The European Commission was slammed by the unions tonight for backing away from a new tax on every transaction between banks and finance houses in Europe.

EU foreign ministers urged Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza, now entering its fourth year, but put off concrete proposals until their next meeting next month.

Environmental campaigners slammed Europe’s governments tonight after latest talks to settle funding levels for climate change broke down without agreement.

EU countries including Ireland are cutting back on their aid to the developing world and some are even using creative accounting to cover the drop in money donated.