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8. April 2017, 21:58

EU summit to approve bank reforms

European Union leaders are heading to Brussels to formalise an agreement on how to deal with failing banks. Earlier today Eurozone finance ministers agreed to create a 55bn-euro fund, financed by the banking industry over the next 10 years. EU Commissioner Michel Barnier: "We are introducing revolutionary change to Europe´s financial sector, so that tax-payers no longer foot the bill when banks make mistakes or face crisis, ending the era of massive bailouts."

Putin defends Ukraine bailout

The Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia's $15-bn dollar bailout for Ukraine is driven by a desire to help a partner in a desperate situation and is not linked to its talks with the EU. Putin said that Russia decided to buy billions of dollars-worth Ukrainian securities and slash the price for Russian gas shipments to Ukraine to help a "brotherly" nation.

Russian Duma backs amnesty

The Russian parliament has backed an amnesty that includes some of the country's best-known prisoners, among them members of the band Pussy Riot and the Greenpeace Arctic protesters. The amnesty covers at least 20,000 prisoners and was proposed by President Putin to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Russia's post-Soviet constitution.

Verdict awaited in Le Pen trial

A court in France is set to deliver its verdict today in the trial of the former far right leader Jean Marie le Pen. Le Pen is accused of inciting racial hatred against Roma and Sinti people during a speech in 20-12.

Panel recommends curbs on NSA

A White House panel has recommended significant curbs on the National Security Agency's sweeping electronic surveillance programmes. Among its 46 recommendations, the panel said the NSA should cease storing vast amounts of data on calls processed by American phone companies.

CAR death toll higher than thought

Amnesty International says almost 1,000 people were killed by former rebels in the Central African Republic this month, more than doubling a previous United Nations estimate. Amnesty says war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed by all parties to the sectarian conflict.

Europe sends Gaia satellite into orbit

The European Space Agency today launched the Gaia satellite. The 740m-euro mission aims to produce the most accurate three-dimensional map of the Milky Way, and provide an insight into the evolution of the galaxy.

The weather

A mix of fog and sunshine, cloudy in the west with light rain or snowfall by evening. Top temperatures from minus 5 to plus 13.

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