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8. April 2017, 21:58

EU holds emergency budget talks

European Union finance ministers are holding emergency talks in Brussels on the EU budget, following strong objections from Britain over a 2 billion euro surcharge. The British Prime Minister David, who´s under pressure from Euro-sceptics at home in the run-up to next year´s general election, has refused to pay. Speaking ahead of the talks, the British finance minister George Osborne said the demand was unacceptable: "I wanted that discussed at this meeting of European finance ministers. I wanted it on the agenda. It is on the agenda and I will make sure we get a better deal for Britain."

Luxembourg under scrutiny over tax deals

EU finance ministers will also be considering a report issued on Thursday by Transparency International, which found that nearly 350 of the world´s biggest companies had secured secret deals with Luxembourg to slash their global tax bills. It´s an embarrassment for the new European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, who served as Luxembourg´s finance minister and prime minister for more than 20 years.

Russia denies sending tanks in to Luhansk

There are unconfirmed reports that a column of 32 tanks has crossed into Ukraine from Russia. The Ukrainian military says 16 howitzer artillery systems and 30 heavy vehicles carrying troops and equipment also crossed in to the Luhansk region, which is controlled by pro-Russian separatists. Russia has described the claims as a provocation.

Explosions target Fatah in Gaza

It is being reported that a series of small explosions has targeted the homes and vehicles of officials from the Fatah movement of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, causing minor damage but no injuries. The explosions in the Gaza Strip come days ahead of the 10th anniversary of the death of former Palestinian president and Fatah leader Yasser Arafat, a memorial that has led to tensions between Fatah and its rival, Hamas.

German rail strike to continue

A German court has dismissed an attempt by rail operator Deutsche Bahn to halt a nationwide strike that has paralysed the country. It also threatens to disrupt this weekend´s celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The court ruled that the strike over pay and negotiating rights did not violate German law and was not out of proportion.

The weather

Mostly overcast but some sunshine in the far west. Rain will spread across the country from the south, where there´s a continued danger of flooding and landslides. Top temperatures from 7 to 19, warmest in the east and south-east.

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