This impasse looks like the result of a hasty set of calculations on what might happen, which is, among others, the results of the recent change-of-guard in Cyprus on the one hand, and of the hardening stance of Europe on the other hand. ... Continue Reading

The recent scandal with Tesco's burgers has reignited a discussion about who, along the value chain, should bear the brunt of responsibility for a product. ... Continue Reading

The European Union has run out of steam. First constructed to defuse tensions following two world wars and help create a bigger and deeper marketplace, it was then refurbished as an aspirational club to which poorer southern European and former Soviet Bloc countries could belong.... Continue Reading

So the Davos schmooze-fest is over, and it’s been quite fun. One of the high points was organizing and moderating a private session on reforming the reform agenda.... Continue Reading

The EU has taken a hesitant but crucial step towards its own integration and the survival of the Euro. Through the provision of bank guarantees, the vicious circle between latent currency instability and deposit runs may have been broken. Bankia may be relieved that it will not be run into the ground by Spaniards’ fear of a Euro-exit.... Continue Reading

After a narrow electoral victory, centre-right ND is in the process of forming a coalition government with centre-left PASOK and left-wing DIMAR, with an aim to renegotiate the MOU and remain in the Euro. Its medium term prospects remain bleak. The politics remain messy, the underlying structural issues persist, and Greece is in a contraction spiral that reduces its tax receipts and social security contributions. The government coalition will also rest on parties and people responsible for this mess, making the chances of a real turnaround doubtful. Greeks may have bought another summer in the Euro and the Eurozone may have bought time to better prepare for a potential Grexit.... Continue Reading

While Greece is teetering at the edge of chaos, Michael G Jacobides argues that neither Greek parties nor the EU or the IMF are focusing on the real problem.... Continue Reading