Questions, answers and kidney stones

The future of the fiscal treaty was uncertain last night as the French congress will not pass it, and the man tipped to become the next president of France has vowed to renegotiate it.

The EU has kicked any decision on introducing a financial transaction tax to further in the year following a wide-ranging but inconclusive discussion of the bill by finance ministers.

Spain has to save an additional €5bn on its budget this year, while Hungary has been told it stands to lose €500m in EU funds if it does not get its budget back on track over the next three to six months.

Genetic advances a political football

Europe is in a mild recession at the moment, Economics Commissioner Olli Rehn said as Eurostat cut its estimate for growth in the EU and eurozone for last year, suggesting the much-forecasted double dip.

Ireland was one of just four EU countries with tax on low-incomes at under 30%, and was an example for others countries on how tax could be used to help create employment and fight against poverty.

Workers get a lesson in how money talks

Taoiseach Enda Kenny did not rule out the possibility of a second referendum on the fiscal treaty if it was rejected the first time.

European trade unions said EU policies to create jobs had worsened working conditions and weakened the economy.