Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy has made a public statement for the first time on the need for Eurobonds, a European guarantee fund for bank deposits, as well as tax harmonisation within the EU. Hinting at a European rescue of Spain's ailing banks, Budget minister Cristobal Montoro acknowledged that "Spain does not an open door to the markets" but also stated that the "Men in Black [troika] will not come to Spain."
Spain holds firm and demands solutions for Europe – ABC
Leading with a part-Portuguese, part-Spanish headline (nuestros hermanos - “our brothers”), the Lisbon daily notes that after the Spanish government asked for EU’s help, many now argue that the EU-ECB-IMF troika should give Portugal more time and money.
Euro crisis — The fall of “nuestros hermanos” – i
The crisis is spreading uncontrollably in the eurozone, writes the Athens daily. "Spain, which is seeking to avoid drastic austerity measures and reforms undertaken by Greece, Portugal and Ireland, is asking the EU for money to recapitalize its banks."
Storm in EU because of Spain – I Kathimerini
A new idea is circulating in Brussels to save southern Europe with German money. A central deposit insurance called “Bank Union” is to guarantee the deposits in southern banks. This would be Eurobonds through the back door, reports the German financial daily. With 1.8 trillion euros in savings, Germans have amassed nearly as much as the citizens of Italy, Spain, Ireland and Portugal combined.
Attack on savings – Handelsblatt
Belgium's Agreement on the Exchange of Terrorism Screening Information with the US requires that it provide intelligence on all persons subject to Belgian security service surveillance and not just those suspected of terrorism. The ruling French-speaking Socialist Party (PS) are opposed. The United States has threatened to impose visas on Belgian nationals if the country does not sign the agreement. France and Germany have still not signed.
PS blocks US requirement for information – De Morgen
László Kövér, the speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, is in Romanian Transylvania on a "private" visit. As honorary president of the Hungarian Civic Party (PCM), a party of the Hungarian minority in Romania, he is to campaign ahead of the June 10 municipal elections, raising the ire of the Romanian authorities.
An unwanted visitor – Népszabadság
Contrary to the provisions of the recently passed new pension bill which raises retirement age to 67 and restricts some professional groups’ privileges, those regarding disability pensions are to remain intact. A person granted disability pension at 63 may cease working and receive almost 100 euro more compared to someone who retires at 67 and gets an ordinary pension.
Poles will start fleeing to disability pensions – Rzeczpospolita
Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!
It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.
Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!