Germany's Social Democrats down in polls

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The EU commission's deadline for EU states to pledge spaces for refugees from Africa and elsewhere appears no longer valid.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.