European Union

Switzerland has joined China's controversial New Silk Road infrastructure initiative. On a state visit President Ueli Maurer was welcomed by Xi Jinping in Beijing, where the two leaders signed a declaration of intent. Switzerland's decision leaves a bitter aftertaste in commentators' mouths.

Slovakia's Supreme Court has refused to issue a ban on the far-right party L'SNS (People's Party Our Slovakia) led by Marian Kotleba, which is already represented in parliament. Explaining its decision on Monday, the court said there was insufficient evidence that the activities of the party violate basic democratic principles. The Slovakian media is disappointed by the ruling.

After Russia announced that it was offering fast-tracked Russian passports to the inhabitants of Donbass and then extended the offer to all Ukrainians, Ukraine's president designate Voldymyr Zelensky has countered by offering Russians Ukrainian citizenship. Commentators explain the real reasons for this seeming generosity.

The discovery of a series of murders has shocked Cyprus. According to police a 35-year-old army officer has confessed to killing five women and two little girls. He apparently convinced the victims - most of them domestic workers from Asian countries - to meet up with him in online chats. The police now fear the man may have killed more women. Critics accuse the authorities of not being thorough enough in their investigations.

The European Court of Justice ruled on Tuesday that the EU-Canada free trade agreement, and its controversial dispute settlement mechanism, is in line with the bloc's rules.

The devolved Scottish and Welsh parliaments have separately declared climate emergencies, citing the threats of climate change, just as Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party is expected to push Westminster to do the same for the whole of the UK.

The mechanism for the resolution of disputes between investors and States provided for by the free trade agreement between the EU and Canada (CETA) is compatible with EU law

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