The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-06-18

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] EU Summit Agenda

The European Summit opened at 19: Greek local time. European leaders are expected to discuss Lisbon Treaty and necessity for Ireland yes vote in a new referendum.

German chancellor Angela Merkel repeated her support to Barroso's second term as President of European Commission and asked the European Council to announce its decision till mid July.

Economy

EU Summit Meeting opens with talks focused on dealing with the global financial crisis. According to the European Council last outcome, EU leaders will underline the need for the drawing of a strategic exodus from the excessive fiscal deficits. The EU 27 leaders are to stress that their goal is to purge their economies and adhere to the Stability and Development Pact.

They will also underline that further support measures of member states economies are unjustifiable and attention should be transferred to fiscal stability. Regarding inspection and regulation of the financial system, the European Commission has proposed the setting up of a European body till 2010 that will have the strong word on inspection of financial sector even at national level. UK objects to this proposal.

In parallel, the European leaders will examine impacts of the financial crisis on unemployment. The European Commission has among others proposed the granting of a budget mounting to 19 billion euros to support employees to remain in their jobs or be transferred to other posts and create at least 5 million training posts for young adults hit by unemployment,

Institutions

EU institutional issues will be laid down during the working luncheon attended by the EU 27 leaders.

One year after Ireland voted down Lisbon Treaty, EU leaders are called to reach legislative decisions to relax Irish people's concerns.

Specifically the EU 27 leaders have committed themselves that the text of the Treaty will not affect Irish Constitution in sectors such as taxation, military neutrality, education, abortions, labour rights and social policy. The aim is to hold a second referendum in the last week in September or first week in October.

During the dinner, EU leaders will also decide whether to support Jose Manuel Barroso second term as President of the European Commission. Talks in Barroso's presence will not center in his personality (as he is the only candidate) but on the procedures for his re-election.

Global warming

Talks on the second-day will center on global warming in view of the international conference on the environment to be held in Copenhagen in December. It is believed that financial support to developing countries to enable them reduce gas emissions is the �Key� to achieve a global agreement.

The EU 27 leaders are to remind of their commitment for 20% reduction of gas emissions compared to 1990 level by 2020 as well as a further commitment to 30% reduction by 2020 in the event that developed countries ( US, India, Russia, China, Canada) commit to make a similar effort.

Illegal Immigration

The European Council has agreed to examine illegal immigration following the requests of Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Malta. According to the last outcome of the European Council , the 27 leaders have underlined that an effective European response based on solidarity and distribution of responsibilities are necessary to combat illegal immigration.

The EU 27 leaders among others request enforcement of Frontex and inspection of EU borders, common patrols, common flights for the return of illegal immigrants. In parallel, the European Council will ask for the implementation of the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum mainly in what regards cooperation with countries of origin and crossing of illegal immigrants.

Sources: ��� 105.8, �NA-�PA

News item: 23822

[02] Rally Driver Arrested

Ballistic test showed that the gun was used in 18 robberies, where the criminals fired during their escape to threaten victims. The 43 yo had set up a gang since November which mainly robbed supermarkets in many Athens suburbs.

The 43 yo owned a motorcycle shop in Patissia and a cafeteria in Athens. He closed down both as business were not profitable while he had high debts .

News item: 23815

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