Juncker outlines legal hurdles for Russia pipeline
The European Commission has indicated that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline could face similar legal hurdles to South Stream, a defunct Russian project.
The European Commission has indicated that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline could face similar legal hurdles to South Stream, a defunct Russian project.
First EU reaction to UK decision expected on Friday morning. Spain to hold elections on Sunday that could bring maverick left-wingers Podemos to power.
With an EU anti-smuggling deal with Philip Morris due to expire, EUobserver talked to tobacco lobbyists from two competing firms that have similar arrangements.
Médecins sans Frontieres said the EU-Turkey migrant deal and a new proposal on developement aid were "shameful".
European Commission head Juncker has said in a letter, seen by the Reuters news agency, to nine EU states critical of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that its impact on the EU gas market goes "beyond the legal" concerns about the project. He said it could increase Russian "dominance to the detriment of competitors and consumers." He also said its offshore section must comply with EU energy market law.
The EU is planning to extend Russia sanctions without much ado at an ambassadors’ meeting. But "you never know" what could happen at the last minute, sources said.
European Parliament inquiry committee receives only part of documents it requested from the Joint Research Centre.
The European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the eurozone emergency fund, gave its green light Friday to disbursement of a €7.5 billion loan to Greece. The money will be used to meet debt servicing obligations and to help clear domestic arrears. It is the first tranche of a €10.3 billion package agreed in May between Greece and its creditors. The remaining €2.8 billion will be unblocked after Greece makes further required reforms.
Sweden will deport a Bosnian Islamic State (IS) fighter who filed for asylum on Monday (13 June). The man, who is known as a senior IS jihadist, was on a blacklist in the EU's Schengen travel area and was arrested immediately after entering Swedish territory. The Swedish migration agency looked into the man's claim, but decided he lacked asylum justification.
The International Monetary Fund has said that political divisions in Europe make the eurozone more vulnerable.
France on Wednesday blocked an aid convoy from the UK to help migrants and refugees living in squalid conditions in Calais, French media reported Thursday. 250 vehicles were set to reach the some 5,000 migrants this coming weekend. Calais authorities say the convoy, organised by the Stand up to Racism association, would lead "to public disorder".
The killing of a pro-immigration and pro-EU MP in the UK has left British politics in shock, with some commentators blaming the ugly tone of the referendum camping.
Bulgaria is set to ban the wearing of niqabs or burqas in public places. A bill tabled by the nationalist Patriotic Front to ban the veils was backed by 108 MPs with only eight voting against it. Critics say the bill is worded in such a way that it would apply to anything that covers the face. Muslims make up around 12 percent of Bulgaria's total population.
One of the last patches of Europe’s primeval forests is in danger after Poland approved plans for extensive logging, prompting EU legal action in yet another clash with Warsaw.
Iran Air is set to gain greater access to the EU following the easing of flight restrictions by the EU commission on Thursday over safety issues. The EU had imposed an almost total flight ban on Iran Air in 2010 after airport inspections revealed safety problems. All Iran Air jets, except its fleets of Boeing 747-200s, Boeing 747SPs and Fokker 100s, can now fly in and out of the EU.
Novice PM falls in confidence vote amid infighting in Croatia's controversial, right-wing coalition. The centre-left is hoping for a snap vote.