The rise in unemployment is one of the worst effects of the current economic crisis. Some 23 million people are without a job in the EU, of whom 2.6 million live in the UK.

The politicization of banking reforms makes a mockery of the problem at hand. Regulators at all levels should have unchecked power to impose reforms as they see fit. When it comes to regulation, the Basel committee should not be making concessions to the private sector whatsoever.

After endless hours of discussions, litres of coffee and a copious amount of frustration, an agreement on the rescue of Cyprus's banks has finally been hammered out.

The EU and the US have for a long time been behaving like reluctant lovers: flirting, and bickering, but never willing to go the distance. Despite many shared interests, a full-blown free-trade agreement has always proved one step too far.

Countries trade with other member states and invest across borders, while Europeans live, study and work abroad. This means that what happens in one country will affect the others. The crisis over the last few years showed the impact a few financially troubled countries can have on the rest of the EU.

The crisis of the last few years showed that although credit rating agencies can be useful, they are far from infallible.

Yes, all right, I'm not a Tory voter. But we can surely agree on cheese. Cheese is good. And Britain, despite the grumblings of the French and the outrage of the Swiss, not to mention some plucky challenges from Italy, Austria, and Spain, has some of the best cheese in the world.

The patent remains an essential part of a modern economy as it is the driving force behind innovation. But for it to be really efficient, a patent regime needs to be both cheap and easily enforceable. European patents currently fail on both counts.

George Osborne is set to drop his controversial plans to end housing benefit for the under 25s after a Lib Dem revolt, reports the Guardian. The pl...

With full tanks, all systems checked and automatic launch sequence ignited, the European Parliament is ready for lift-off. MEPs achieved much in the first part of 2012 that will make a noticeable difference to the everyday life of ordinary citizens, such as lower roaming charges and killing off the controversial anti-counterfeiting agreement. However, there is much to be done in the months to come.

Figures released on Wednesday by the Office of National Statistics show that the UK economy contracted by 0.7% between April and June. This situation has been described as the worst double dip recession in 50 years. But does this really matter to ordinary people? Yes, of course, it does.

A matter of form, part of the procedure, a formality - the European Parliament's scrutiny of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) wasn't expected to bring any surprises. After all, it had already been negotiated by major industrialised countries around the world, including the US and had received the European Commission's blessing and the backing of EU member states.

Headlines around the Euro crisis have resurfaced with a vengeance in recent weeks. The uncertainty surrounding the future of the Euro is taking its toll on financial stability and the markets.

The G8 summit last weekend called for Greece to remain in the eurozone, a goal that seems harder to achieve than ever as the Greeks are set to return to the polls a second time after a first inconclusive election in which anti-establishment parties did well and while politicians from colder shores continue to insist that any support will depend on the country's ability to stick with austerity measures.