European Union

Foreign ministers of European and Asian countries meeting in Madrid, Spain, on 15-16 December for the 14th ASEM Foreign ministers meeting agreed on a Chair's statement.

The Council adopted conclusions on how better tackle and deter fraudulent practices in the agro-food chain.

Council agrees its negotiating position on amended rules for Eastern Baltic cod fisheries.

The Council adopted conclusions on "animal welfare, an integral part of sustainable animal production"

The Council adopted conclusions which provide political guidance for protecting and restoring the world's forests.

Council adopts 2020 fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

A number of policymakers emphasised at the global climate conference COP25 in Madrid that electrification should play a leading role in road transport’s decarbonisation efforts. However, the affordability of transport electrification raises questions, as key stakeholders have not yet addressed...

There is a huge gap between the compromise measures decided at the Madrid summit and what scientists believe is necessary to protect the climate. But the fight against climate change is not yet lost, many European media stress, pointing to what can still be achieved.

Mesut Özil, who is currently playing for the British football club Arsenal, made headlines on Friday with a tweet in which he criticised China's repressive policy towards the Uighurs. Beijing reacted with a ban on broadcasts of Arsenal games, which prompted the club to distance itself from Özil. Some commentators praise Özil for courageously taking a stance, while others cast doubt on his motives.

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.