EU politics

Latest news about European Union politics.

Germany hits back at 'absurd' Berlusconi euro broadside — 28 September 2012, 13:34 CET

Germany dismissed as "absurd" Friday comments by former Italian leader Silvio Berlusconi that a German exit from the eurozone would not pose problems for the embattled currency zone.

French budget vows EUR 36.9bn savings to cut deficit — 28 September 2012, 13:33 CET

France's Socialist government on Friday adopted its 2013 budget with promises to make 36.9 billion euros in savings to respect a deficit target of 3.0 per cent of GDP next year.

Major powers demand urgent Iran action on nuclear fears — 28 September 2012, 11:03 CET

Iran must take urgent action to allay mounting international concerns over its nuclear drive, EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said Thursday after talks among the major powers.

Italy's Berlusconi launches anti-euro broadsides — 27 September 2012, 21:32 CET

Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi launched a series of broadsides on Thursday against Germany, the euro and the new single currency bailout fund as Italy's election season heats up.

Monti says he would 'consider' second term as Italian PM — 27 September 2012, 19:09 CET

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti said Thursday that he would "consider" a second term as premier if asked, as a general election looms in the recession-hit country in spring next year.

Russia's top lawmaker snubs 'Russophobic' Europe assembly — 27 September 2012, 15:24 CET

Russia's parliament speaker said Thursday he has cancelled a visit to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to avoid some "Russophobic" delegations and a debate over a critical resolution.

Europe, Congress holding up US recovery: Geithner — 26 September 2012, 00:06 CET

US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Tuesday that America is well placed for economic recovery, as long as Congress can unite on reforms and the European Union escapes its own financial woes.

EU mulls 'full' financial freeze, shipping ban on Iran — 26 September 2012, 00:07 CET

EU nations are discussing a British sanctions proposal against Iran that notably calls for a ban on shipping and "full" freeze on financial transactions with Iran's central bank, European diplomats said Tuesday.

Monti vows to boost Italy's lagging productivity — 24 September 2012, 19:20 CET

Prime Minister Mario Monti on Monday vowed to boost competitiveness as an OECD report showed Italy is one of the few developed countries where labour productivity has stagnated in recent years.

Italy must stick to Monti reforms: OECD — 24 September 2012, 16:36 CET

Italy must resist the temptation to go back on key reforms launched by Prime Minister Mario Monti's government since they are crucial for the country and the future of Europe, the OECD said on Monday.

'Step up pressure' on Iran, say Britain, France, Germany — 24 September 2012, 13:47 CET

Britain, France and Germany urged their European Union partners "to further step up the pressure" on Iran by agreeing new sanctions to undermine its nuclear drive, in a joint letter seen by AFP on Monday.

Ukrainian government defies EU demands on Tymoshenko case — 21 September 2012, 13:37 CET

The Ukrainian government said in remarks published Friday it will not intervene in the case of imprisoned opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, despite EU criticism of Ukraine's judicial system.

Commissioner urges more transparency in Bulgarian media — 20 September 2012, 21:42 CET

The EU's commissioner for new technologies called Thursday for more transparency in the ownership and financing of Bulgarian media outlets, after journalists complained of interference.

Romania's top court throws out decree limiting its powers — 19 September 2012, 19:21 CET

Romania's constitutional court ruled Wednesday that a government decree limiting its powers was in breach of the country's constitution, the latest development in a months-long political saga.

Western nations, UN concerned after mob prevents Togo demo — 19 September 2012, 19:00 CET

Several Western ambassadors and the United Nations in Togo issued a joint statement Wednesday condemning the actions of a violent crowd that prevented an opposition protest at the weekend.

Albania curbs immunity for lawmakers and officials — 19 September 2012, 15:01 CET

The Albanian parliament has voted through constitutional changes that curb immunity for lawmakers and government officials after pressure from the EU, it said in a statement Wednesday.

Iran's top negotiator says Istanbul nuclear talks 'fruitful' — 19 September 2012, 13:00 CET

Iran's top nuclear negotiator said Wednesday he had a "fruitful" meeting in Istanbul with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and voiced hope it would help resolve the standoff with the West.

Dutch minister introduces austerity budget — 18 September 2012, 17:46 CET

Outgoing Dutch Finance Minister Jan Kees de Jager introduced an austerity budget Tuesday aimed at steering Europe's fifth-largest economy back below a Brussels-imposed deficit target.

Romania turmoil triggers cancellation of EU talks — 18 September 2012, 17:28 CET

Concern over Romania's political turmoil helped trigger the cancellation of EU talks this week aimed at assessing the country's bid to join the Schengen visa-free area.

EU urges Romania's Ponta to clear 'doubts' on rule of law — 17 September 2012, 22:50 CET

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on Monday called on Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta to "remove all doubts" on his government's commitment to judicial independence.

Italian PM Monti's ratings rise again despite crisis — 17 September 2012, 14:57 CET

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti's ratings rose again this month to 52 per cent from 49 per cent in July and 46 percent in June, according to a poll published by La Repubblica daily on Monday.

EU newcomers urge fair polls in Georgia — 17 September 2012, 14:50 CET

Five of the European Union's newest members on Monday urged Georgia to show democratic progress in upcoming elections as a way of advancing its ambitions to join the EU and NATO.

Ukrainian president lashed over Tymoshenko case — 14 September 2012, 23:38 CET

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych faced harsh criticism at an international conference on Friday over the jailing of ex-prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

EU insists on respect for law in Romania — 14 September 2012, 16:43 CET

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressed EU concerns Friday over political developments in Romania, insisting there can be no compromise on respect for the rule of law.

EU president presses ahead on reforms — 13 September 2012, 15:59 CET

EU President Herman Van Rompuy said Thursday he wanted to begin consultations next week on reforms to the bloc, including a centralised budget and shared debt, two hugely controversial issues.