Presidency set to defy legal warnings on defendants' rights

Romanian MEPs protest against Commission criticism

Social democrats launch pre-emptive strike; Commission defends independence of its officials.

The EU should distance itself from anti-Roma moves

A roadmap to social inclusion should emerge from the EU's highest-level talks yet on Roma issues.

Karadžić refuses to plead at war crimes tribunal

Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadžić refused to enter pleas to 11 charges against him when he appeared on 29 August before the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in The Hague.

Commission takes Spain to court over 'land grabs'

The European Commission this week decided to take Spain to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) over the “land grab” laws that made it possible for Spanish autonomous regions to confiscate land and demolish homes to make way for urban development.

Pressure mounts on Bulgaria and Romania

Commission warns the EU's newest members that they risk severe penalties unless they take action against corruption and maladministration.