The Capitals brings you the latest news from across Europe through on-the-ground reporting by Euractiv’s media network. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.
The European news you deserve to read. Welcome to The Capitals by Euractiv.
In today’s news from the Capitals:
PRAGUE
An immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Lebanon conflict “solves nothing” and would oonly pave the way for more violence, Tomáš Pojar, top Czech diplomat and sherpa to the prime minister, told Euractiv in an interview, reacting to European ceasefire calls. Read more.
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BERLIN
Opposition slams German chancellor for avoiding migration in ‘desperate’ EU summit speech. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz used his statement in parliament on the upcoming European Council to talk about Germany’s economy, as an enraged opposition slammed him for not addressing the summit’s key topics. Read more.
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PARIS
In widening dispute, Israel lashes out at France after firms barred from arms show. Israel’s defence minister on Wednesday called French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to ban Israeli firms from exhibiting at a naval arms show “a disgrace” and accused Paris of implementing a hostile policy towards the Jewish people. Read more.
NORDICS & BALTICS
HELSINKI | OSLO
Finland, Norway to improve rail links for military use. Finland and Norway plan to improve rail and road links between the countries for military use, Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said at a briefing in Oslo during the state visit of Finnish President Alexander Stubbs. Read more.
EUROPE’S SOUTH
ROME
Italy-Albania migration scheme formally launched. Albania received the first group of migrants under Italy’s controversial new border policy on Wednesday, an issue that will dominate the European Council meeting starting on Thursday. Read more.
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MADRID
Spain’s Partido Popular backs von der Leyen’s migration proposal. Spain should move at the same pace as the EU and not remain on the periphery of what the bloc and the European Commission consider the best way to tackle irregular migration, Partido Popular Secretary General Cuca Gamarra (EPP) said on Wednesday. Read more.
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LISBON
Portuguese PM condemns Israel’s ‘excessive force’ in Gaza. Portugal condemns Israel’s “excessive use of force” and “unjustified position” against UN Secretary-General and former Portuguese prime minister António Guterres, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said on Wednesday. Read more.
Portuguese flag permanently removed from ship carrying explosives to Israel. The Portuguese flag has been permanently removed from a ship carrying explosives destined for Israel, among other countries, after the necessary technical steps were taken, an official at the Portuguese Foreign Ministry told Lusa. Read more.
EASTERN EUROPE
WARSAW
Poland’s PiS opposes Tusk’s new restrictive asylum policy. The conservative opposition party PiS has decided not to support Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s new migration strategy, which includes a temporary curb on asylum rights after it was condemned by President Andrzej Duda. Read more.
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BRATISLAVA
Slovak Fico slams EU ‘war cabinet’, claims West sabotaged Ukraine peace efforts. Ahead of the upcoming European Council summit, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticised the EU for acting as a ‘war cabinet’ and undermining the peace process in Ukraine while questioning Russia’s responsibility for the Bucha massacre. Read more.
NEWS FROM THE BALKANS
SOFIA
Bulgaria, Greece close to renewing water deal over Arda river. Bulgaria and Greece are close to concluding a new deal that will allow Greece to continue using part of the Arda River outflow, Euractiv Bulgaria has learned. Read more.
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BUCHAREST
Romanian government creates state-run rail company for defence needs. The Romanian government approved the creation of a state-run railway company to meet the country’s defence needs on Wednesday, bringing the country in line with the EU’s new military mobility initiative. Read more.
AGENDA:
- EU: European Council convenes to discuss Ukraine, Middle East, migration, and more;
- Informal meeting of trade ministers expected to focus on trade relations with ASEAN countries, EU-China trade, and more;
- Commission President Ursula von der Leyen participates in EPP Summit;
- Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni attends UN G77 Ambassadors meeting, in New York, United States;
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[Edited by Sarantis Michalopoulos, Daniel Eck, Alice Taylor-Braçe, Sofia Mandilara]
Source: euractiv.com
