European Union

The EU Commission has announced that it is suspending all subsidies to the Agrofert conglomerate, which formerly belonged to Andrej Babiš, due to a conflict of interest. It has concluded that via the company he has profited from EU subsidies allocated by the government of which he is head. But Czech papers doubt the decision will prompt Babiš to give up any power.

This week a draft law was presented to the Russian Duma that would make derogatory statements about the state and its representatives and the deliberate spreading of socially relevant fake news punishable offences. Russian commentators discuss what goals the government is pursuing with this legislation.

Macron's concessions to the yellow vest protesters are set to cost eight to ten billion euros per year, according to the French government. Although the danger exists that France could exceed the deficit limit set by the EU, Brussels has sent nothing but positive signals. Some commentators are incensed that the French can apparently pick and choose precisely what suits them best.

The municipal government of Denmark's second-largest city Aarhus plans to introduce a vegan menu option in public institutions such as kindergartens and retirement homes. It says the step is aimed at helping to reduce CO2 emissions. Danish media take a critical view of the plan and lament that what people eat has become a political issue.

Delegations

Source : © European Union, 2018 - EP

How much influence does the EU actually have over the rest of the world? In one of the most volatile regions in the northern hemisphere, the answer is: quite a lot (potentially). 

Belgian prime minister Charles Michel said on Friday that he was "not optimistic" that the UK parliament would agree with the EU-UK Brexit deal. "A no-deal is a possibility, so we need to work hard to prepare," he said. Michel added British PM Theresa May was not able to give a "clear signal" to other EU leaders that UK MPs would support the deal. "There is enormous uncertainty," he said.

Romanian president Klaus Iohannis said Friday he did not expect the EU would have to organise a January summit on Brexit, as some EU diplomats mulled. "No, I do not expect it. We expect a positive vote from the British parliament, not a summit," said Iohannis at the start of the second summit day. He added the EU wanted "a very good, very special future relationship" with the UK.

Swedish social democrat leader Stefan Lofven was rejected from continuing as prime minister in a vote Friday when 200 MPs went against him, versus 116 in his favour. Talks are now likely to continue into the new year in order to form a government that does not depend on the support the anti-migrant Sweden Democrats. Lofven did not attend the vote as he was at an EU summit in Brussels.