European Union

The African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states and the EU adopted a joint declaration on climate change during the ACP-EU Council of ministers that took place in Lomé (Togo) on 31 May and 1 June 2018.

President Donald Tusk congratulated Giuseppe Conte on his appointment as Prime Minister of Italy.

President Donald Tusk congratulated Pedro Sánchez on his appointment as Prime Minister of Spain.

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

President Tusk received the letters of credentials from two new ambassadors to the European Union.

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EU Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs meet on 4 and 5 June 2018 in Luxembourg to discuss various topics including insolvency, contract law and parental responsibility. Jointly, home affairs and justice ministers also discuss the draft legislation on e-evidence. On the second day, ministers cover different aspects of the EU migration, security and terrorism policy.

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Committee and political group meetings, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2018 - EP

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has been toppled by a no-confidence vote after the parliament in Madrid voted in favour of a motion brought by the Socialists (PSOE). A corruption scandal in which Rajoy's conservative People's Party was deeply implicated led to the vote. Some commentators are delighted at the opportunity of a fresh start for Spain. Others, however, are deeply worried.

The US has now announced that it will impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the EU and that the exemptions that have applied so far will not be extended on June 1. While some commentators warn that Trump won't be able to significantly reduce the US trade deficit with these measures, others warn that Germany in particular must now meet Washington halfway.

After proposing a new candidate for the post of economy and finance minister, the protest Five Star Movement and the right-wing Lega Nord have paved the way for a joint government under law professor Giuseppe Conte. Commentators doubt whether the new government can work.

After a man on leave from prison shot two policewomen and a man in downtown Liège, Belgium is discussing whether the prison leave system should be abolished. The presumed attacker is thought to have been radicalised by Islamists in prison. Commentators call for more resocialisation measures - including prison leave.