Latest from European Union

Murderer's plea for euthanasia granted

A rapist and murderer is to be put to death in Belgium this week, despite an EU ban on the death penalty, after a court granted him the right to euthanasia.

Ordinary Russians secret to Putin survival

All politicians like to have props, and in Vladimir Putin's case, some are taken from the box marked Macho and others from the box marked Mother Russia.

World's deadliest route revealed

The UN's refugee agency has revealed "the most lethal route in the world" after a record number of deaths.

Cameron's European problems come to a head

After nearly three years of tough talking, British Prime Minister David Cameron is facing a crunch moment in his troubled strategy towards the European Union.

Free trade agreement good for growers

New Zealand has signed a free trade agreement with Korea - delivering good news for kiwifruit growers but with a big compromise over milk powder.

Key and Hollande talk rugby

John Key and Froncois Hollande joked that during the G20 both countries had beaten host country Australia in rugby league for New Zealand and rugby for the French Les Bleus team.

Roll out the cuddly animals

Fur might be a bit outré in fashion but it is becoming the latest accessory in diplomatic circles as countries try to resolve the world's problems one fluffy animal at a time.

Climate change takes centre stage

John Key says New Zealand will put a small amount into the Green Climate Fund and expects to set a 2020 target for carbon emission reductions early next year.

Warship deal migraine for France

Nicolas Sarkozy thought it was a neat idea: sell Russia two advanced warships and open up a lucrative market for France's troubled armaments industry.

Editorial: EU becoming too big and too bossy for its own good

Editorial: From time to time, national referendums have thrown a spanner in the EU's plans for closer ties between its members.

EU crisis talks after vote

Europe's leaders held crisis talks in Brussels on the future of the European Union after stunning victories by populist parties on the far right and left in pan-Europe elections.

European Union shaken as fringe parties gain votes

The principles underpinning the European Union are now an open target after parties campaigning against the euro.

Europe's citizens go to polls

After fighting to save its single currency, the European Union faces a test of political legitimacy when voters in its 28 member states elect a new European Parliament.

In anniversary year, Europe is reminded of its problem past

Neo-Nazis win 20 per cent of Hungary vote

Sweeping gains by Hungary's neo-Nazi Jobbik party provoked concern across Europe yesterday after the anti-Semitic organisation won one in five votes in a general election.

Fears that Putin will invade again

Vladimir Putin will not stop trying to expand Russia until he has “conquered” Belarus, the Baltic states and Finland, one of his closest former advisers has said.