Belgium

ANKARA, Oct 15 (NNN-ANADOLU) — The European Union said on Monday that Turkey’s security concerns in northeast Syria should be addressed though political and diplomatic means, not through military action. 

The EU Council said in a statement that Turkey should cease its anti-terrorist Operation Peace Spring in northeastern Syria and withdraw its forces.

BRUSSELS, Oct 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — EU countries have agreed to “intensify” Brexit talks with the UK over the next few days.

The development comes after a meeting in Brussels between Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, described by both sides as “constructive”.

But UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there was “a way to go” before a deal could be reached.

The UK is due to leave the EU at 23:00 GMT on Oct 31.

BRUSSELS, Oct 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — EU governments threatened sanctions against Turkey over its offensive in Syria, angrily rejecting President Tayyip Erdogan’s warning that he would “open the gates” and send 3.6 million refugees to Europe if they did not back him.

Turkey has stepped up its air and artillery strikes on Kurdish militia in northeast Syria, escalating an offensive that has drawn warnings of a humanitarian disaster and also raised the prospect of new U.S. sanctions on Ankara.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The 27 countries staying in the European Union after Britain leaves gave the go-ahead on Friday for their chief negotiator to hold another round of intense and secret negotiations with London in a bid to secure a deal, two senior diplomatic sources said.

Michel Barnier and his British counterpart Stephen Barclay had earlier held what both sides called a “constructive” meeting in Brussels as Britain’s scheduled departure date of Oct. 31 grew closer.

BRUSSELS (AP) — The Latest on Britain’s departure from the European Union (all times local):

12:35 p.m.

EU negotiator Michel Barnier says that he had a “constructive meeting” with British Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and underscored the cautious optimism since Thursday’s meeting between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Wednesday he believed that reaching an exit deal with Britain was “very difficult but possible”.

“The EU will remain calm, vigilant, respectful and constructive. The technical talks continue,” Barnier said in footage played by Sky News on Twitter.

Asked by a reporter if a deal was possible, he said: “I think the deal is possible. Very difficult but possible.”

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - French and German attempts to end the conflict in east Ukraine risk increasing tensions that were already rising in the European Union over how to handle Russia and which could complicate peace efforts.

Progress at talks between Russian and Ukrainian envoys have raised hopes of convening the first international summit in three years on ending the fighting between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian government forces.

BRUSSELS, Oct 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson started phoning EU leaders Saturday to sell his proposals for a managed Brexit, but he met with pressure to revise his offer — and to do so quickly.

Finnish counterpart Antti Rinne — whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union — said he told Johnson “it is important to find a solution within a week”.

“Johnson said he agreed with the timetable,” Rinne added.

BRUSSELS (AP) — The trade wars threatening to push the global economy into recession are entering a new phase, with the United States and European Union escalating a dispute that endangers the world’s biggest trade relationship.

After the Trump administration slapped steep tariffs on $7.5 billion in EU goods, mainly traditional produce like cheese and wine, the Europeans made clear they would retaliate in kind. Some fear the tariffs could ultimately lead to U.S. import duties on European cars, a big economic blow that Trump has been threatening to deliver for months.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s last-ditch Brexit proposal “can’t fly” because it is an unworkable move backwards that leaves Britain and the European Union far apart, a senior European Union official said on Thursday.

Just 28 days before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU, both sides are positioning themselves for a delay or else a disorderly no-deal Brexit. Johnson says he wants a deal but insists there can be no delay to Brexit beyond Oct. 31.