Shoshana Dubnow
Europe
The Brief: Puigdemont refused EU accreditation, causing controversy
Charles Puigdemont declared independence from Catalonia and came to Belgium, where he was elected as an MEP. Now, he is being denied temporary EU accreditation. The decision was extended to all Spanish MEPs. Read more about why that was the resolution here.
Europe
Report indicates increase of cocaine in EU, links to social media
Over 104,000 cocaine seizures were reported in the EU in 2017, amounting to 140.4 tons. This is double the quantity seized in 2016. "Social media, encryption techniques and darknet marketplaces" are correlated with the increase.
Europe
"He loves the people of Europe:" US ambassador on Trump's EU visit
Gordon Sondland and Frederica Mogherini both said they share goals with Trump, but have different approaches to them. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was not as optimistic - saying he will not be "deceived" by Trump.