Global Europe
New crisis emerges as South Sudan refugees in Uganda hit one million
With the one millionth South Sudanese refugee having entered Uganda this week, there is a desperate need for action by the EU, relief organisation World Vision says in a new study.
Turkey proposes free movement of workers with Kazakhstan
Central Asian countries are exploring forms of integration resembling those of the European Union, the latest one being the establishment of free movement of people and workers between Turkey and Kazakhstan.
Hague Court holds Islamist liable for €2.7 million damages after Timbuktu destruction
Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled on Thursday (17 August) that a former Islamist rebel who was jailed for wrecking holy sites in Timbuktu was liable for €2.7 million in damages.
Turkey criticises Merkel, says Germany can’t dictate EU policy
Turkey's EU minister said on Thursday (17 August) that German Chancellor Angela Merkel's comments about halting the expansion of a customs union between Ankara and the European Union harmed the credibility of the bloc.
UK and Germany criticise Trump for failing to oppose neo-Nazis
Of all the EU capitals, London and Berlin have reacted most strongly to Donald Trump’s reluctance to forcefully condemn white supremacists after a woman was killed during a white-nationalist rally in Charlottesville last Saturday (12 August).
Pittella calls on EU to provide ‘utmost urgent’ help to Sierra Leone
Gianni Pittella, the president of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, has called for the EU to deliver help to Sierra Leone with the utmost urgency, after floods and landslides in the country’s capital Freetown took a huge toll on human lives.
Slovak minister under pressure in coalition row over EU funds
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Wednesday that (16 August) he wants to replace the Education Minister Peter Plavčan, who is a member of junior coalition partner the Slovak National Party (SNS), over alleged mismanagement of EU subsidies in his department.
Russian watchdog says Schlumberger-Eurasia Drilling deal ‘has big problems’
The acquisition of a 51% stake in Russia's Eurasia Drilling Co (EDC) by US oilfield services giant Schlumberger "has big problems" in the current political situation, the head of Russia's competition watchdog said yesterday (16 August).
Conflict heightens food insecurity in DRC
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 7.7 million people are hungry, a +30% rise in one year, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). EURACTIV France reports.
UN official: Kosovo deadlock has hurt country’s economy
Kosovo's failure to form a government two months after snap elections has hurt the country economically and socially, the head of the UN mission there said on Wednesday (17 August).
Migrant rescue NGO accuses the EU of ‘hiding the dirt’ under the Mediterranean
Speaking about the refugee crisis and the Lybian and Syrian conflicts, Óscar Camps, director of the Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms, accused the EU of “hiding the dirt under the carpet” of international waters in the Mediterranean sea. EURACTIV Spain reports.
Foreign minister: Turkey asks Germany to extradite coup suspect
Turkey has asked Germany to extradite a theology lecturer suspected of playing a major role in last year's failed coup, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday (16 August).
Melilla: Spanish enclave in Morocco offers an exit route to Europe
Recent uprisings in the Moroccan region of Rif have transformed the city of Melilla, a Spanish enclave in Morocco, into an exit route for persecuted people seeking refugee status in the EU. EURACTIV Spain reports.
The EU disregards human rights in Iran
Federica Mogherini should be asked how she manages to continue relations with the Iranian officials despite reports of Tehran's declining respect for human rights, writes Hamid Bahrami.
Rouhani: Iran could quit nuclear deal in ‘hours’ if new US sanctions imposed
Iran could abandon its nuclear agreement with world powers "within hours" if the United States imposes any more new sanctions, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday (15 August).
Fico ends coalition crisis, insists Slovakia should stick to EU’s core
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico struck a deal on Tuesday (15 August) to keep his three-party coalition in power, ending a week-long crisis triggered when a Eurosceptic junior partner threatened to quit.
Italy minister sees light at the end of the tunnel on migrant flows
Italy's interior minister said on Tuesday (15 August) he saw light at the end of the tunnel for curbing migrant flows from Libya after a slowdown in arrivals across the Mediterranean in recent months.
EU calls for ‘peaceful, not military’ solution to Korea crisis
The European Union's foreign policy chief on Monday (14 August) called for "peaceful, not military" means to resolve the Korean peninsula crisis, urging Pyongyang to avoid any "further provocative action" that could stoke tensions.
Belgrade seeks ‘delimitation’ for Serbs in Kosovo
Serbia's foreign minister and a top ally of President Aleksandar Vučić has suggested a compromise to end a conflict over Kosovo, the newest independent European state, that is blocking Serbia's hopes of European Union membership.
Suspected jihadists kill 17 in attack on Burkina Faso restaurant
Suspected jihadists killed at least 17 people and wounded eight during a raid on a restaurant in Burkina Faso's capital, the communications minister said, as security forces sought to free people still trapped inside today (14 August).
EU ambassadors hold extraordinary meeting over North Korea
EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini has called an extraordinary meeting at EU ambassadorial level over the current tensions over North Korea, to be held today (14 August).
Western powers concerned at Kosovo political deadlock
Leading western powers voiced concern yesterday (13 August) at political deadlock in Kosovo, which has still not formed a government two months after snap elections in the tiny country, a former Serbian province.
Italy applauds Tripoli’s decision to keep NGO ships far away from Libyan coasts
The Italian government yesterday (13 August) welcomed Libya's decision to bar foreign vessels from a stretch of water off its coast, a move that has prompted almost all international charities to halt migrant search and rescue operations in the area.
Cyprus president: Turkish side acting ‘outside UN parameters’ in reunification talks
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades expressed his willingness to return to the negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem after the failure of the talks last month.