Palestinian hopes for their own state are in danger of coming to an end, Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan warned yesterday, as the EU announced the launch of a new initiative to restart collapsed peace talks.

Iran nuclear talks passed their second deadline in a week yesterday, casting new questions about the ability of world powers to cut off all Iranian pathways to a bomb through diplomacy. But the parties agreed to continue their talks.

Gunmen in military uniforms stormed Tunisia’s national museum yesterday, killing 18 foreign tourists and two Tunisians in one of the worst militant attacks in a country that has largely escaped the region’s Arab Spring turmoil.

Get a taste of some of the interesting and quirky happenings in Europe from our Europe correspondent, Ann Cahill.

New anti-terrorism measures, expected to become law within weeks, will hand out jail sentences of up to 10 years for recruiting, training or promoting terrorism.

Sweeping anti-terror laws will be before the Dáil in weeks after ministers said the country is on "alert" for Paris-style jihadist attacks.

European Union leaders will create a strategic investment fund that could generate up to €315bn in private and public-sector money to upgrade infrastructure, jump-start sluggish economies and ignite job growth.

European Union (EU) leaders met today to seek solutions to two major challenges - how to jump-start sluggish economic growth at home and how to deal long-term with Russia.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has congratulated the Polish Prime Minister on his election as the next President of the European Council.