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van Caloen, Ariane
3 articles of this author have been cited in the European Press Review so far.
The EU harshens its tone against tax evasion
Ariane van Caloen stresses the fact that "this scandal is showing up what is lacking in fiscal guidelines for savings capital ... . The 2005 text stipulates the exchange of information between member states on the savings revenue of non-residents. But EU countries that practice banking secrecy (Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria), as well as European tax havens beyond the EU, such a Liechtenstein, have managed not to take part ... . It seems obvious that this text negotiated ... at a time when the EU only had 15 member states, is not an efficient tool for fighting fraud. First of all, it does not cover a series of revenues such as share dividends or other products created to dodge the directive. Secondly, it does not concern physical individuals. This explains the blossoming of foundations and all sorts of structures tat can be found in Liechtenstein and elsewhere."
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Enlargement / Neighbourhood Policy, » Economic Policy, » Tax Policy, » Luxembourg, » Switzerland, » Europe
The stock exchange crisis is worrying Europe
Ariane van Caloen considers that "this crisis is worrying because it shows that banks still don't know what is on their balance sheets, credulously placing their trust in the often too flattering assessments that evaluating agencies give to debtors and different financial products. Long gone is the time when a banker had a clear idea of who the final borrower was. In today's world, liquidity is conveyed through countless opaque vehicles that seem to escape any surveillance. How can it be possible that numerous financial institutions, always on the lookout for higher returns, took so many risks without anyone sounding the alarm bell? This question is no doubt being asked within surveillance organisations without any answer being provided."
» more information (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » Religion, » Economic Policy, » France, » Global
Economic patriotism and cross-border mergers
"The fact that it is Dominque de Villepin, the French prime minister, who announced the merger between Suez and GDF on Saturday is highly symbolic. This alliance between two listed French companies is more than simply a business transaction; it also sends a political message," argues Ariane van Caloen. "The interventionism of French politicians is in marked contrast to the Belgians' passivity. Through the various stages that led to the French buyout of Electrabel, we saw no reaction. Or very little. Who is right? Is there too much protectionism in France, or not enough in Belgium? If one believes in the virtues of the market economy, France clearly does not go about things in an optimal way for encouraging the creation of defenders of national interests. But one can accuse Belgium, for its part, of lacking any ambition and firmness."
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » Economy, » Europe
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