EUROPEAN scientists have identified the genes that cause people to become deaf and blind, especially as they get older.

THE European Commission is turning to YouTube to disseminate information about the workings of the EU to its citizens through a new channel on the site called EUtube, it was announced yesterday.

IRELAND is joining a group of five EU countries opposed to any use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in a move that could lead to clashes with Irish farming interests.

INCINERATORS that have not yet received planning permission will not be built as Ireland will find different ways of dealing with its waste in future, Green Party Environment Minister John Gormley has said.

THE EU’s decision to challenge Irish laws that restrict planning permission to locals living in the area, working in certain land-based occupations and speaking Irish has led to a clash between auctioneers and a Government MEP.

PLANNING rules that restrict building permission to those who speak Irish, are from the locality or work on the land, are to be challenged by the European Commission.

THE new EU Treaty will be put to the Irish people in a referendum next year, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said following its agreement at the weekend.

THE Poles found themselves isolated at the EU summit in Brussels last night after insisting that Germany still owes them for their sufferings in the Second World War.

UKRAINE has its own problems straightening out its newfound democracy between its western and Russian oligarchs, but it is also having to contend with a more protectionist European Union.

THE Irish are losing their enthusiasm for EU enlargement despite being among the most enthusiastic supporters of the union.