Emmanuel Macron

Turkey's agreement with the European Union to curb human trafficking across the Aegean appears to be in jeopardy again after a top Turkish official warned that a current impasse with the EU gives Ankara no reason to honor the deal. 

A collapse of the deal would put more pressure on Greek islands where thousands of migrants are cooped up in overcrowded reception centers. 

Britain and France on Jan. 18 signed a new deal to boost border security after a request by French President Emmanuel Macron, concerned at the number of migrants in Calais trying to reach British shores.

Turkey would reject any offer of partnership with the European Union that falls short of membership, Ankara's minister for EU affairs said, warning that the current situation gave Turkey no reason to maintain its migrant deal with the bloc.

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May said the two countries have signed a treaty to better guard their common border and wider treatment of migrants, the Associated Press reported.
 

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar blames the other EU countries today for hypocrisy over corporate tax, rejecting claims in the European Parliament that Ireland is a tax haven, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.

An extra £44.5m is to be spent beefing up Channel border security, the UK government is to say later.

It will be spent on fencing, CCTV and infrared detection technology in Calais and other border points.

It comes as French President Emmanuel Macron visits the UK for a summit with Theresa May.

A top EU official tasked with fighting fake news called Jan. 15 for a European-wide response just days after French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled plans for laws to stop the phenomenon.

The European Parliament has proposed that the next European elections be held between May 23-26, 2019, nearly two months after the scheduled exit of the UK from the EU, France Press reported, citing several parliamentary sources.

First Lady Emine Erdoğan has invited her French counterpart Brigitte Macron to Turkey, presidential sources said on Jan. 12.

Pope Francis, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and French President Emmanuel Macron are the leaders with "the highest level of favorability" worldwide.

This is according to Gallup International Association's "Global Leaders End of Year" survey.