News archive

America and Britain have left a 'legacy of abuse' in Iraq
Everywhere in Iraq today one sees the legacy of abuses caused or tolerated by the US and the UK, claims Erin Evers

The EU Twitterati: behind the curtain of the Brussels press room
Twitter is disrupting the European Commission's attempt to manage news in Brussels as the unfolding events in Cyprus this week proved, writes Justin Stares

Cyprus seeks fresh solution after deposit tax rejected
Cypriot politicians are working on new plans to raise enough money to keep the country afloat after members of parliament threw out a rescue package that included a levy on bank accounts

European public 'totally ignorant' of cyber threat
The new world of hyperconnectivity achieved through superfast internet and cloud computing is a "fantastic development" – but people are still "ignorant" of the risks associated with modern technologies, Sweden's foreign minister Carl Bildt says

We are witnessing the globalisation of organised crime
Europe plays host to some 3,600 criminal gangs with drug trafficking and offences linked to the internet being the most common crimes committed, according to Europol

'Extraordinary effort' needed to meet EU recycling target
A majority of European countries will have to make an 'extraordinary effort' to meet the target of recycling half of municipal waste by the end of this decade, a report says

Europe's defence complacency a 'grave mistake'
Europe is making a 'grave mistake' in thinking that war on the continent is no longer possible – and the EU should commit to closer cooperation on security issues, Latvia's defence minister says

Cyprus seeks to revise terms of savings tax
The levy imposed on savers in Cyprus as part of its bail-out could be modified, it has been reported. A debate and vote in the Cypriot parliament has been delayed until Tuesday and a bank holiday extended until Thursday

Western Balkans 'too long on the margins' of Europe
The EU can only overcome its difficulties if it is united – and that includes extending its borders to encompass the western Balkans, the prime minister of Montenegro says

Shale gas gives US 'lazy way out' of green debate
The convenience of shale gas in the US, coupled with the influence of climate change deniers, has led to an 'absolute political logjam' in discussions about renewable energy there, Democratic senator Christopher Murphy says

Ashton urges caution on Syria arms embargo
Catherine Ashton, the EU's foreign policy chief, has urged caution over the prospect of lifting the arms embargo on Syria, saying it is unclear whether it would help to end the conflict or inflame the violence further

Zoellick warns against 'rhetorical' EU-US trade talks
The EU and the US must walk the walk, not just talk the talk, when it comes to a transatlantic free trade agreement, says former World Bank president Robert Zoellick

Claims of European Commission 'psychiatric trials' to oust staff
The Portuguese diplomat falsely accused of being 'mad' by the European Commission is still fighting to clear his name a decade on, in a Kafkaesque nightmare. Justin Stares catches up with Jose Sequeira

Poor UK 'work ethic' partly to blame for EU migrants influx
Some British companies increasingly prefer migrant workers from the European Union for low-paid jobs because of their perceived superior work ethic, technical skills and long-term commitment – report finds

EU ombudsman to retire after 10-year stint
The European Ombudsman, P Nikiforos Diamandouros, has announced his retirement after a decade in the role, citing a desire to return to life as an 'active private citizen'