Six years of budgetary cuts have left Greece’s finances on a sounder footing, but the cost has been enormous, writes Ann Cahill, Europe Correspondent.

Europe correspondent, Ann Cahill, delivers here weekly briefing on Euro affairs from the European Parliament.

Parliament hopefuls ready for battle

Ireland’s “victory” of ensuring every country had its own commissioner could be scuppered in November when the new body is put together. Instead there could be super-commissioners, and not-so-super-commissioners clustered around them.

Air pollution at dangerous levels

Enda might still abandon Mick and Ming

Ireland tries to milk EU for all it’s worth

Kenny will jump if Merkel asks

Socialist MEP Paul Murphy spoke forcefully in the European Parliament during the week against homophobic attitudes in Ireland.

Close to two thirds of businesses believe they need to bribe and use connections to get the public services they need to do business in Ireland, while the vast majority of citizens believe corruption is widespread in the country.