Kathryn Carlson

Brussels

EU Financial Regulation Reporter at POLITICO Europe

🇪🇺 finance for @POLITICOEurope. Hellos/coffees always welcome at [email protected]

Articles

Global financial rule-makers risk losing relevance if Trump pulls back entirely

1 week ago | politico.eu | Kathryn Carlson

BRUSSELS — For decades, global finance has operated on a peculiar kind of authority — one without armies, enforcement powers, or a democratic mandate. Instead, the officials who govern the sprawling, interconnected financial system rely on something more intangible: trust, consensus, and the quiet credibility of technocracy. But now, under the Donald Trump administration, the U.S. — long a major voice in international rulemaking — is threatening to take a wrecking ball to that system.
Sauna diplomacy pauses as top Finnish spot in Brussels closes for now

2 weeks ago | politico.eu | Kathryn Carlson

BRUSSELS — Steamy soft power is taking a breather. EU diplomats looking to network while sweating it out will be disappointed for the next few months, as the famed sauna in Finland’s permanent representation in Brussels is closed for renovations.
Brussels takes aim at those cashing in on broken European markets

3 weeks ago | politico.eu | Kathryn Carlson

BRUSSELS — The EU has long promised to tear down the barriers splintering its capital markets — but behind every delay lies a web of national interests and industry players profiting from the patchwork. But now, Brussels’ top financial official is signaling that the era of diplomatic restraint regarding such forces may be coming to an end.
Ask not what the EU can do for markets - but what markets can do for the EU

1 month ago | politico.eu | Kathryn Carlson

Feedback on that strategy so far is mixed. Carmine Di Noia, director for financial and enterprise affairs at the OECD, told POLITICO the developments were “a step in the right direction” for obtaining a reliable funding source for the EU's needs, including on defense.
EU shouldn’t stray from spending rules despite defense needs, finance ministers’ chief says

2 months ago | politico.eu | Kathryn Carlson

BRUSSELS — The EU should stick to its recently agreed spending rules despite growing calls to tweak them to increase defense investment, the president of the influential group of eurozone finance ministers said.
EU shouldn’t stray from spending rules despite defense needs, finance ministers’ chief says

2 months ago | finance.einnews.com | Kathryn Carlson

How von der Leyen blindsided Brussels with her deregulation drive The Commission president is pushing a sweeping, rapid and centralized agenda to “simplify” EU rules — and not everyone in Brussels is thrilled.
How von der Leyen blindsided Brussels with her deregulation drive

2 months ago | politico.eu | Kathryn Carlson

Ursula von der Leyen has begun her second term as European Commission president with a lightning-fast deregulation drive — and almost no one in Brussels knew about it until it was already happening. Under pressure from right-wing governments, von der Leyen has hinged her second term as president on an agenda of cutting red tape to make Europe's economy more attractive.
Von der Leyen’s hold on Brussels wavers with last-minute reprieve for financial rules

Feb 13, 2025 | politico.eu | Giovanna Faggionato |Ben Munster |Kathryn Carlson

BRUSSELS — Queen Ursula might just be losing control of her courtiers. The all-powerful “Queen” of Europe, Ursula von der Leyen, is already facing rebellion from within her own ranks, with her controversial deregulatory drive meeting pushback from top officials in her administration.
Brexit reset tested as Brussels and London fight about finance

Feb 11, 2025 | politico.eu | Kathryn Carlson |Fiona Maxwell

BRUSSELS — The U.K. and the EU both want a Brexit reset. It seems like no one told the regulators. As top technocrats prepare to meet Wednesday for talks on financial services, cracks are beginning to form around the edges of the steadily improving relationship. And while it's usually the politicians held responsible for resurfacing Brexit-era wounds, this time the pencil-pushers only have themselves to blame.
We need a Draghi report for banking, say EU’s 3 biggest countries

Feb 5, 2025 | politico.eu | Kathryn Carlson

BRUSSELS — The EU should commission a Draghi-style report on the competitiveness of its banking sector, the finance ministries of France, Germany and Italy said in a joint note seen by POLITICO. The finance ministries of the three countries — the EU’s three biggest economies — circulated the anonymous paper to national diplomats via unofficial channels.