Debate over progress of Cuban reforms Cuban state television has broadcast the first pictures of Fidel Castro in six months. The silent video shows the ailing revolutionary in discussion 18/06/2008
Gazans sceptical at Israel-Hamas ceasefire The announcement that Israel and Hamas have sealed a six month ceasefire has been greeted with resigned scepticism on the streets of the Gaza Strip 18/06/2008
After Lisbon, EU debates food and fuel prices The head of the European Commission has urged the EU’s leaders to press ahead with ambitious policies, on the eve of their two day summit. He said 18/06/2008
Treaty upset raises tempers in EU parliament A handful of Eurosceptic members of the European Parliament, mostly from Britain, wore green T-shirts saying “Respect the Irish vote”. 18/06/2008
Bush reverses position on offshore oil drilling With US motorists paying record high prices for petrol, President Bush and lawmakers in the Congress continue their war of words on energy policy. In 18/06/2008
Financials pull down European shares European shares ended the day substantially lower tracking Wall Street as US banks Morgan Stanley and Fifth Third Bancorp disclosed further 18/06/2008
Hungary to get new Mercedes plant Daimler is to invest 800 million euros to build a new assembly plant in Hungary. It will be the carmaker’s first Mercedes factory in Eastern Europe 18/06/2008
Morgan Stanley's profits slump Morgan Stanley, the second-largest investment bank in the US, saw its profits fall by more than half last quarter. That as the ongoing credit crunch 18/06/2008
EU adopts tough new laws on illegal immigration Illegal immigrants hoping for a new life in Europe now face 18 months in detention, after Euro MPs voted for tough new laws on immigration. Years of 18/06/2008
Immigrants see a better life in Europe Immigrants continue to head to Europe, perhaps fleeing persecution at home or hoping a successful trip will bring a better life. Few critics doubt 18/06/2008
Anti-Taliban offensive launched in Afghanistan Afghan and NATO forces have launched a joint offensive against Taliban fighters and their strongholds in southern Afghanistan. The operation is 18/06/2008
Fuel protests gridlock Brussels ahead of EU talks A day before EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss the fuel and food crisis, protesters are making sure their voices are taken into account 18/06/2008
UN's legal immunity challenged in Dutch court A Dutch court is being urged to waive the legal immunity of the United Nations in a law suit over the 1995 massacre of Muslims at Srebrenica during 18/06/2008
Virtual assistants for music teachers European researchers have developed a multi-lingual music tuition software that complements traditional teaching. The computer listens to the 18/06/2008
Meteorite study suggests alien origins of life Scientists have revealed the strongest evidence yet that life on Earth may have its origins in outer space. 18/06/2008
Annecy animates audiences for 32nd year New York indie animators scooped the top two prizes at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival. 18/06/2008
Slovenian sculptor creates world in miniature Jakov Brdar is one of Slovenia’s leading sculptors. While his monumental creations are part of Ljubliana’s urban landscape, he has now turned his 18/06/2008
EU adopts tough new laws on illegal immigration Tough new laws on illegal immigration in Europe have been adopted by Euro MPs in Strasbourg. Three years of debate culminated in a comfortable 18/06/2008
Spain Todorov wins Asturias Social Sciences prize It is award number five in the Prince of Asturias prize giving season. The jury spent a day deliberating the merits of the 36 eminent contributors to 18/06/2008
Farmers block streets of Brussels Bringing the streets of Brussels to a standstill. Hundreds of farmers are converging on the EU capital in their tractors to press the bloc to take 18/06/2008
Allied troops launch offensive in Afghanistan Afghan forces backed by NATO troops have launched an offensive to flush out Taleban insurgents from their stronghold in southern Afghanistan. The 18/06/2008
Israel agrees to abide by ceasefire with Hamas Israel has officially agreed to abide by a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas that governs the Gaza Strip. As well as a 6-month 18/06/2008
Poland Lech Walesa denies being a communist informer The former Solidarity trade union leader Lech Walesa is facing fresh allegations that he was once an informer for the Communist secret police 18/06/2008
Sweden Swedish parliament to vote on legal eavesdropping Swedish military intelligence agents will be able to listen in to all cross-border telephone calls, and read people’s emails and text messages, if 18/06/2008