PESTICIDES with highly toxic chemicals that can cause cancer and other ailments are to be banned in the EU over the next few years in response to fears they damage human health and the environment.

There was cautious optimism last night that Russian gas will begin flowing into Europe again next week following agreement on monitors in both Russia and Ukraine.

Avril Doyle reflects on her political career with our Europe Correspondent Ann Cahill.

A THIRD of EU countries will lose their European Commissioner in November if Ireland rejects the Lisbon treaty again, Europe Minister Dick Roche has confirmed.

THE EU is investigating a €53 million aid package the Polish government has promised Dell for the plant that is resulting in the loss of 1,900 jobs in its Limerick operation.

REVISED legislation to ensure employees cannot be forced to work more than a 48-hour week under the terms of their employment was thrown out by the European Parliament yesterday when it voted for an amended version.

RYANAIR’S Michael O’Leary said he and the airline would campaign for a yes vote in the next referendum on the Lisbon treaty.

RYANAIR has won a landmark case confirming it can conclude deals with state-owned airports that give it highly preferential rates and conditions.

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen said he believed a good majority would support the Lisbon treaty in a second referendum, expected to be held next autumn.

WHILE the rest of Europe is focusing on kick-starting the flailing economy and saving the planet from global warming, Irish eyes will be firmly on the Lisbon treaty at today’s EU summit.