EURACTIV.com with Reuters
European human rights court to rule on extremist online videos
Europe's top human rights court will rule on Thursday (19 July) whether online videos considered by a Belgian court to be Islamist hate speech should be allowed under free speech provisions.
Germany says EU aid to Turkey could be halted over arrests
Germany raised the possibility on Wednesday (19 July) of suspending European Union aid payments to Turkey after summoning Ankara's ambassador to Berlin to protest over the arrest of six human rights activists including a German citizen.
Visegrad leaders say EU must show more support for Israel
The EU should better appreciate Israel’s key role in Middle Eastern stability, leaders of the Visegrad Four nations said yesterday (19 July) in a joint attack with Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu on Brussels’ current policy towards the Jewish state.
Save our fries! Belgians say EU spares national dish
Belgium's national dish, the deep fried potato sticks that much of the English-speaking world gallingly calls "French fries", has been saved.
Trump, Putin held previously undisclosed 1-hour meeting at Hamburg dinner
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a previously undisclosed conversation during a dinner for G20 leaders at a summit earlier this month in Germany, a White House official said on Tuesday (18 July).
Rebel leader: New state of ‘Malorossiya’ will replace Ukraine
The pro-Russian rebel leader of a breakaway region in eastern Ukraine proposed on yesterday (18 July) replacing Ukraine with a new federal state Malorossiya (Little Russia), in comments that could further undermine a 2015 peace deal that is already faltering.
End to austerity? Poll gamble exposes rift in Britain’s ruling party
An early election was meant to bind the Conservatives to Theresa May's agenda for at least five years, but instead it has badly shaken the governing party with ministers questioning its seven-year pursuit of austerity.
Dutch unveil memorial for victims of downed MH17 airplane
The Netherlands unveiled a national monument on Monday in memory of the 298 people killed in the downing of a Malaysia Airlines jetliner in 2014 above territory controlled by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
EU and Britain to present post-Brexit plan on WTO membership
The European Union and Britain plan to put forward a joint proposal for reform of the terms of their World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership in September or October, an EU source said on Monday (17 July), as London negotiates to leave the EU.
Romanian government backtracks from plan to tax companies’ turnover
Romanian Prime Minister Mihai Tudose said yesterday (17 July) his leftist-led government had scrapped a plan to tax companies' turnover.
Romania says Patriot missile buy meant to boost defence
Romanian military purchases are not intended to put strain on relations with nearby Russia but to strengthen the country's defences, President Klaus Iohannis said on Saturday (15 July).
Global cyber-attacks could spur $53 billion in losses
A major, global cyber-attack could trigger an average of $53 billion (€46.30) of economic losses, a figure on par with a catastrophic natural disaster such as US Superstorm Sandy in 2012, Lloyd's of London said in a report today (17 July).
Erdogan hits out at EU, promises to ‘rip heads’
A defiant President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday (16 July) stepped up his attack on the European Union, saying Turkey had to go its own way and vowing to bring back the death penalty if parliament passes it.
SPD’s Schulz accuses Merkel of lacking clear plan
German Socialist Party leader Martin Schulz set out plans to boost investment and enhance European unity, accusing Chancellor Angela Merkel of making empty promises.
Brexit talks start in earnest with 20 months to go
Brexit Secretary David Davis launches a first round of negotiations on Britain's withdrawal from the European Union today (17 July) when he meets the EU's Michel Barnier for four days of talks between their teams in Brussels.
France and Germany to develop new European fighter jet
France and Germany unveiled plans yesterday (13 July) to develop a European fighter jet, burying past rivalries as part of a raft of measures to tighten defence and security cooperation.
Balkans can help EU ‘feel attractive’ after Brexit, Macedonia says
Dented by Brexit, the European Union should seize on the hunger of Balkan nations for membership as an opportunity to "feel attractive", Macedonia’s foreign minister said on Wednesday (12 July).
Macron urges greater eurozone convergence, presses Germany to act
The European Union remains an incomplete project and will require changes to its treaties that bring greater convergence between eurozone member states, French President Emmanuel Macron said in comments published on Thursday (13 July).
Poland’s ruling PiS passes law on judges, opposition sounds alarm
Lawmakers from Poland's ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party on Wednesday (12 July) pushed through a bill to give parliament a greater say in appointing judges, a move that the opposition and rights groups said violated the constitutional separation of powers.
Slovenia may seek EU help with Croatian border dispute
Slovenia said on Wednesday (12 July) it may turn to the European Commission for help in implementing a recent international ruling on its border with fellow EU member Croatia.
Ukraine seeks route into NATO
Ukraine will begin discussions with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation on an action plan with the aim of joining the US-led alliance, its leader said on Monday (10 July), while the country would work on reforms to meet membership standards by 2020.
US deploys advanced anti-aircraft missiles in Baltics for first time
The United States deployed a battery of Patriot long-range anti-aircraft missiles in Lithuania to be used in NATO wargames from Tuesday (11 July) – the first time the advanced defence system has been brought to the Baltics where Russia has air superiority.
‘Gig economy’ workers deserve more rights, says UK review
Britons working in the "gig economy" for firms such as taxi app Uber and takeaway food courier Deliveroo deserve more rights, a government-commissioned report said on Tuesday (11 July).
Siemens turbines cause whirlwinds in Crimea
A firm part-owned by German firm Siemens was preparing to install electricity turbines in Crimea despite prohibitive EU sanctions. The issue was brought to the attention of Brussels and Siemens on Monday (10 July).