European Union

Debate over the slave-like working conditions of African and Eastern European agricultural workers has reignited in Italy after 16 harvest workers perished in two car crashes. Hundreds of farm workers have taken to the streets in protest, and the government has announced that it will crack down on illegal harvesting. The press sees the need for action, and not just in Italy.

In many cities of Europe tenants are complaining about rising rents and housing shortages - the downside of cheap holiday flats and of people short-letting their homes via Airbnb. The former start-up has long since become a tourism sector giant that generates billions. What limits should be set for the accommodation platform?

The diplomatic crisis between Saudi Arabia and Canada seems likely to escalate. Riyadh has instructed all Saudi students and patients to leave Canada. The crisis was triggered by a tweet by Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland in which she called for civil rights activist Samar Badawi to be freed. Commentators criticise Europe for not supporting Ottawa in the row.

In Slovenia Marjan Šarec is to lead a minority government consisting of five parties and supported by the eco-socialist Left Party. His newly founded LMS came second in the election at the start of June. The conservative winner, Janez Janša, was unable to form a majority. Journalists doubt that Šarec, a former comedian, will be able to successfully manage the centre-left government.

Germany's development minister has called for the EU to create a 'Africa commissioner', to coordinate EU policy towards the continent. Gerd Mueller, from chancellor Angela Merkel's CSU sister party, called on the EU to open its markets to African goods, in an interview with Die Welt. Mueller also suggested a new 'EU-Africa Council'. Currently, all imports to the EU from the 'Least Developed Countries' are duty-free and quota-free.

Switzerland's plan to forge a new treaty cementing ties with the European Union has hit the rocks after the normally pro-Europe centre left joined the far right in resisting a deal that Swiss labour unions say might undermine wages and working conditions.

Most UK voters in a YouGov survey said they would remain part of the European Union should a second referendum be held now. The poll follows reports the EU is willing to make a concession on British exit demands.

The recent re-authorisation of glyphosate controversy highlighted the many issues surrounding pesticides, their purpose and our dependency on them, as well as the harm they bring to­­­­­ our health and the environment, writes Natacha Cingotti.