BBC Europe – Kabul bomb: Diplomatic zone attack kills dozens. A powerful vehicle bomb has hit the diplomatic area of the Afghan capital, Kabul, killing at least 80 people and injuring 350. It struck close to the German embassy in Zanbaq Square, with civilians said to be the main casualties. The morning rush-hour blast was so strong it blew out windows and doors hundreds of metres away.
Fed nears an interest-rate rise, plans to shrink asset portfolio
Federal Reserve officials are likely to raise short-term interest rates at their meeting in two weeks and announce their framework for shrinking a $4.5 trillion portfolio of bonds and other assets later this year.
FRANCE
Once they cross the Mediterranean, what do migrants become?
Over 10,000 migrants rescued in less than a week. Once in Italy, they are in for a strenuous journey across Europe.
GERMANY
Germany prevents NATO summit in Istanbul
In 2018 the top meeting of the alliance was meant to take place in Turkey. But the Federal Government and some partners want for the alliance to hold the meeting in Brussels. It is the next escalation in the conflict with Ankara.
ITALY
An agreement exists over the electoral law
Renzi: “German model with 5% cut-off”. Tension over early election. The Democratic Party (PD) and Forza Italia have agreed over a new electoral system, after a yes from the Five Star Movement (M5S). PD Secretary Matteo Renzi explained this is a “German-style model” with a 5% cut-off. However, meanwhile there is tension over moves towards an early election. Angelino Alfano (AP) criticised Mr Renzi’s push for an early election, and said this shows he is “unreliable”. Economy Minister Padoan voiced fears over reforms. Prime Minister Gentiloni repeated that the government will last for as long as it has the confidence of parliament.
SPAIN
Rajoy will have to appear in court as witness in Gürtel case
Spain’s High Court, the Audiencia Nacional, rejects the use of video conference and points out that he must appear “as a private Spanish citizen”.
AUSTRIA
Trump brings EU and China closer together
So far the meeting between the EU and China had little importance because of differences in content. However the protectionist stance from the US could bring new dynamism to the EU / China relations – at least at the symbolic level.
BULGARIA
European Parliament: Free Wi-Fi in the EU
A plan agreed between the European Parliament, European Council and the Commission on Tuesday envisages earmarking €120 million for free Wi-Fi access in 6,000 – 8,000 municipalities in the EU.
GREECE
Cold war for the debt
The competitions between Germany and the US crush Greece.
LUXEMBOURG
On the grill
“Panama Papers”: Jean-Claude Juncker had to face unpleasant questions before the European Parliamentary Committee.
SLOVENIA
We finance MEPs’ offices. Some do not even have them
Each MEP receives €4,342 per month from the European Parliament, primarily dedicated to finance their European office in their home countries.
