European Commission (EC)
EP rejects tax harmonisation plea
The European Parliament has narrowly rejected an amendment calling for tax harmonisation in the European Union.
News Analysis - IMD: In perfect harmony
New minimum harmonisation requirements being proposed by the EU for IMD2 hope to level the regulation playing field. Vic Wyman reports.
CEA lays out IMD stance
The CEA, Europe's insurance and reinsurance federation, has set out its views on the European Commission’s review of the Insurance Mediation Directive.
Brokers braced for IMD meeting
Intermediaries will be given the opportunity to air their views on the review of the Insurance Mediation Directive at a public hearing in Brussels tomorrow.
EC launches VAT consultation
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on how the EU’s value added tax system can be strengthened and improved, to the benefit citizens, businesses and member states.
Post Europe December: Exclusive online content now live
Post Europe December is now live with a Q&A session with Aon-Benfield, a review of the Turkish general insurance market, a close look at new European Union Iranian sanctions, as well as our regular View From the Top slot this month on Ireland’s financial…
Post Europe: Iranian sanctions
Earlier this year the European Union was the first to proscribe sanctions against Iran specifically including insurance. Vic Wyman reports on the reactions and implications for the European insurance market.
Lloyd's opposes SII transitional stage
Lloyd's has criticised plans by the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors to stagger implementation of the Solvency II directive beyond January 2013.
Industry relief as plans to reform VAT exemption dropped
The European Union's decision to drop its planned reform of the Europe-wide VAT exemption of insurance and other financial services should be a relief to UK insurers and brokers.
Ceiops' IMD delay raises hopes over review outcome
The five-month delay of the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors' submission to the European Commission on the revision of the Insurance Mediation Directive demonstrates the complexity of opinion on the subject, according…
EU retreat on insurance VAT exemption reform
The European Union has announced that it is unlikely to push forward with the reform and simplification of the VAT exemption on insurance and the wider financial services industry.
Pensions sector rejects EU Solvency II proposals
Proposals by the European Union to introduce Solvency II-style regime for pension funds have been rejected by the UK’s National Association of Pension Funds.
Post Europe: Environmental damage - who pays?
Now that the Hungarian toxic spill is no longer making headline news, what are the longer-term implications of this environmental catastrophe? Tony Lennon looks at the potential ramifications that this recent environmental disaster will have on the…
Environmental damage - who pays?
Now that the Hungarian toxic spill is no longer making headline news, what are the longer-term implications of this environmental catastrophe? Tony Lennon looks at the potential ramifications that this recent environmental disaster will have on the…
Ceiops advises on the revision of the Insurance Mediation directive
Ceiops has submitted to the European Commission its advice on the revision of the Insurance Mediation Directive, the original version of which resulted in the regulation of UK brokers by the Financial Services Authority.
RBSI seals EXL Indian outsourcing deal
Royal Bank of Scotland Insurance could offshore more than 300 back office roles to India after launching a consultation with more than a thousand staff last week.
Post Europe country review: Poland, the calm in the storm
The Polish insurance market is no longer seen as an emerging one and as Edward Murray explains its strength through recession has meant that it is now a target for players from the rest of Europe.
Post Europe: Ceiops is dead, long live Eiopa!
Existing committees of EU supervisors for the European insurance sector are being transformed from 1 January 2011 into supervisory authorities with firm powers. Vic Wyman assesses what the impact of this regulatory change will be.
Environmental liability - Toxic sludge: No fudge over sludge
The recent high profile toxic sludge incident in Hungary has been described as a 'tragedy' by the country's government. Ralph Savage reports how experts from the rural insurance and legal communities and further afield are assessing the situation.
KPMG welcomes Solvency II equivalence transitional measures
KPMG today welcomed the announcement by Karel van Hulle, head of insurance and pensions unit at the European Commission, of transitional measures under Solvency II’s equivalence, claiming the arrangements will be welcome news to insurance groups.
Interview - Jon Greenwood: Into the hot seat
With a high turnover during the past seven years, the role of managing director of commercial and broker at RBSI could be seen as a poisoned chalice. Jonathan Swift talks to Jon Greenwood, the latest incumbent, about his optimism for the task in hand.
Biba concern over EC tax proposal
The British Insurance Brokers' Association has raised concern over European Commission plans for a new continent-wide tax regime aimed at stabilising the financial services sector.
Insurers welcome EC decision on environmental damage liability
The CEA, the European insurance and reinsurance federation, has welcomed the decision by the European Commission not to propose an EU-wide compulsory liability scheme to cover environmental damage, or imminent threat of environmental damage, under the…
GRF marks a year of progress
The Global Reinsurance Forum is a body of the world's largest reinsurers formed to respond to international policy and regulatory issues. Reinsurance reports on its latest activity.