Europe reacts to Trump-Kim summit, Labour backs Brexit vote and Swiss marijuana | Europe briefing

Europe reacts to Trump-Kim summit, Labour backs Brexit vote and Swiss marijuana | Europe briefing
Copyright REUTERS
Copyright REUTERS
By Shafi Musaddique
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Take a look at this morning's top stories from around Europe.

1. Germany reacts to Trump-Kim summit

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German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said he "deeply" regrets that no agreement was reached between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

"But regrettably, it is like the last time, there is a summit, there are no results and there is no scrapping of nuclear weapons in North Korea," he told German media.

Talks between Trump and Kim were cut short after breaking down on Thursday.

In a solo press conference, Trump said Kim wanted the US to end sanctions there entirety, something he said he could not do.

Earlier, Kim answered questions from foreign journalists for what is believed to be the first time.

2. Brexit vote fallout:

British Prime Minister Theresa May earned some breathing space after British lawmakers postponed a threatened rebellion aimed at blocking a no-deal Brexit after she agreed to a possible delay to the UK's departure from the EU.

Meanwhile, the opposition Labour Party will support a new referendum on Brexit after parliament defeated its alternative plan for leaving the European Union, leader Jeremy Corbyn said.

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3. EU migration to UK lowest since 2009

Net migration to the UK from the European Union fell to its lowest level since 2009 at 57,000 in the year to September 2018, official data showed.

By contrast, net migration of non-EU citizens rose to 261,000, the highest estimate since 2004.

Brexit uncertainty could be behind the fall.

4. Switzerland may let 5,000 people use marijuana legally for studies

Switzerland may let up to 5,000 people smoke marijuana legally in pilot studies to help shape new rules for recreational use of the drug, the government said.

The cabinet proposed limited pilot projects that may lead to changes in laws banning cannabis that date back to 1951.

The plan will be put out for public comment until mid-year, the Federal Health Office said. Some 200,000 people in Switzerland use illegal cannabis, the government estimated, despite its criminalisation.

5. Ukraine pulls out of Eurovision Song Contest following political drama with nominee

Ukraine has confirmed that it will not take part in this year's Eurovision Song Contest after a controversial contractual disagreement with its nominee.

The European Broadcasting Union, which organises the contest, confirmed "with sadness" Ukraine's decision to miss the 2019 show.

"There will be further discussions between the EBU and [Ukraine's broadcaster] UA:PBC on this matter but we hope to see them again in 2020," the organisers said.

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