22/04 Today’s headlines from across the EU

EUROPEAN HEADLINES

FT – Teva in USD 40 billion push for Mylan as pharma frenzy heats up. Generic drug maker makes offer for rival that would create USD 100 billion group.

WSJE – Auschwitz guard goes on trial for accessory to 300,000 murders. Oskar Gröning, a 93-year old who handled cash carried by victims at the Auschwitz concentration camp, went on trial Tuesday for 300,000 counts of accessory to murder. It is likely to be one of the last times that Germany tries a person for Nazi crimes.

INYT – Investigation of shipwreck focuses on collision. Prosecutors hold captain of migrant vessel, citing his “wrong manoeuvres.”

FRANCE

Le Monde – One in two young people has already smoked cannabis. Cannabis consumption among teenagers is growing once again, according to the French Observatory of Drugs and addictions.

Les Echos – Labour-unions: the major changes in the French Labour code. François Rebsamen presents his reform on social dialogue to the Council of Ministers. The text simplifies employee representative bodies. It creates a work premium to support employment, even part-time employment.

GERMANY

Frankfurter Allgemeine – Serious allegations against tug captain. An investigation for involuntary manslaughter has been launched. “We need a robust mandate,” says Federal Home Secretary De Maizière.

Suddeutsche Zeitung – Former SS Officer asks for forgiveness. In one of the last Auschwitz trials, the 93-year-old Oskar Gröning admits accusations and confesses: “I am without question morally complicit.”

ITALY

La Republica – The EU is ready to launch a military operation. “The captain is responsible for the carnage.” Following the last migrants’ disaster in the Mediterranean, the hypothesis of an international police operation with military means is taking shape. The goal: to stop the traffickers and the entire organisation that sets up the traffic of human beings.

Il Sole 24 Ore – Tax audits, online bills, foreign investments: the new measures. The Italian government approved a first set of measures on breach of laws, electronic billing and businesses globalisation strategies.

POLAND

Gazeta – Lessons in shame. In Polish schools, the poor and those perceived as unmanly receive the worst harassment. Pupils and teachers alike discriminate, although they claim that there is no problem at their school.

SPAIN

El Pais – The Inland Revenue’s procedure brings the Rato case in judicial limbo. The public prosecutor’s office changed its mind and now denies the links with Bankia.

Expansion – Rajoy: “I will fight for GDP and common sense.” Entrepreneurs notice the economic situation is better but they worry about the political horizon.

The Times – Law chief faces new onslaught over Janner. Politicians unite in call for peer to face charges.

The Guardian – Shapps accused of secret slurs against top Tories. Wikipedia says Tory chairman linked to edits of pages over last two years.