At 8.8% in October, the euro area unemployment rate is the lowest since early 2009, but the rate still varies considerably across the euro area. Countries such as Germany or the Netherlands have practically full employment, but others, e.g. France and Italy, still have some catching-up to do.
Together with our regional partners, Barbados has sought to have a voice in the ongoing efforts for reform of the international financial system. We have been invited to join the Regional Consultative Group for the Americas, set up by the Financial Stability Board, the body established by the Group of 20 countries to oversee the process of international financial reform.