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This WEEK in the European Union
Greek debt and - potentially - a new Russia gas crisis will dominate EU affairs in the coming week.
Related Stories
- Greece seeks bail-out deal 'this week' to avert catastrophe
- IMF worried by social cost of Greek austerity
- Berlin digs in heels on extra €15bn for Greece
[Focus] Battle lines drawn up in EU row on Acta
[Ticker] No eurozone meeting on Monday, says Juncker
Jean-Claude Juncker, head of eurozone finance ministers (Eurogroup) on Friday rejected rumours there would be a special meeting on Monday dedicated to Greece. "A Eurogroup meeting may be scheduled later in the week," he said in a press release. According to diplomatic sources, the next date in mind is Wednesday.
[Ticker] Eurozone countries sign bail-out fund treaty
A treaty establishing the European Stability Mechanism, eurozone's permanent bail-out fund worth €500bn, was signed on Thursday by representatives of the 17 euro-countries. The ESM will be an international financial institution based in Luxembourg lending money to troubled eurozone countries. Its firepower is likely to be increased in March.
EU seeks probe into Egypt football tragedy
[Ticker] BBC admits receiving millions in EU grants
The BBC has admitted to receiving EU grants and loans from the European Investment Bank since 2003, Daily Telegraph reports. The news prompted MPs to question the stations impartiality when reporting EU news. A BBC spokesman said loans were "obtained on a fully commercial basis and has no editorial impact.”
Deja vu as Russia gas cuts hit eight more EU countries
Eight more EU countries have joined Italy in noting a sharp drop in Russian gas supplies, in events recalling the massive 2009 crunch.
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- [Focus] Wind Energy
- [Focus] EU wind policies: never enough of a good thing
- EU official predicts major anti-Putin rally
Berlin digs in heels on extra €15bn for Greece
Germany has ruled out any extra contribution from national governments or the European Central Bank to the second Greek bail-out - as requested by the Greek government. Meanwhile, sources close to the negotiations speak of a €15bn funding gap.
Related Stories
- Greece seeks bail-out deal 'this week' to avert catastrophe
- IMF worried by social cost of Greek austerity
- This WEEK in the European Union
[Ticker] Hungary urges EU countries to table Roma plans
Hungary's state secretary for social inclusion, Zoltan Balog has urged other European nations to present strategies for Roma integration. “The continent's economic crisis is an opportunity to pay closer attention to the group”, he said in an AP interview. There are an estimated 10-12 million Roma living in Europe.
Breast implants scandal to see tougher EU legislation
Breast implants scandal set to lead to tougher EU legislation
EU official predicts major anti-Putin rally
[Ticker] China may contribute more to euro-rescue
China supports European efforts to stabilise the euro and "is also considering more participation” in the EU's two bail-out funds - the temporary European Financial Stability Facility and the future permanent European Stabilisation Mechanism - premier Wen Jiabao said at a briefing in China with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
[Ticker] Turkey may offer asylum to Syrian dictator's family
Turkey could offer asylum to the the family of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, whose bloody repression of anti-government protests has outraged Nato and Arab countries. "If we are asked, we will of course analyse the request," Turkish President Abdullah Gul said when asked if he would favour such gesture.
