While one might argue that efforts are underway to curtail shareholder rights in the United States, the European Union appears headed in the opposite direction. One Tuesday EU government ministers approved new rules that would allow a variety of new voting powers for shareholders.

Specifically, the new regs will allow shareholders to vote electronically as well as by proxy on board elections, takeovers and other corporate actions. According to Colin Melvin, head of corporate governance and responsible investment at Hermes Pensions Management in London, ""We believe that this will enable shareholders to call directors to account more effectively and so enhance value at companies."

Get more detail via the IHT.

-- MDT

Labels: EU, regulation, shareholders