Britain Threatens Legal Action as Warship Sails for Gibraltar
Spain is accused of raising tension with Britain to divert attention away from its own problems.
Southern Europe
Portuguese President’s Political Intervention Useless
The president finally accepts a cabinet reshuffle that could have ended the crisis two weeks ago.
Portuguese Party Talks Break Down After President’s Intervention
The ruling right-wing parties are unable to form a “national salvation” pact with the opposition Socialists.
Italy’s Letta Signals Support for Britain’s European Reform Effort
The Italian prime minister agrees the EU needs to change.
Hollande, Rajoy Claim French, Spanish Economies Recovering
Leaders insist things are looking up, but neither the French nor the Spanish economy is ready to recover.
Portugal’s President Suggests Early Elections, Deepens Political Crisis
Rather than supporting a cabinet reshuffle, Aníbal Cavaco Silva urges a broader political agreement.
Berlusconi Court Ruling Threatens Italian Coalition’s Stability
Conservatives block all parliamentary activity to protest a Supreme Court ruling.
Portuguese Party Leaders Seen Close to Deal to Continue Coalition
The Christian Democrats may yet stay in coalition with Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho’s liberal conservatives.
Portugal’s Passos Coelho Clings to Power After Ministers Resign
The conservative prime minister is confident he can stave off early elections.
Caspian Pipeline “Victory” for Italy, Possibly Russia
Azerbaijan’s choice for the Trans Adriatic Pipeline over Nabucco is good news for Southern Europe.
Florence Mayor Carves Out “Third Way” for Italy’s Democrats
Likely prime ministerial candidate Matteo Renzi seeks to imitate Tony Blair’s centrist socialism.
Leftists Pull Out Greek Coalition Over Public Broadcaster Row
Conservative prime minister Antonis Samaras is left with a three-seat majority in the legislature.
Berlusconi Urges Italy’s Government to Ignore Borrowing Limit
The former prime minister says Italy doesn’t have to honor its budget commitments.
Greece Shouldn’t Get Respite After Failed Gas Company Sale
Greece should hasten efforts to privatize other companies rather than ask for even more time.
European Commission Recommends More of the Same
Countries are given longer to reduce their deficits but must press on with economic reforms.