euro|topics - MAIN FOCUS

US forces start major Afghanistan offensive | 03/07/2009

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0100

US troops started a major offensive in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday night. Around 4,000 marines are to drive the Islamist Taliban from their stronghold in Helmand in an effort to stabilise the troubled province before the Afghan presidential elections on August 20. More than 600 members of the Afghan security forces are also involved in the operation.

US troops withdraw from Iraq | 02/07/2009

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0100

The US has begun with the withdrawal of its troops from Iraq. By midnight on Tuesday the soldiers had moved out of the cities and villages. Six years after the war began Iraq has regained an important part of its sovereignty. The government has declared June 30 a national public holiday.

EU Treaty compatible with the German Basic Law | 01/07/2009

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0100

The EU Reform Treaty is compatible with the German Basic Law. This was the decision reached on Tuesday by Germany's Federal Constitutional Court. Neverthelesss the judgement delays the ongoing ratification process by demanding more involvement by the German Bundestag in the transfer of competencies to the EU.

Madoff off to jail for 150 years | 30/06/2009

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:00:00 +0100

The US financier Bernard Madoff who masterminded a fraud that ran into the billions was sentenced on Monday to 150 years in prison. Madoff (71) ruined thousands of investors worldwide. European banks and their customers were among his victims.

The world mourns Michael Jackson | 29/06/2009

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:00:00 +0100

The surprising death of Michael Jackson last Thursday has stirred the world. While the circumstances of his death remain unexplained, the European press comments the worldwide sorrow and the cult surrounding the pop star. Jackson only lived to be 50, but his music moved an entire generation.

Whither Iran? | 26/06/2009

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:00:00 +0100

Mir-Hossein Mousavi refuses to give up. On his website the Iranian opposition leader called on Thursday for continued anti-government protests. The presence of security forces has caused the number of protestors to dwindle with every passing day. The European press asks where Iran is headed.

Berlusconi under pressure | 25/06/2009

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:00:00 +0100

Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is coming under increasing pressure as a result of his private life. Prostitute Patrizia D'Addario (42) told investigators that she spent a night in Berlusconi's private residence in Rome. In an interview with Chi magazine, the latest edition of which appeared on Wednesday, Berlusconi talks of defamation. The European press looks at the political and private aspects of the Berlusconi affair.

Sarkozy addresses the French parliament | 24/06/2009

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:00:00 +0100

For the first time since 1875 a French president has delivered an address in person to the country's parliament. In his speech at Versailles palace on Monday Nicolas Sarkozy announced a series of economic and domestic policy reforms. Among other things he said the Muslim burka was "unwelcome on French soil". The European press comments on the controversial speech.

The world condemns violence in Iran | 23/06/2009

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:00:00 +0100

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards violently dispersed thousands of anti-government demonstrators in Tehran on Monday. Voices from Europe and around the world condemn the move by the Iranian government and show solidarity with the opposition.

Ireland wants a new referendum | 22/06/2009

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:00:00 +0100

The Irish want to hold a new referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon. At the EU summit in Brussels the Union's 27 heads of state and government agreed on concessions they were ready to make. Ireland may retain its sovereignty in tax policy and the ban on abortion. The Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen reckons the referendum will be held at the beginning of October.