EUROPEAN Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy is preparing to insist the Government changes the VHI’s favoured status in Ireland’s health insurance market.

SHOULD the bombing of Dresden be considered a war crime? Maybe — but none of the 27 EU Justice Ministers were asking when they toured the city this week.

UP to 30 whale species, a string of bats, the Kerry slug, otters and the natterjack toad should have a better chance of survival after the European Court of Justice ruled Ireland must take better care of them in future.

THE debate on the European Constitution was reignited at a summit of EU leaders yesterday.

THERE will be no more big bang enlargements of the European Union and in future countries will be admitted one-by-one, EU leaders have agreed.

EUROPEAN Commissioner Charlie McCreevy is threatening to take the Government to court over the favourable conditions it allows the VHI to operate to the detriment of BUPA.

CRIMINALS throughout Europe will find it increasingly difficult to hide from their past as EU Justice Ministers have agreed to swap information between member states.

EUROPEAN companies that import, manufacturer or use chemicals will have to ensure they are safe.

THE Russian ambassador to the EU refused to give guarantees Irish beef would not be banned under a threatened embargo on European meat exports to Russia in January.

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern held firm on the Government’s refusal to hold an independent investigation into CIA-operated flights landing in Ireland and suspected of being involved in illegal rendition.