Terror attack trial, Brexit latest and Orban speech: Europe briefing

Published on 10/01/2019 - 06:21•Updated 12:39

We look back at the biggest stories across Europe that you need to know about today.

1. Brexit debate continues after another defeat for May

British MPs were set to continue debating Theresa May’s Brexit deal on Thursday after the prime minister suffered her second defeat in the House of Commons in 24 hours.

The UK parliament voted on Wednesday 308 to 297 in favour of a three-day period to present next steps on Brexit if the prime minister's divorce deal with the EU is defeated in a vote next week.

WATCH LIVE: Brexit debate continues in the UK parliament

The previous day, MPs voted to limit the government’s spending on “no-deal” preparations unless it has parliamentary approval.

Euronews’ Tadhg Enright gave us his analysis in the video below:

2. Jewish museum terror attack trial begins in Brussels

The trial of a Frenchman accused of shooting four people dead at a Jewish museum in Brussels began on Thursday morning.

Mehdi Nemmouche, 33, could be sentenced to life in prison if found guilty of the killings in the Belgian capital in May 2014.

He is believed to be the first jihadist fighter returning from the war in Syria to launch an attack in Europe.

Fellow Frenchman Nacer Bendrer, who allegedly supplied the weapons, was also appearing at the court.

Our correspondent Meabh McMahon joined Good Morning Europe live from the Brussels court:

3. Hungary’s Orban says he wants anti-immigration majority in EU institutions

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he foresees “two civilisations in the EU” — “one mixed Muslim-Christian in the West and one traditional … in Central Europe.”

Speaking at his first regular government news conference of 2019, Orban said he wants to see anti-immigration parties gaining a majority in the European Parliament elections later this year.

He hopes this could lead to similar changes in the EU executive.

The speech came as Orban continues to come under fire in Hungary, with mass protests over amended legislation dubbed the "slave law".

4. Spanish conservatives end socialist rule in Andalucia with help of far-right Vox

Spain’s conservative Popular Party (PP) has taken power in Andalucia with the help of far-right party Vox, ending decades of socialist rule.

The anti-immigration party agreed to support a conservative/centre-right coalition after 12 of its MPs won seats in a December election.

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Euronews’ Óscar Valero explained everything you need to know about who Vox are, and how they compare to other far-right groups:

5. Former US marine held in Russia on spy charges ‘seeks bail’

A lawyer acting for a former US marine detained in Russia on espionage charges has filed an appeal with a Moscow court seeking to have his client released on bail, according to reports by Russian news agencies on Thursday.

Paul Whelan, who also holds a British passport, was detained by Russia's Federal Security Service in late December. His family have said he was in Moscow to attend a wedding.

The court has reportedly received the appeal but has not yet set a date for a hearing.

6. Oxfam says EU is failing vulnerable refugees on Lesbos

Oxfam has condemned the European Union and Greece over “inhumane” conditions at refugee camps, saying they are failing vulnerable people seeking protection.

Euronews spoke to Oxfam advocacy officer Marion Bouchetel about the situation: