European Union

Less than four weeks before the Brexit deadline expires the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has put forward proposals for avoiding no deal. He claims the plan would render the controversial Irish backstop unnecessary. Northern Ireland would continue to adhere to certain EU regulations and unavoidable customs checks on the Irish border would be solved using technological solutions. The press discusses whether the compromise is realistic.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has authorised the US to impose punitive tariffs on around seven billion euros worth of EU imports per year. The arbitrators approved this as a retaliatory measure against illegal subsidies granted to European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. Following the ruling Washington announced it would impose tariffs on olives, cheese and whisky as well as aircraft. Commentators outline the potential repercussions.

Together with EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos, German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer has travelled to Ankara to bolster the refugee agreement with Turkey. After Turkey Seehofer will visit Greece to discuss the problem of overcrowded refugee camps. Does the EU need a new concept for dealing with migration?

An earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale shook Istanbul last week. Nobody was injured, but scientists have been warning for some time that the region is facing a major earthquake similar to that in 1999, when more than 18,000 people died. Turkish media debate how well prepared for an earthquake the metropolis on the Bosporus is and reach different conclusions.

Commissioners-designate hearings, plenary and committee meetings, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP