European officials are preparing to assess Greece’s third set of economic policy proposals with German chancellor Angela Merkel urging prime minister Alexis Tsipras to do what is needed to qualify for aid.

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council’s advice to stick to the €2bn budget adjustment next month is politically impossible, said Fine Gael TD, Bernard Durkan.

The EU, supported by Germany, is working to meet an Italian demand to shift focus from austerity towards growth in a deal that could help cement Jean-Claude Juncker as the next European Commission president.

Michael Jackson’s mother sued a concert promoter today, alleging the company failed to provide life-saving equipment and a doctor who was looking out for the pop star’s well-being as he prepared for what were intended to be his comeback concerts.

Attorneys for the doctor charged over Michael Jackson’s death are seeking the dismissal of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the singer’s father.