Economy Minister

Germany hits back over US coronavirus vaccine interest

Citing sources close to the German government, a local newspaper reported that US President Donald Trump had offered "a billion dollars" to secure the vaccine "only for the United States".

Italy approves $992 million rescue for ailing bank Pop Bari

Italy's government approved a capital injection, up to $992 million, to rescue the ailing cooperative bank Popolare di Bari on Sunday.

US imposes tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of EU goods

Tariffs come amid an ongoing trade war between the US and China and could risk destabilising the global economy further.

Japan's Abe drafts rising star Koizumi, allies in broad cabinet reshuffle

The spectacular appointment as environment minister of the telegenic Shinjiro Koizumi, the 38-year-old son of much-loved former PM Junichiro Koizumi, set tongues wagging in Tokyo political classes as the Abe era draws to a close.

Argentina and IMF reach deal to boost financing to $57 billion

Argentina had secured $50 billion in financing as part of a deal worked out with the International Monetary Fund in June. Now the the Fund has agreed to raise the lending package by $7.1 billion.

Is US influence over EU waning fast under Trump?

The EU leadership is willing to forge new alliances to overcome Trump's harsh trade policies and secure its borders without Washington's support.

Future of Merkel coalition in doubt as interior minister offers to resign

The lack of clarity from the Bavarian camp over Horst Seehofer's resignation raises questions about the future of Merkel's governing coalition between the CDU-CSU alliance and the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD).

New elections loom as Italy's PM-designate gives up on forming government

Italian President Sergio Mattarella received prime minister-designate Giuseppe Conte in a meeting that aimed to resolve a days-long standoff over the composition of Italy's next cabinet or lead to the appointment of a caretaker government.

New package to develop Turkey’s economy

Turkey introduces short and long term economic packages to boost the ​market in recent months. Some measures will be taken to increase capital inflow. Officials have good faith for the future of the economy after the elections on June 24.

German minister to carmakers: invest in electric cars or lose out

The country's economy minister has warned that carmakers in Europe's powerhouse economy needed to invest billions in electric car technology to avoid losing out to Asian competitors.

Vatican treasurer Pell arrives in Australian court for abuse hearing

Cardinal George Pell, a top advisor to Pope Francis, arrived for his hearing which will determine if he will stand trial on sexual offence charges. Pell is on leave of absence from the Vatican and is planning to plead not guilty.

Venezuela’s Maduro dismisses default possibility

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s statement came as the country holds talk with its creditors aiming to restructure about $60 billion debt.