Massive oil spill threatens Italian ecosystem
Vandals are thought to have opened the cisterns at an Italian oil refinery, allowing some 2.5 million liters of oil to flow into the Lambro River. Now the slick has reached Italy's most important river, the Po.
US turns to Syria as a partner in solving Middle East problems
The US has reached out to Syria in a bid to harness its influence and engage with problematic Middle East leaders. Renewed ties between the two countries bring cautious hope of breakthroughs on a number of issues.
UK, Argentina dispute over Falklands reignites
Argentina's regional allies have backed its claim to the Falkland Islands as a dispute with Britain over oil escalates. The UK has started to drill in waters off the islands, a move Argentina has formally objected to.
Political deadlock in Bosnia-Herzegovina ahead of key meeting
Bosnia-Herzegovina is a divided country, overseen by an international authority, which is meeting in Sarajevo on Wednesday. A new law that could eventually pave the way to splitting the country is sure to top the agenda.
Germany to cut subsidies for solar energy
A law proposed by Chancellor Angela Merkel's government would greatly reduce subsidies for solar energy production, and in some cases eliminate them all together.
Belarus declares Rammstein a public enemy
Authorities in Belarus have declared Germany's legendary hard rock band Rammstein a threat to the state. They've banned an upcoming concert in Minsk, saying letting it go on would be a "costly mistake" for the country.
China tightens internet controls
China tightens controls on internet use, requiring anyone who wants to set up a website to meet regulators and produce ID documents.
European think-tanks call for new beginning in EU development policy
Leading European think-tanks propose new approaches in development policy to cope with future challenges. The EU should take on more prominent role in the area, argue this week's commenators Sven Grimm and Simon Maxwell.
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