Brussels, 13/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - In an attempt to kick-start the economic machine following the crisis, the European Commission is looking closely at how to activate long-term investment.
Next Wednesday, European Commissioner for the Internal Market Michel Barnier is expected to present a communication with an action plan on this subject. It will involve exploring the different ways of raising private finance, through private savings, banks and pension funds, as well as making better use of public funding in a long-term perspective. The issue of helping SMEs have access to funding and attracting public investment in infrastructure will also be discussed. The Commission is not expected to refrain from closely scrutinising the financial markets and looking at how they can help promote long-term investment. Legislative action is also expected to be proposed for revising the IORP Directive (Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision) and shareholder rights, as well as participatory finance. A commitment is also expected be made to finalise the work on certain ratios in the banking domain, as well as on Solvency II reform and the reinsurance sector. Other action is expected to focus more on analysing what other measures could be taken (for example, on savings, SMEs, export credit agency, public-private partnerships). (MD)