European Union

As the UN climate conference takes place in Madrid EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is due to present a package of measures aimed at making Europe more climate-friendly in the fields of energy, industry, transport and agriculture today. The goal of the package is to ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for the EU by 2050. Commentators discuss how Europe can play a pioneering role in climate protection.

The Democrats have presented the charges necessary for impeachment: President Trump must answer for abuse of power and obstruction of Parliament's investigation. He is said to have urged Ukraine to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son. Commentators doubt the chances of success of an impeachment.

The EU member states have declared the military agreement signed between Libya and Turkey at the end of November to be null and void. Among other things the agreement redefined the maritime border between Crete and Cyprus, where natural gas reserves are located. In the meantime Erdoğan has stressed Turkey's willingness to send troops to Libya to support the internationally recognised government. Journalists criticise Ankara's actions.

Moscow and Kiev aim to achieve a complete ceasefire in eastern Ukraine by the end of the year. In addition, Putin and Zelensky agreed in Paris to a partial withdrawal of troops and a prisoner exchange. Another meeting in the Normandy format is scheduled to take place in March. Commentators are disappointed with the results of the summit.

Turkey’s foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said on Wednesday (11 December) that the United States could be barred from using two strategic air bases in retaliation to possible US sanctions against his country, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

The fight against corporate tax avoidance is central to the European Commission's political aims of ensuring a fairer Single Market and more stable environment for business.

The European Medicinal Cannabis Association (EUMCA), the newly formed Brussels-based industry body, represents the interests of ethical companies working in the supply and manufacturer of medicinal cannabis.

The European Commission said it would only consider money-laundering reforms after it completes a thorough assessment of the issue, dashing hopes the EU executive would act rapidly to crack down on dirty money flowing through the continent.