Catholic News 2
MUNICH (AP) -- Heavy rain and stricter security did little to dampen the spirits of beer lovers at the start of this year's Oktoberfest, which opened Saturday in the Bavarian city of Munich....
(Vatican Radio) The President of the European Council says Britain is expected to launch the formal process of leaving the European Union early next year. Donald Tusk made the announcement in Bratislava, Slovakia where EU leaders discussed the future of their fractious Union, saying he had been speaking separately with the British prime minister. Listen to the report by Stefan Bos: Tusk said in a statement that British Prime Minister Theresa May told him that Britain could be ready to begin talks on leaving the EU, or Brexit, by February.It is the clearest indication yet when the two-year withdrawal process is likely to start Earlier May's office said that Britain would not start the talks this year, citing the need for more preparations. Formal negotiations over the withdrawal cannot begin until Britain triggers Article 50 of what is known as the Lisbon Treaty, the formal mechanism for leaving the Union of 28 nations.Britain made the decision following a...
(Vatican Radio) The President of the European Council says Britain is expected to launch the formal process of leaving the European Union early next year.
Donald Tusk made the announcement in Bratislava, Slovakia where EU leaders discussed the future of their fractious Union, saying he had been speaking separately with the British prime minister.
Listen to the report by Stefan Bos:
Tusk said in a statement that British Prime Minister Theresa May told him that Britain could be ready to begin talks on leaving the EU, or Brexit, by February.
It is the clearest indication yet when the two-year withdrawal process is likely to start Earlier May's office said that Britain would not start the talks this year, citing the need for more preparations.
Formal negotiations over the withdrawal cannot begin until Britain triggers Article 50 of what is known as the Lisbon Treaty, the formal mechanism for leaving the Union of 28 nations.
Britain made the decision following a recent referendum on whether to leave. EU officials have expressed concern that Britain's move could spark calls for similar moves in other EU member states.
CONFUSION REMAINS
Additionally confusion remains over Britain's future relationship with the bloc and whether it intends to remain a member of the single market.
The announcement was made in Bratislava where 27 EU leaders discussed the future of the EU without Britain's prime minister attending the gathering.
Tensions over policy among European Union countries have put their bloc under existential threat. Yet, European Council President Tusk said national leaders agreed Friday on a six-month time table to come up with solutions for the multiple crises threatening their Union.
Tusk said that high on the agenda was migration after some 1.5 million refugees entered Europe last year alone. He said officials agreed "never to allow for the return of uncontrolled refugee flows of last year and to ensure full control of our external border to get back to [the passport free] Schengen [zone]."
The EU, he said, is " determined to continue our cooperation with Turkey and the Western Balkans but also to establish migration pacts with African countries. to do everything possible to ensure internal security and fighting terrorism."
BULGARIA SUPPORTED
He added that an agreement was reached to immediately help Bulgaria to protect its border with Turkey.
Tusk also said that a common European defense policy, worrying unemployment and related economic troubles were among key priorities. "Intensification of information exchange among security services of member states is an urgent priority," he stressed.
"To strengthen EU cooperation on external security and defence. To create a promising economic future for all by strengthening the single market and increasing investments. And finally to safeguard our way of life and to provide better opportunities for the young Europeans," Tusk explained.
Yet, critics noted that few concrete commitments were made on how to bridge the deep differences and how to save what remains of the EU after Britain leaves.
But the leaders did agree to have a clear roadmap of the way ahead and some practical results when they meet in late March to mark the 60th anniversary of the EU founding Treaty of Rome in the Italian capital.
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