Latest articles from Stefanie Linhardt

Lithuania prepares for life in the eurozone

January 5, 2015

From dealing with the knock-on effects of the US and EU sanctions on Russia to preparing for the adoption of the euro, Lithuania's finance minister Rimantas Šadžius has been kept busy this year. But, despite the headwinds, Lithuania has managed to record one of the highest GDP growth rates in Europe.

Cyprus a recovery in progress

Cyprus: a recovery in progress

January 5, 2015

Cyprus's banks all passed the European Central Bank's stress tests, a result that is indicative of the recovery that is under way in the country's financial sector. However, for these institutions to return to full health they must tackle their non-performing loans, a feat that is as much in the hands of the country's politicians as its bankers.

George Vassiliou's Cypriot vision

January 5, 2015

The Cypriot economy is heading towards a recovery, according to former president George Vassiliou. But, he says, reunification is key if the country is to achieve its full economic potential.

Icelands tale of two banking stories

Iceland's tale of two banking stories

November 3, 2014

Iceland's banking sector has recovered impressively from its 2008 collapse, and the banks formed from the ashes of that period are performing well. However, the clouds of the past still linger, and the winding-up processes of the failed Kaupthing, Glitnir and Landsbanki are still to be resolved.

Constantin Niţă

Romanian minister of economy seeing benefits of EU membership

November 3, 2014

Romania's minister of economy, Constantin Niţă, talks about the country's economic outlook, the impact of EU membership and the challenges posed by the crisis between neighbouring Ukraine and Russia.

Green bonds take root

November 3, 2014

A rise in issuances, an increasingly diverse issuer base and the development of guiding principles have all contributed to the rise of green bonds. But, as they become more investor friendly, advocates of such products are keen to ensure that they remain environmentally friendly, too.

Promising new patterns in debt markets

November 3, 2014

With activity nearly back to pre-crisis levels and promising new trends emerging in the corporate bond market, it had been a strong year for the debt capital markets, until a couple of days of de-risking in mid-October threatened to rock the boat again.

Marek Belka (1)

National Bank of Poland president eyes Europe cautiously

October 1, 2014

While much of Europe has struggled over the past few years, the Polish economy has remained resilient, maintaining a sound banking system and hitting its inflation targets. This is why the president of the National Bank of Poland, Marek Belka, is remaining cautious on the topic of eurozone membership, and has no intention of opting into the European banking union.

Mugur Isărescu

Romania’s CBG eager to join European banking union

October 1, 2014

The governor of Romania's central bank explains why being part of the European banking union makes sense for the country, even if it is not yet ready to join up to the single currency regime.

Romanias slow progress

Chinks of light for Romania's financial landscape

October 1, 2014

The previously bleak economic picture in Romania is improving, and with it the performance of the country's banks. But high non-performing loan ratios, underdeveloped financial markets and a slump in the credit market are making it difficult for the country's lenders to pick up much momentum.

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