Friday
15th Sep 2017
By EUOBSERVER
British prime minister Theresa May will make a key speech on Britain's future relationship with the European Union in the Italian city of Florence on 22 September, her spokesman announced on Wednesday. Asked why Italy had been picked, the spokesman said she "wanted to give a speech on the UK's future relationship with Europe in its historical heart." The next round of Brexit talks is scheduled for 25 September.
Foreign minister has repeated calls to relax EU sanctions on Russia in return for Ukraine peacekeepers, but chancellor Merkel is wary of Russia's initiative.
Greek official welcomed proposal to give the agency a bigger role, downplayed its kitchen sink problems, and said he was himself the victim of a computer virus.
A sneak peek into EU Commission plans to hold talks with Russia on Nord Stream 2 shows why both Moscow and Berlin are likely to oppose any such negotiations.
The EU executive seeks new deals with Australia and New Zealand, while aiming to overhaul the global investment protection system. It also wants to screen foreign investments.
The EU commission's deadline for EU states to pledge spaces for refugees from Africa and elsewhere appears no longer valid.
The European Commission will accept Catalonia's independence, but only after a legal vote is accepted by Spanish authorities, and with no direct EU accession.
