04/01 – Today’s headlines from across the EU

EUROPEAN HEADLINES

FT Europe – Calls for calm by western leaders after Saudi execution of Shia cleric. Concerns move will fuel tensions with Iran. Riyadh condemned for killing 47 people.

WSJE – Upbeat on Europe stocks. Investors expect more gains in 2016, but political troubles mean path might be bumpy.

INYT – China Muslims seethe under crackdown. Beijing’s measures aim to shape beliefs and behaviour in Xinjiang.

BBC Europe –Sweden border checks come into force. Sweden has introduced identity checks for travellers from Denmark in an attempt to reduce the number of migrants arriving in the country. All travellers wanting to cross the Oresund bridge by train or bus, or use ferry services, will be refused entry without the necessary documents.

FRANCE

Le Monde – The challenges for 2016: Europe and the migrant crisis; ISIS moving toward global jihad; Obama’s legacy, US growth, Hollande and nationality stripping.

Les Echos – Employment: what François Hollande is preparing. 500,000 unemployed will be trained to perform “future jobs,” for a budget of €1 billion. A fixed premium will be created for SMEs hiring new employees.

GERMANY

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) – Iran threatens Saudi Arabia after execution of a Shiite preacher. “Riyadh will experience God’s vengeance.” Saudis break diplomatic relations with Tehran.

Sueddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) – Iran threatens Saudi Arabia with “God’s vengeance.” Tensions between the regional powers in the Persian Gulf worsen dramatically after Saudis executed a Shiite opposition leader. The conflict also endangers the peace talks for Syria.

ITALY

La Repubblica – State-owned companies: here is the boards’ reform. Within a year, all state-owned enterprises will have a sole administrator. Consequently, boards with three to five members will be removed.

Il Sole 24 Ore – For 500,000 self-employed, it is the beginning of new demandss. A parachute for 500,000 contracts at the crossroad between autonomous activity and employee work.

POLAND

Gazeta Wyborcza – The Białowieża Forest operation. The Ministry of Environment and State Forest plans a massive tree cull in the Polish primeval Białowieża Forest, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an EU Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation. The Ministry claims that without it, the Forest will be killed off by woodworm and fires.

SPAIN

El País – Facing the necessity of new elections, Mas’ project is weakening. The CUP refused to support the “President” and left the separatist issue unresolved.

Expansión – “Caixabank achieves 25% of long-term savings.” Caixabank’s managing director explains the company’s plans.

The Times – British jihadist leads new Isis death squad. Hunt for masked gunman after five killed in video.

The Guardian – Suspected British jihadi fronts Isis “murder” video. Film appears to show killing of five hostages. Young child shown issuing threat in English. Experts: clip is distraction from recent setbacks.