A round-up of recent public finance news stories from Europe you might have missed.
New German coalition pledges billions in new spending
Germany's two dominant political blocs pledged billions in fresh spending on pensions, education and infrastructure on Wednesday as they unveiled a deal to form a new government under Chancellor Angela Merkel. But uncertainty lingered amid a looming party referendum on the agreement and questions over how the government would pay for its promises without raising taxes. (Wall Street Journal)
Italian budget vote will test government's post-Berlusconi strength
Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta's coalition government said on Monday it would call a confidence vote on its 2014 budget, a move that will give the first clear proof of its strength since Silvio Berlusconi's party split this month. (Reuters)
Portugal passes latest austerity budget
Portugal is set for another tough year after its government approved a new set of budget measures. The country is struggling to come back to financial health and meet the terms of an international bailout. (BBC)
Serbian Budget for 2014 ‘based on realistic assumptions'
Serbian Finance Minister Lazar Krstic said Wednesday that the country’s 2014 budget has been created based on realistic assumptions and responsibly, which means that the cuts to be made will not be larger than currently necessary. (Serbia info)
Insight: Denmark's PM changes course to join Nordic welfare reform
Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt alienated her centre-left voters when she started cutting one of Europe's most generous welfare systems shortly after she was elected. Two years later there are signs the reforms by "Gucci Helle" - as the elegantly-dressed leader is known to critics - are paying dividends and her popularity has rebounded. (The Star, Malaysia)
Belarus: Public sector and civil servants are budget cut targets
According to draft legislation, as of January 1st, 2014 the Supreme Economic Court will merge with the Supreme Court, and economic courts will become part of general jurisdiction courts system. (Belarus in Focus)
