• The European Union's capital markets union (CMU) plan is in urgent need of a revamp. Because of Brexit, EU capital markets and supervision need to become more integrated. The ongoing deep recession increases the need for equity finance mobilised by capital markets. • The eleven EU...

The deep involvement of a number of euro-area banking groups in central and southeastern Europe has benefi tted the host countries and has strengthened the resilience of those banking groups. But this integration has become less close because of post-fi nancial crisis national rules that require...

The market for distressed debt will need to play a more prominent role in Europe's emerging strategy to tackle the legacy of non-performing loans (NPLs). This market could speed up NPL resolution and allow greater flexibility in bank balance sheet management. Investors could contribute crucial...

This paper attempts to explain the recent rise and differentiation of sovereign spreads across the countries of the eurozone. Following the onset of the subprime crisis in July 2007, spreads rose but mainly on account of common global factors. The rescue of Bear Stearns in March 2008 marked a...

The budget is an expression of political rather than economic priorities. We confirm this proposition for a group of new and potential members of the European Union, finding that politics dominates. The contemporary practice of democracy can increase budget deficits through not only ideological...

The global reach of Europe's banks is extensive and their foreign operations have supported financial development in European host countries, as has the profitability of bank groups headquartered in Europe. However, financial fragmentation threatens to reverse these gains and is evident in terms...