The bloc’s economy has lost competitiveness, particularly compared with that of the United States. However, the Commission’s document appears to correctly identify the causes of the malfunction, ranging from misguided regulation to market fragmentation

I will not be voting in the ECB poll; I have too much self-respect for that. None of the candidates in the running is a uniquely European figure. Had they cared about identity, the Eurocrats would have proposed Saint Benedict of Norcia as the patron saint of Europe. But they would have had to believe in something: in Christ

The Central Bank has invited Europeans to give their views, until 21 September, on the five series of banknotes for each of the two chosen themes, ‘European Culture’ and ‘Rivers and Birds’. From Maria Callas to Leonardo da Vinci to the kingfisher. Here are the designs

Energy shock, part two. US President Trump’s announcement this evening of a massive attack on Iran, coupled with fears that, in addition to the Strait of Hormuz, shipping through the Red Sea may also be disrupted following the Houthis’ attack on a Saudi oil tanker, and the price of Brent crude, have shifted investor sentiment

The deposit rate remains at 2.25 per cent, the main refinancing rate at 2.40 per cent and the marginal lending rate at 2.65 per cent