At the launch of its new report on “The Future of the Welfare State”, Caritas Europa has described welfare as “one of the most critical issues to be faced by the EU and its Member States as they struggle to respond to the economic crisis”. Caritas organisations across Europe work on the front line with people experiencing poverty and social exclusion.

“Armenia is currently turning away from Europe. By saying Yes to a Customs Union with Russia, Armenia is saying Yes to more dependence on the Putin regime and No to a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. With this step, the prospects for democracy will be weakened and the risk of increased Russian influence over its neighbours will increase”, said Gunnar Hökmark MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament responsible for neighbourhood policies.

As of 4 September 2013, international road transport operations under TIR will resume, to, from and across Afghanistan, after more than 30 years of interruption. This welcome development will considerably boost regional trade and economic development by opening up global trade to landlocked Central Asian countries via facilitated and secure international road transport.

The European Covered Bond Council (ECBC) is pleased to announce the publication of the eighth (2013) edition of its European Covered Bond Fact Book, which builds upon the success of previous editions and cements its place as the most comprehensive source of information and data on the asset class.

Today, Fitch Ratings has raised PKN ORLEN's credit rating to BBB-, with a 'stable' outlook, which means that after four years the Company has won back its investment-grade standing. This long-awaited change is a result of a consistent deleveraging effort and a policy aimed to maintain all financial ratios at safe levels, which has significantly improved the Company's credit standing, despite the persistently challenging climate for the industry across Europe. Fitch Ratings has also upgraded the Company's national rating to A- (pol), with a 'stable' outlook.