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EU "Core" Countries Seek "Multi-Speed" Integration
March 17, 2017
Meeting in Versailles, France, the four countries that will be the largest in the EU following Britain's exit agreed to advocate for a "multi-speed" Europe allowing a "core" group of countries to transfer their sovereign powers to EU institutions at a quicker rate than other countries more wary of Brussels' intervention.
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UK Official Pledges to "Fight Back" If EU Refuses Deal
March 17, 2017
In a recent interview, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond asserted that he expects to negotiate a comprehensive free trade deal with the EU during Brexit talks but warned that his government will take any steps necessary to "fight back," including with trade deals and potentially other measures, if the bloc refuses such a deal.
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Shipping Industry Prefers UN to EU Emissions Solution
March 16, 2017
The website Climate Home reports that the maritime industry is criticizing the European Parliament's call to include ships in the EU's regional Emissions Trading System beginning in 2023 to reduce emissions from the shipping sector, advocating instead for a global solution regulating emissions from the UN's International Maritime Organization.
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French President: "Last Duty" Is to Save EU
March 16, 2017
Politico reports that outgoing French President François Hollande has asserted that his "last duty is to do everything possible" to ensure France remains in the EU and has warned that, without the implementation of proposals for an EU with "multi-speed" federalization, "Europe will explode."
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EU Parliament Calls for Entry Barriers for Americans
March 16, 2017
The European Parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling on the European Commission to respond to US visa requirements on nationals traveling from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland, and Romania by imposing visa requirements on Americans and threatening to take the Commission to court if it fails to act.