Irish economy could contract in no-deal Brexit, PM says
Ireland’s fast growing economy could suddenly contract if Britain crashes out of the European Union without a deal, a prospect that has become more likely, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday.
Merkel: We stand by the ‘Spitzenkandidat’ system, but it’s complicated
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday she still fully supported the ‘Spitzenkandidat’ system for choosing who should lead the European Commission but acknowledged that it would be difficult as the European Parliament was so fragmented.
Mauritania opposition candidate challenges presidential election result
The third place candidate in Mauritania’s presidential election filed an appeal late on Tuesday contesting the victory of ruling party candidate Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.
Afghanistan’s Ghani to visit Pakistan in bid to step up peace effort
Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani will visit Pakistan on Thursday to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan, less than a week after its neighbor hosted Afghan opposition leaders to discuss ways to end an 18-year-long war.
EU will not renegotiate Brexit deal, ready to work with new PM: Commission
The European Commission repeated on Wednesday that the European Union was not prepared to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement struck with London despite the plans of British prime ministerial candidates to draw up a new exit deal with Brussels.
Spain’s Sanchez will go ahead with PM confirmation vote, risking new election
Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will next Tuesday set a date for a parliamentary vote on whether he can stay on in the role, a Socialist party source said, triggering a two-month countdown that could potentially lead to a new election.
UK says 1984 Hong Kong rights treaty with China is as valid as ever
Britain’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday it would continue to defend its position over Hong Kong after Beijing accused the UK of interfering in China’s internal affairs.
Italy government could postpone meeting on deficit to next week: official
A crucial government meeting over Italy’s new budget deficit target scheduled for Wednesday could be postponed to next week, cabinet secretary Giancarlo Giorgetti said.
Irish premier dismisses talk of moving to top EU job
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday he was flattered by media reports suggesting he could become head of the European Union’s executive, but insisted he was not seeking a career change.
Russia says it will urge U.S. and Iran to begin dialogue
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that Moscow will try to persuade the United States and Iran to start “civilized” dialogue.
