European Union

The dispute over the planned pension reform in France is escalating despite further concessions from the government. In the wake of massive protests Prime Minister Edouard Philippe presented a watered-down version of the plans to reform the country's retirement system, but the strikes that started two weeks ago continue unabated. The press predicts major upheaval.

Estonia's interior minister Mart Helme of the far-right party Ekre mocked the humble origins of Finland's new prime minister Sanna Marin and other members of the government in the neighbouring country. Helme's remarks were not only in poor taste but also foolish, journalists say.

Shortly before Christmas 1989, the Romanian Revolution which culminated in the overthrowal and execution of dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu began in the the city of Timișoara. More than 1,000 people died in the uprising against the state. Speaking on Monday in Bucharest, President Iohannis called for those responsible to be held to account. Romania's press says this should not be the focus.

During a international geopolitical conference in Doha, the European Union was hardly represented - or even mentioned as a player.

Parliament negotiators reached an agreement with Council on Monday on new criteria to determine whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable.
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Parliament negotiators reached an agreement with Council on Monday on new criteria to determine whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable.
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will ask the Commission about its plans to investigate and clamp down on fraudulent schemes that allow EU funds to be misused.
Committee on Budgetary Control

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will ask the Commission about its plans to investigate and clamp down on fraudulent schemes that allow EU funds to be misused.
Committee on Budgetary Control

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

On Monday the Parliament’s Bureau, the body that lays down the institution is working rules, unveiled ambitious environmental targets for the 2019-2024 parliamentary term.

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

On Monday the Parliament’s Bureau, the body that lays down the institution is working rules, unveiled ambitious environmental targets for the 2019-2024 parliamentary term.

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Fewer journalists killed in line of work in past year, but targeted killings and state detentions, especially in Turkey and China, grew, a leading NGO has noted.