An Italian national flag reflects on the window of the Banca Popolare di Vicenza branch at Piazza Venezia in central Rome | Tiziana Fabi/AFP via Getty Images
MIDDAY BRIEF, IN BRIEF
Today at Commission, Italian banks and Bloomberg talks
Juncker to discuss climate issues with former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg.
The main takeaway from last week’s summit of EU leaders was that “Europe is back!” On Monday, the European Commission joined in with the optimistic tone.
Chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas said Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker was happy with how the talks on Thursday and Friday went, and reiterated a statement by Juncker saying Europe remains the most accessible trade market in the world.
The Commission is “analyzing all the details” on an Italian decision to wind down troubled lenders Veneto Banca and Banca Popolare di Vicenza. Brussels does believe at this stage that the decision complies with EU banking rules.
Schinas said the Commission and its chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier will study a British position paper on European citizens’ rights, to be unveiled later Monday, and will work with EU countries and the European Parliament to establish the EU’s position. Citizens rights will be the main item on the agenda for the second round of the Brexit talks on July 17.
Juncker will on Tuesday meet with billionaire former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to discuss climate issues.
Check here for the full agenda of the 28 European commissioners.