European Council

Former Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker has received support from a majority of EU leaders to become the next EU Commission President.

Apart from the UK, Hungary was the only other country out of the 28 EU members to vote against Juncker, EUObserver reports.

The Government convenes on Saturday, in an extraordinary meeting to approve the draft law on the ratification of the Association Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the EU and for the approved of an ordinance concerning Iasi-Ungheni gas pipeline.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on Friday seized the opportunity to emphasize the importance of growth before a European audience after the overwhelming majority of the bloc’s 28 leaders backed Jean-Claude Juncker, a former prime minister of Luxembourg who has warned of the risks of excessive austerity, to be the European Commission’s next president.

The EU has given Moscow a three-day ultimatum to take concrete steps towards implementing a peace plan in eastern Ukraine or risk economic sanctions.

EU gives Russia by Monday to comply with conditions

BRUSSELS -- EU leaders on Friday threatened severe sanctions against Russia unless that country met four conditions related to the Ukrainian crisis "by Monday."

The signing of the EU-Republic of Moldova Association Agreement represents the fulfillment of an effort that took us ten years, Romanian President Traian Basescu on Friday stated in Brussels, where he participates in the meeting of the European Council, at the level of heads of state or government.

He spoke about the huge efforts made by the government in Chisinau.

The European Union on Friday signed association accords with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova as the three former Soviet republics committed themselves to a future in Europe.
      

European leaders gathered in Brussels on Friday to try and resolve a damaging row over Jean-Claude Juncker's likely nomination as European Commission president which has left Britain isolated and angry.
      

Bulgaria's political leaders will insist that Europe continue talks with Russia over the South Stream gas pipeline on the European Council starting in Brussels Thursday.

President Traian Basescu on Thursday will participate in Belgium in the ceremony commemorating the outbreak of the First World War, in the EPP Summit and also, on Friday, in the European Council meeting.