 counterfeit euro banknotes withdrawn from circulation in 2020, a historically low level in proportion to banknotes in circulation About two thirds of the total were €20 and €50 banknotes Euro banknotes continue to be a trusted and safe means of payment All euro banknotes can be verified using the “feel, look and tilt” method
Shorter-term inflation expectations largely unchanged; longer-term inflation expectations unchanged at 1.7% Opposing revisions to real GDP growth outlook, with near-term forecasts revised down but stronger rebound envisaged thereafter Unemployment rate expectations revised down across all horizons
Just as Portugal is taking the reins of the EU and is pushing the social agenda up the list of priorities, the EESC is hosting a virtual exhibition of work by Portuguese artist Maria Reis Rocha which pays tribute to human connection and solidarity.
The EESC’s youth event Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) 2021 will model the United Nations’ climate change conference (COP), with students giving their take on how to deal with the climate crisis and come closer to the 2050 climate-neutral ambitions.
By Ronny Lannoo, member of the EESC Diversity Europe Group and of Belgian SME organisation UNIZO The self-employed are often associated with “making a fast buck” and success. This caricature overshadows the many challenges entrepreneurs face. Self-employment always goes hand in hand with risks, in both the business and the private sphere.
By the EESC Workers’ Group Industrial change may mean better jobs and working conditions, with sustainable growth and inclusiveness. Or it might mean rampant inequality and poverty, soaring unemployment for certain groups, and eventually a fracture in social cohesion that will endanger the EU and democracy itself.
Following the US election, the EESC’s Follow-up Committee on Transatlantic Relations met on 15 December in a bid to re-establish a strong partnership with US civil society.
