After Trump threats, France stands by International Criminal Court
France on Tuesday said the International Criminal Court should be able to do its work without hindrance, a day after the United States threatened sanctions if the tribunal investigated U.S. activities in Afghanistan.
Poland signals seven judges must quit in court overhaul
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda signaled on Tuesday that seven Supreme Court judges seeking to work past retirement age would have to stand down, advancing reforms that critics have said amount to political interference in the judiciary.
Lebanon’s PM-designate Hariri says he’s not seeking revenge for father’s murder
Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri said on Tuesday he is not seeking revenge for the 2005 car bombing that killed his father, ex-premier Rafik Hariri, and that he would act to preserve stability in his country.
Former Nigerian leader Obasanjo urges West African governments to decriminalize drugs
West African governments should overhaul their drug laws to decriminalize personal use and prioritize treatment as a response to rising substance abuse in the region, former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo said on Tuesday.
Palestinians say U.S. attacks international law with U.N. funding cuts
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki described on Tuesday President Donald Trump’s decision to halt U.S. funding for the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA as an attack on international law.
Catalan separatists pack Barcelona to demand split from Spain
Around one million people filled central Barcelona on Tuesday to celebrate Catalonia’s commemorative day and boost a bid for independence which has left deep divisions almost a year after it brought Spain to a constitutional crisis.
Hungary’s Orban vows to defy European Parliament over rights
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban rejected on Tuesday European Parliament efforts to impose sanctions on Budapest over accusations of corruption, rights abuses and authoritarianism, saying he had the right to ban migrants from the country.
Key EU parliament leader says punishment ‘could be needed’ unless Hungary compromises
The leader of the biggest fraction in the European Parliament told a Tuesday debate over accusations that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is flouting democracy that punitive steps “could be needed” unless Budapest compromises.
EU executive backs EU lawmakers on rights in Hungary: Timmermans
The European Commission backed on Tuesday a European Parliament report condemning Hungary for abusing human rights and for the mistreatment of Roma communities, as EU lawmakers debated whether to impose sanctions on Budapest.
How the EU will vote and why it matters
An annual address to the European Parliament on Wednesday by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker puts a spotlight on EU elections next year.
