Brussels, 05/09/2005 (Agence Europe) - Announced along with the publication of the Commission's Green Paper on investment funds in the EU, there will be a public hearing in Brussels on 13 October (see EUROPE 8991). Following an introduction by Charlie McCreevy, European Internal Market Commissioner, discussions will focus on the relevance of existing EU legislation in the shifting sands of modern investment funds, and will attempt to identify legal and structural obstacles to the European integration of investment funds. It is possible to register online for the hearing on the website of the European Commission's Internal Market Directorate-General.
The consultation process launched under the framework of the Green Paper on investment funds in the EU will run until 15 November. Pooled investment, the most frequently used type of investment fund, is expected to be the tool preferred by private investors wanting to invest for their pensions. Some EUR 4000 billion is currently invested in such pooled funds.