By Christopher Thompson U.N. negotiations seek deal on trade in plastic waste * Norway proposal would require importer’s prior consent * U.S. is a leading major plastics exporter, but not in treaty By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA, May 7 – Countries are nearing agreement to tighten controls on trade in plastic waste, which would make it […]

The UK, France, Germany, Spain and other European countries have officially recognised opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela. It comes after President Nicolás Maduro defiantly rejected a deadline they set for Sunday to call fresh elections. Mr Guaidó declared himself interim leader last month and won US backing. Russia – a backer […]

The EU is in the process of establishing a blockchain forum and has invited at least five major banks including BBVA and Santander. The purpose of the IATBA (International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications) is to “ develop a trusted, secure and resilient European Blockchain Services Infrastructure meeting the highest standards in terms of privacy, […]

Beleaguered British Prime Minister Theresa May, who is facing a potential no-confidence vote from opponents in her Conservative Party, said Sunday that a leadership change won’t make the faltering Brexit talks any easier. She told Sky News in an interview that “a change of leadership at this point isn’t going to make the negotiations any easier […]

The European Parliament has voted for a complete ban on a range of single-use plastics across the union in a bid to stop pollution of the oceans. MEPs backed a ban on plastic cutlery and plates, cotton buds, straws, drink-stirrers and balloon sticks. The proposal also calls for a reduction in single-use plastic for food […]

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has urged the EU not to mistake British politeness for weakness after Brexit negotiations reached an impasse. After rejecting the UK’s proposals, Donald Tusk, head of the European Council, posted a provocative picture on Instagram featuring UK PM Theresa May “cherry-picking” a cake. Mr Tusk has since said he admires Mrs May, […]

“If we do not see the progress the sanctions will have to come. I do not want to negotiate forever,” Europe’s Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova said. The European Union gave Facebook an ultimatum on Thursday: Provide users with more information about how their data is used or face sanctions. The 28-country bloc has been in […]

The European Parliament has voted to pursue unprecedented disciplinary action against Hungary over alleged breaches of the EU’s core values. Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government has been accused of attacks on the media, minorities, and the rule of law – charges which he denies. More than two-thirds of MEPs backed the censure motion – the […]

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE – On the eve of his meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump rattled allies once more by labeling the European Union a “foe” with regard to trade. In a pre-summit interview with CBS News’ “Face the Nation” program aired on Sunday, Trump lumped in the EU with China […]