Tomorrow is the start of a critical few weeks forEurope when the fate of Greece, the euro and the weaker eurozone countries could well change for ever.

No quick-fix options to tackle the euro crisis threatening to spin out of control will be supported by Germany, chancellor Angela Merkel has warned.

A leading German economist has said Ireland’s debt, at close to 120% of GDP, is not sustainable and the only way of resolving it is if the interest rates on the country’s massive loans are cut.

Fisheries ministers struggled yesterday for a clear route to ensure Europe’s fish stocks recover and provide a decent livelihood for their fishermen.

Spain’s bank bailout of up to €100bn will not involve a troika overseeing its finances, but their banks can expect conditions and regular on-site inspections.

Ireland would be in a very strong position to get a better deal on the cost of the bailout and reduce the country’s deficit if Spain succeeds in getting a special arrangement for its banks, Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte has said.

There is no shortage of suitors to buy Bord Gáis energy and there has also been considerable interest in buying the National Lottery too, according to communications minister Pat Rabbitte.

Crime bosses should not be able to live in luxury in another EU country from the proceeds of criminal activities in Ireland — Justice Minister Alan Shatter has told his fellow EU ministers.

Most of Ireland’s airports would be closed down if new rules being devised by the EU come into force, Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary warned.

Plans for greater EU integration, due to be sketched out at the leaders’ summit in three weeks, should include changes to tax policy including a common corporate tax base, Luxembourg prime minister Jean-Claude Juncker said.