|
Polish bank post
- Poland’s parliament voted 239-202 to install S?awomir Skrzypek, an associate of President Lech Kaczyn´ski, as head of the central bank. Skrzypek is acting president of a major state-dominated bank, PKO BP. Critics fear that his new appointment would limit the independence of the national bank.
Canada air talks
- The Commission proposed launching talks with Canada on a comprehensive aviation agreement aimed at opening markets and achieving regulatory convergence. A deal could increase the number of passengers between the EU and Canada from eight to 14 million by 2011.
Portuguese tax rap
- The Commission has sent Portugal a formal request to amend legislation on tax rules applying to non-resident companies. Such companies are subject to a withholding tax based on gross income. Domestic companies are taxed only on net profit.
Nokia/Siemens deal
- The US government is imposing restrictions on the proposed €16.1 billion joint venture agreement between European telecoms equipment makers Nokia and Siemens. The move follows intensified scrutiny of telephony companies by the US defence and security authorities.
Japan has promised its support for a renewed drive to restart stalled talks on a new global trade liberalisation deal.
|
