No systemic problem with rule of law in Italy: Commission
The European Commission does not see a systemic threat to the rule of law in Italy at this stage, the Commission’s First Vice President Frans Timmermans told a news conference on Wednesday.
Islamic State, without evidence, claims killing of Canadian in Burkina Faso
Islamic State claimed to have kidnapped and killed a Canadian citizen in Burkina Faso in January, but security sources said they believed he actually died during a botched attempt by a criminal gang to sell him on to another group.
Ukrainian government bans gas price hikes before vote
The Ukrainian government has banned state-run gas producer Naftogaz from raising consumer gas prices, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said on Wednesday, a move likely to please voters but disturb the country’s creditors.
Israel could face austerity under next government
Israel’s economy has barely featured in the run-up to next week’s general election, yet the central bank and many economists warn the new government will need to cut spending and raise taxes to rein in a growing budget deficit.
EU exec to act if Romania does not address concerns over judiciary
The European Commission warned Romania on Wednesday it would take action against it if the country does not address the European Union executive’s concerns over the judiciary.
EU exec opens infringement procedure against Poland’s
The European Commission opened an infringement procedure against Poland on Wednesday over the country’s steps against its judges, which the Commission believes are aimed as a “chilling effect” against those ruling against the ruling nationalist party.
EU Commission backs almost 1 billion euro post-bailout grant to Greece
The European Commission recommended on Wednesday the disbursement of nearly 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in a grant to Greece as part of its post-bailout program after Athens passed reforms required by creditors.
Berenberg sees higher chance UK stays in customs union as PM May seeks compromise
Berenberg economists on Wednesday increased their estimate of the likelihood Britain stays in the European Union’s customs union after Prime Minister Theresa May said she would work with opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to break the deadlock on B…
Turkey’s main opposition mayor candidate in Istanbul demands mandate
Turkey’s main opposition candidate in Istanbul called on the High Election Board (YSK) on Wednesday to mandate him as elected mayor, after the ruling AK Party objected to results that saw him earn a narrow victory over his rival.
Brexit: Ireland says will support UK request for short extension
Ireland plans to support a British request for a short further delay to its European Union exit at a Brussels summit next week, and it is very unlikely Britain will crash out with no deal on April 12, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Wednes…
