European Union

Shortly before the EU summit this weekend - and after the mini-summit held at Angela Merkel's request - it remains unclear whether the EU member states will be able to agree on a common migration policy. And who will win out - the advocates of an open door policy or those who want a hard line against refugees. Journalists urge the politicians to deliver results.

In the ongoing trade dispute with the US the EU has raised import tariffs for a number of US goods. Tariffs for products like whisky, jeans and motorbikes were increased in retaliation for Donald Trump's import duties on European steel and aluminium products. Commentators support the move, even voicing hopes that the row will ultimately leave the EU in a better position.

Liviu Dragnea, head of Romania's Social Democratic Party (PSD) and of the Chamber of Deputies, is refusing to step down despite having been sentenced last week in the first instance for abuse of power. Thousands once again took to the streets in protest against the dismantling of the rule of law in Romania. But commentators doubt that the public outcry will make any difference - particularly as the EU is remaining silent.

Committee and political group meetings, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2018 - EP

Court of Auditors says in critical report that Europe does not have a high-speed rail 'network', "only a patchwork of national high-speed lines, planned and built by the member states in isolation".

Paulo Rangel meets Brian Maguire over a coffee to talk about reshaping the Eurozone, and how the lessons of the economic crisis are driving a serious reform agenda, designed to protect Europe from future melt-downs.

MEPs and MPs from ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) countries call for closer cooperation to tackle counterfeit products in their future cooperation agreement. EURACTIV.fr reports.

France.com v EUIPO - France (FRANCE.com)
Intellectual and industrial property
The sign ‘france.com’ cannot be registered as an EU trade mark

MB
SOPO
A person who has changed gender cannot be required to annul the marriage which he or she entered into before that change of gender in order to be entitled to receive a retirement pension at the age provided for persons of the sex which he or she has acquired

For Andrej Babis, a businessman turned politician, EU membership is a matter of conviction as much as of economic opportunities, in a country still looking for a purpose.

The speaker of Corsica's regional parliament, Jean-Guy Talamoni, said Monday that the French island was ready to open its port to the Lifeline, the boat of German NGO Mission Lifeline with some 230 migrants on board. Italy and Malta have refused to let the boat dock on their territory, as has Spain, which accepted the Aquarius, another boat, earlier this month.