BPCE to acquire Belgian bank Nagelmackers
Nagelmackers, Belgium’s oldest bank, is set to be acquired by La Caisse d’Epargne Hauts de France, a regional bank under the umbrella of the French banking group BPCE.
French deadlock: Investors warned of volatility ahead
Sunday’s French elections have averted the worst-case scenario of a far-right victory but have plunged the country into a period of political uncertainty and potential paralysis.
Made in Europe: France wants to save EU industry
Discussing and agreeing a single and coordinated EU “industry policy” has often been difficult and controversial in Brussels. Yet, all of a sudden, the “i-word” is back in fashion; the European Union should even make it the reason for its existence, according to newly reported internal documents. Investors however have few fond memories of plans like these.
‘We tried to civilise Russia. We did not succeed.’
In a world where new powers, forces and risks are emerging, it is time to reset the EU’s common foreign and defence policy, says Joachim Bitterlich. Chancellor Helmut Kohl’s chief advisor talks to Investment Officer about what a lack of realpolitik brings about. “How do we ensure our economic independence in a world with challenges like China, Russia and Africa? It is about raw materials, trade relations, investments and avoiding dependencies.”
Draghi’s promise is at stake
President Biden and Olaf Scholz, the new German Chancellor, are not on the same page regarding Nordstream 2. Biden threatens that no natural gas will flow through the pipeline if Russia invades Ukraine. But for Germany, Moscow is much closer and Scholz will realise that 40 percent of all natural gas in Europe comes from Russia.
Unlike the Netherlands, Germany is actually switching to natural gas, away from lignite and oil boilers. Meanwhile in Moscow, Macron is trying to de-escalate the issue, if only for the upcoming French elections.