European Union

ECB’s tough love is good for banks, bad for Italy

28 Dec 2016

The European Central Bank says Monte dei Paschi needs 9 bln euros of extra capital - up from 5 bln euros - after seeking state aid. Raising the bar is a prudent response to prolonged uncertainty. But it adds to Rome’s debt, and may push up the bailout bill for other banks.

Europe’s best antidote to populism is unpopularism

28 Dec 2016

Parties that promised to take on the elite had a roaring 2016. Even so, the withering of the moderate centre isn’t inevitable. In Greece the pendulum is swinging away from radical government. Liberals with sound economic policies can win – if they’re willing to make enemies.