European leaders say EU at risk of breaking up over coronavirus

A former European Commission president has said the coronavirus crisis may result in the break-up of the European Union. In a rare statement last weekend, Jacques Delors said the lack of European solidarity in dealing with the crisis presented “a mortal danger” to the EU. Others have expressed similar concerns.

EU ‘Deeply Concerned’ Over Hungary’s Coronavirus Measures

Thirteen European Union nations say they fear that emergency measures to contain the new coronavirus pandemic could threaten “democracy and fundamental rights.” Their statement came after EU-member Hungary introduced coronavirus legislation that allows the increasingly authoritarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to rule by decree without parliamentary approval.

Dutch Daily: ‘World Searching For Leader Amid Coronacrisis’

With roughly half the world in lockdown and many politicians weak or ill, the largest Dutch daily concludes in a headline: “World searching for LEADER.” De Telegraaf (The Telegraph) also expresses that “Nobody takes the lead in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.” Its commentator, Frank van Vliet, complained: “While the world is on fire, international politicians are running in one direction to put out their fire. No leader has taken the lead, and solidarity is lacking. They did not read author Alexander Dumas’ Three Musketeers because “one for all and all for one” has been replaced by “own people first.”

Turkey reignites refugee crisis in Europe

The Greek military and police are clashing with refugees rushing to cross the border from Turkey as islanders to the south cope with hundreds of new arrivals.

EU-UK trade talks kick off amid threats and deadlines

Long-awaited trade talks between the European Union and Britain kicked off Monday amid deep tensions over Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s threat to walk away from the negotiations if not enough progress is made within four months.

EU Holding First Post-Brexit Summit

The European Union’s first post-Brexit summit Thursday in Brussels promises to be a contentious one. The subject is money — how to fill a nearly $65 billion budget gap left by Britain’s departure from the bloc.

Israel asks UK to include Judea, Samaria in future free trade agreement

PM Netanyahu and Economy Minister Eli Cohen appealed to the British government to include Judea and Samaria, the Golan Heights and Jerusalem in the free trade agreement between the two countries, which will come into effect with the completion of Brexit – Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union – in 2021.

Top EU diplomat wants European strategy for Middle East peace

In light of US President Donald Trump unveiling of his Middle East peace plan in January, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said the bloc needs to formulate a European initiative to facilitate the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians.

EU chief rejects Johnson’s idea of loose UK trade deal

The European Union will only offer Britain unique access to its vast single market if the U.K. agrees to stick to the bloc’s standards, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday, dismissing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s idea of brokering a loose trade deal with the EU.

EU focuses on Balkans for enlargement after Brexit

Down one country with the departure of Britain, the European Union’s executive proposed a new system for adding members in a move made all the more urgent by French objections to open enlargement talks with two Western Balkan nations.

EU, UK begin post-Brexit poker on trade talks

The fact that the European Union will insist on a level playing field in its future relations with the United Kingdom should come as ‘no surprise’ to the UK, said the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, in Brussels.

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