Euro crisis summit in Brussels

EU summit, the first act. The leaders of the EU started in Brussels on Sunday morning a summit with the goal of trying to overcome their differences on how to stem the debt crisis that is destabilizing the euro area. The meeting began around 10:20. However, no decision is expected at the end of the summit of which the second act is expected Wednesday. This afternoon, the summit will continue with a meeting of Heads of State of 17 countries in the euro area.

Europe is facing economically to "serious challenges", said President of the European Union, Herman Van Rompuy, at the opening of the meeting. He believed that the decisions to be taken by European leaders to address was "perhaps the most important" they've ever had to face the financial crisis.Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, also felt it was "time" to take "decisive and effective." "It is clear that the crisis (debt) is not Greek. This is a European crisis, "he judged.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, however, dampened expectations about the outcome of the summit, from the outset, reaffirming that decisions could be taken next week. "For me it is important to reiterate that today we prepare the decisions of Wednesday" because the negotiations are about "subjects sometimes technically very complex, she said on her arrival in Brussels.

"You have to reassure the markets"

For its part, the Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme has tried hard not announce anything at all on Sunday, in light of market pressure."It is essential for tomorrow morning at the opening of markets, we have made sufficient progress so as not to jeopardize the credibility of the euro area," he said. Same story for the European partners have not adopted the single currency, which are concerned about the fallout from the debt crisis. "The crisis in the euro area is being extended to all our economies, including that of Great Britain ', launched the British Prime Minister David Cameron.

What response to the crisis the Europeans do they negotiate? This response is intended in three stages. It must first stabilize the over-indebted Greece and save him a total failure. This will require further international loans and losses of creditor banks in the country. Europe the figure to at least 50%.According to the report of the troika (representatives of the EU, the ECB and the IMF), the discount should be 60% to maintain unchanged the envelope of € 109 billion promised to Greece, as part a second rescue plan officially recorded on July 21 payday loans for self employed. "We remain willing to explore options on a voluntary basis [for each facility, Ed] and realistic prospects for the economy of Greece and the return of that country on the capital markets," said Charles Dallara Saturday night , the president of the Institute of International Finance (IIF), which brings together major global banks.

In return, a bank recapitalization is provided. Countries of the European Union discussed a budget from 107 to 108 billion euros at the meeting of finance ministers on Saturday night. Remains to define the terms.

It will also strengthen the Fund's financial assistance for the euro area countries in difficulty, the EFSF, firewall against the contagion to Italy and Spain. But differences remain on how to do this, especially between France and Germany. Yesterday, the French proposal to grant a banking license in EFSF was discarded. Only two options are being discussed to increase the firepower of the device: the mechanism acts as a partial insurance of the public debt of troubled countries or the IMF is expected to increase its participation in the scheme.

European governance side, Angela Merkel reaffirmed that a "change treaty should not be taboo", to improve fiscal discipline among member countries of the EU. The topic will be on the table at the summit today.Yesterday, the German foreign minister, Guido Westerwelle, proposed to bring in the future before the European Court of Justice countries too lax on the budget in the euro area through a revision of the Treaty of the European Union. In addition, leaders should appoint Herman Van Rompuy, the EU president, as head of the eurozone, according to a draft final declaration obtained by AFP.

For the summit this Sunday, German Chancellor and French President had also met Saturday night to try to resolve their differences, following a meeting of EU finance ministers. They both welcomed the "progress" and "advanced" made in the negotiations.

(With agencies)

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Greece: the banks will have to contribute more

Creditor banks in Greece will have to accept losses "substantial" in the new bailout of the country known to be substantially revised at the deterioration of the situation in the country, warned Saturday. At a meeting of central bankers on Friday night in the only euro area, "we agreed to say that we had to have a substantial increase in the contribution of the banks' rescue of Greece, as a impairment of their claims, said the leader of European finance ministers, Jean-Claude Juncker.

According to diplomatic sources, the ministers agreed to effectively negotiate with the banks at a discount of "at least 50%" against a target of 21% decided on July 21 with the banking sector.They thus de facto endorsed the conclusions of an expert report which was presented by the troika of donor funds in Greece (EU, ECB and IMF). The paper believes that a discount of 50 or 60% hope to stabilize Greece without having to increase in the amount of gigantic international loans that have already been promised.

A "discount" is the term used in relation to the financial depreciation of the value of loans taken by creditors in this case private banks and investment funds that hold government debt. A discount of 50% of the private sector, the second program of public financial support pledged July 21 to Greece, however, should be slightly revised upwards with government loans (Europe and IMF) to 114 billion euros, against 109 billion euros at the time scheduled.To maintain the envelope of 109 billion euros unchanged, it would bring the discount to 60%, according to calculations by experts online payday loans.

"It is also an effort by the private sector"

In any event, the second bailout in late July, just after the first amounting to 110 billion euros agreed in spring 2010, will have to be redesigned. "It's pretty clear that we need a substantial discount on Greek debt," also said Saturday the Swedish Finance Minister Anders Borg on his arrival in Brussels for a meeting with colleagues from across the EU."We will now work on a new plan in Greek and this new plan is true that there is a substantial effort to Greece again, there is an effort by European countries and will also require an effort of the private sector" said his Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders.

The question is whether the banks that have so far dragged its feet to give the pot, will accept a negotiated settlement does not pass through a default of Greece said "messy" serious consequences. "It's a negotiation s'entame," said Didier Reynders. In return for the effort required on the Greek claims, it is intended to recapitalize European banks to the tune of nearly 100 billion euros.The subject was Saturday in the agenda of the ministerial meeting, before a meeting in the evening between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the EU summit on Sunday.

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A subway project in the Channel

Do we take the subway to Calais soon the morning to work in 25 minutes on the other side of the Channel in Ashford, and go home at night by the same means? This is the project defended tooth and nail by an association of French entrepreneurs in southern England. The Union of French Citizens Abroad organized Thursday a day of employment and business in the region where the project was presented shuttle Channel.

Olivier Cadic, an entrepreneur of 49 years, Councillor elected to the Assembly of French abroad, moved to Ashford fifteen years ago "because it was the first stop on the Eurostar," to escape the French tax burden, creating a media outcry.It was followed by other entrepreneurs from ready to provide many jobs.

"It's hard to recruit because the high cost of real estate in Kent do not allow employees to set up small, explains Olivier Cadic. An electronics company came along with me, which now employs 1,500 people, would be willing to offer 100 jobs immediately. Or just on the other side of the Channel to Calais, there is 25% unemployment. The TER of the Pas de Calais stops at the entrance of the tunnel. It's absurd. "

For 2012 Olympics

For its proponents, the metro project under the English Channel would be easily achievable. Eight TER trains purchased by the Nord-Pas de Calais originally for a project linking Lille-Manchester, could very well use the tunnel to get to Ashford in less than half an hour cash advance now.Eurotunnel, used only 55% of its capacity, is all for this binding would increase its revenues. SNCF, partner Southeastern Railway on the other side of the Channel, did not object either.

Consul General of France in London, Edouard Braine, is optimistic. "It's a certainty it will happen. Just look at a map and see that there is full complementarity between the two regions. Cross-border workers are already doing this ride by carpooling Eurotunnel but that's not very practical. And this is not the business of Eurostar to the local service. "The high speed train between Paris and Ashford has phased out most of his stops at Calais and London to optimize speed between the two capitals.In addition, its prices are prohibitive for commuting.

The ball is in the camp of the Nord-Pas de Calais, which seems to drag to decide. One question: is there a sufficiently large market to recoup such an operation? The members of the association believe that the London Olympics in 2012 would be a great opportunity to launch the line.

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"The mother of all strikes" paralyze Greece

A country paralyzed, a city under siege. While millions of Greeks are called to go on strike for 48 hours, 10 police squads have erected fences riot around the place of parliament in central Athens. The movement must be "the mother of all strikes," warned Tuesday the leftist daily Ta Nea.

Nearly 20,000 protesters began to march at 9 am Wednesday in the capital to converge to the emblematic Syntagma Square, political heart of the country. In June, violent clashes with security forces had driven the rally.

"We will send a strong message to the government and political system," promised Tsikritas Costas, head of the ADEDY union representing public service. "We believe that the mobilization will be huge." The general strike could indeed be the largest since a long time.Administrations, public transportation, businesses, and even bakers are required to stop work and march against the rigor introduced by the Socialist government.

This is putting pressure on MPs to discuss for three days from Thursday, new austerity measures. The consideration for the payment of the next $ 8 billion euros, as part of the plan of 110 billion granted by the EU and the IMF in spring 2010.

"Blackmail"

Prime Minister George Papandreou has been determined: "All these people who blackmail and take the country hostage, occupying buildings, leaving garbage piled in the streets, closing ports and the Parthenon, must explain how this will help us get back on our feet Payday Loan for Bad Credit. "

He also called for unity."We must continue this war, as a people, as a government, as a caucus to enable the country to win it, he argued. We will win for the country, we will continue. That's why I'm here. "The head of government has a narrow majority of four seats in Parliament.

However, concerns remain on the eve of the vote of austerity on the discipline of PASOK. A member of the Socialist Group has resigned in protest Monday. Two others have threatened to vote against it. A small opposition party could come in and vote for reinforcement.

The new austerity measures, which account for 6.6 billion euros, include reductions in wages and pensions, designed to place laid off 30,000 employees and to establish a single salary scale in the public .The government also wants to lower the threshold of annual taxable income to 5,000 euros.

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The newspaper editors united against Apple

The French press bristled. In a joint statement, the leading provider of daily newspapers and magazine announced Friday that it will not NewsStand titles in the digital kiosk that has just been launched by Apple with its new mobile operating system (IOS 5) . Digital versions of newspapers are accessible via the iPhone and iPad applications.

"The trading conditions imposed by Apple today are unacceptable," consider the union of the national daily press (SPQN), the Union of the regional daily press (SPQR), the SPM, which represents the magazine, and professional union the magazine of opinion (SPPMO)."They are undermining the economic model of the press and ultimately reduce the choices available to Internet users."

Newspaper publishers have stalled on several issues with Apple charges for the sale of newspapers imposed, failure to provide subscription multi-platform and commission rates, considered "excessive". It is 30% for any sale in the App Store – be it a press title, a video game or a piece of music. But more than the standard rate of commission is the loss of control over customer relationships that worries the press."Personal data readers are the property of Apple and are not systematically shared with publishers, yet anxious to establish a relationship of trust with their readers to better take into account their expectations, 'the publishers.

Call for government

These criticisms have emerged since the launch of the platform download App Store in 2008 and is shared by publishers around the world. Newspapers have tried to deal with the manufacturer in developing their own applications, offering subscriptions multi-platform on their websites and enlançant a common digital kiosk application in late June (e-Presse premium). But the very existence of the latter is now threatened by NewsStand."We have not intended to be distributed by a single booth, but we want to be distributed under normal conditions," said one editor.

French media owners could benefit from the organization of the conference "New World 2.0" by Minister Eric Besson, this weekend, to educate government and foreign players to their difficulties. The battle is not won. As with Condé Nast, some media groups have signed with Apple in the U.S. while their French subsidiary belongs to the anti-sling NewsStand.

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Thousands of "outraged" parade, events in Rome

• Banks attacked in Rome

Tens of thousands of demonstrators, inspired by the "outrage" of Wall Street and Spain, marched on Saturday in Rome, the city had been cordoned off by police. "One solution, the Revolution!", "We are not property in the hands of bankers," could be read on the signs of the protesters.

In Rome, two cars were torched. Photo credits: ALBERTO PIZZOLI / AFP

Tax: light drinks would not be spared

The fans thought they were lights beverage spared the tax on soft drinks made by the Government in late August. Did not count on a UMP Amendment / New Centre approved in committee Wednesday as part of the review of the draft budget 2012. While the amount of tax on sugary soft drinks is on track to be doubled, MPs are now looking to expand the scope of this tax on soda beverages containing sweeteners.

The government, which did not include this option in the first place, now says not to exclude the idea. "It is the wishes of the parliament, we will discuss," said the spokesman of the government, Valérie Pécresse, on the set of Canal + on Thursday.

The stakes are high for the government because the sugar-free drinks, but with sweeteners that give a sweet taste, is increasingly consumed.Today, they account for 17% of the soft drinks market with strong brands like Diet Coke or Coke Zero.

No figures have yet been provided about the extra tax revenue that would generate this new amendment, if adopted in plenary session. The previous amendment adopted by the Finance Committee of the National Assembly, to double the amount of tax, also remains to be validated by all the members. By itself, it could generate a windfall estimated at 250 million euros a year, instead of 120 million euros initially planned. The rate of contribution on the sodas would be increased to 6.22 euros per hectolitre in 2012.Then he would be raised from the beginning of 2013, to January 1 of each year, at a rate equal to inflation (excluding tobacco) in the penultimate year.

Support the agricultural sector

As announced in the Figaro, the objective of this expansion drinks with sweeteners is to finance the lower cost of agricultural labor "to allow our farmers to sell their products at the same price as Germany and Spain" explains Valérie Pécresse payday advances. The government has in fact reduced in 2012 from 210 million payroll taxes on permanent farms. The tax will be reviewed and corrected to about half.

The industrial problems digesting the news. "We said from the beginning that it was normal to participate, provided that everyone involved in the fight against deficits.Simply, we do not want to be the adjustment variable of all the deficits that pass and on which we have not much to see, "said Jean-Rene Buisson, president of the National Association of Food Industries (Ania ). The doubling of the tax sodas would, he said, an estimated increase "between 0.2 and 0.3 cents" per can.

No problem for Michel Diefenbacher UMP (UMP): "These drinks, which are not basic necessities, benefit from the reduced VAT rate.They must be able to withstand the additional load generated by this new contribution, "says he in a sub-amendment.

But for now, nothing is yet definitively confirmed nor on the doubling of the tax, nor about its extension to drink with sweeteners.

End of aspartame in system U

The distribution group Système U has chosen to abandon the use of aspartame in soft drinks sold under any brand, starting in January. For the first time a manufacturer makes such a decision. This choice responds to the concerns of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on the effects of this artificial sweetener.

Système U has already banned the use of parabens in cosmetics and Teflon in cookware. Its chairman Serge Papin, expresses his desire to "become a leader in healthy products."

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Barroso wants to recapitalize "emergency" banks

"The speed of the European Union should not be that of its slowest member," hammered José Manuel Barroso on Tuesday before the European Parliament. In the aftermath of the rejection of strengthening the European Fund for assistance to indebted countries (EFSF) by the Slovak Parliament, the President of the European Commission urged member countries to continue efforts to stop the contagion of sovereign debt crisis in the area euro. Jose Manuel Barroso called for a recapitalization "emergency" banks as part of a "roadmap" gathering proposals from the Commission to support the banking sector.The latter, weakened by the debt crisis, is under pressure from the collapse of the Franco-Belgian Dexia facility.

Bank recapitalization should be conducted in a "coordinated" by members of the euro area to counter "the threat of systemic crisis that is taking shape," said José Manuel Barroso. Specifically, it proposes to raise the minimum capital "hard" of banks, without giving precise figures. To achieve this, banks must first use of private sources of funding and, if necessary, seek the support of the national authority. If the state is not able to provide the necessary assistance to the bank, a loan will be contracted by the EFSF.

In the absence of recapitalization, the banks should not pay bonuses or dividends, said Jose Manuel Barroso.Their exposure to sovereign debt should be evaluated "in a transparent manner overnight pay day loans."

The EFSF, rose to be replaced mid-2012

In addition, the sixth tranche of aid to Greece must be paid, said the President of the Commission. The country should also get a second loan that would be based on "sufficient funding for the participation of public and private sectors."

Other Commission proposals: the EFSF must be increased to "maximize" his strike force. This must be done through a "leveraged" with no financial guarantees for new states. In addition, Jose Manuel Barroso called again to accelerate the establishment of permanent mechanism should succeed the EFSF. The "European Financial Stability Mechanism" (MES) is projected by the President of the Commission, to take effect mid-2012, not mid-2013 as planned.With 500 billion euros of lending capacity, this mechanism would directly buy the debt of the states in the primary market, not like today only in loans.

Finally, José Manuel Barroso is also income, without naming them, the "Eurobonds", or "Eurobonds", mentioned as a solution to the debt crisis. The Commission will present by the end of the year, a proposal to allow the creation of the "obligations of stability."

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Action Housing continues the state court

Having long raged about the punctures of the State Budget, Action Housing, the former 1% housing, just go on the offensive. Reportedly, the joint body attacked last Friday before the Paris Administrative Court of the State's decision to withdraw 3.7 billion euros between 2009 and 2011. These funds are used to finance the Anah (National Housing) and ANRU (National Renewal). "We made an informal appeal with the government against the decree fixing the puncture but we never received a reply, said Jean-Pierre Guillon, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Action Housing. We decided to attack the government for abuse of power. "

Smart devices

If Action Housing is the case in court today is with an idea behind the head.Last July, the government has said that he would collect 3.25 billion euros over the period 2012-2014. To sweeten the pill, the Secretary of State for Housing, Benoist Appeared, has committed to implement clever financial engineering to boost the cash flow of Action Housing. "But we have no documents indicating that commitment forward Jean-Pierre Guillon. If the minister changed, the following may not feel bound by that promise. "More generally, Action Housing, which collects 0.45% of payroll companies, believes that this aspiration will prevent it from fulfilling its mission . For example, he does not see how it could fund 45,000 homes for young people as he had promised a few months ago.

With this lawsuit, it seeks to pressure the state to be released in the coming weeks the decree laying down the drain of 3.25 billion between 2012 and 2014.

Ghosn's efforts to regain Renault

Came one week in Brazil to announce the expansion of the Renault plant in Curitiba (Parana State) and the creation of a site for Nissan in Resende (Rio de Janeiro), Carlos Ghosn, CEO of both companies, was welcomed as a head of state in his homeland.

Last Saturday, the President of the Republic, Dilma Roussef movement shifted to receive it. "We are very proud of you," she would have slipped to the one she considers the child in the country. He also had dinner in an atmosphere of "friendship" with the two governors of states where the group operates, before signing the agreements in their luxurious palaces. Finally, it was applauded by the workers of Curitiba, massed on the lawn of a sunny site, which he wrote a speech.

Relaxed as ever, we feel in his element."It's good to be true that in Brazil," said the globe-trotting owner, who was about to visit this weekend to his mother and two sisters, who live on site. For him, this country is a paradise full development. Here, as in China, "we prefer to see what will, while in Europe the focus is on what's wrong."

Yet it is this gloomy old continent – particularly in France, where he is idolized as far from Japan, China or Brazil – that he decided to spend more time, "pulling consequences "of the false espionage earlier this year.

For many, this fiasco was proof that the owner of two companies whose headquarters are located 10,000 kilometers away, was disconnected from the reality of Renault.Many employees, union representatives, but also members of the government, which accused him of favor at the expense of Renault Nissan, having sought to speed up the relocation.

"Today I am more present in France," he says, whereas previously the Hexagon was only 35% to 40% of its schedule. Nissan is going at full speed in China or the United States, Carlos Ghosn promised then to look at the head of Renault, less efficient no fax pay day loans. Japanese sales are expected to double according to him between 1999 and 2011, reaching 4.8 million units, while those of Renault have increased marginally over the period (2.6 million last year). Goal back on track in Europe, where sales of the group fell by 10.6% over the first 8 months of the year.But also boost the image of a registered design banal and lacking in high-end models.

One patron

"Pragmatic," Carlos Ghosn admits he made mistakes. "I was probably too delegate and I paid the consequences," he admits. "One of the problems at Renault, is that people felt that there were two bosses. There must be only one boss, and that's me, "he insists. As a result, the CEO, for whom the "management of Renault changed," "regained control of a number of operations" as the high end, human resources, communication or the ethics committee . He also concedes that the crisis has had under "to clean up relations" with the state (which holds 15% stake) and make the company "more mature".

Be present at the headquarters of Renault and be first in line, that is precisely what the CEO had promised, after the reorganization of the group in late May, which had weighed heavily on the government. Paying for his handling of the "case", Patrick Pelata, Renault's number two, had been set aside in favor of Carlos Tavares.

Mechanically, the scope of responsibility of Carlos Tavares, his number two has narrowed compared to that of his predecessor. "It has fewer powers," but of "autonomy in what remains," said Carlos Ghosn.

The question is whether the iconic CEO will honor its commitments over time. One thing is certain, it is restore the image of the diamond brand in Europe find it in France a strong credit started this winter.

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