BRUSSELS — Across Europe this weekend, the cost of living and the future of Britain's relationship with the European Union dominated headlines. Here is what happened in the UK, France, Italy, Switzerland and the EU.
United Kingdom: a road back to Europe?
A senior member of the European Parliament said on Friday, October 16, that the UK could move quickly toward re-entering the EU's orbit through a "Switzerland plus" arrangement, according to The Guardian and Euronews. Bernd Lange, who chairs the Parliament's trade committee, floated the model as Britain seeks closer ties.
The comments land amid a shifting national mood. A recent megapoll reported by The Guardian found that half of Britons want to rejoin the EU, and that backing the idea could boost Labour's vote. Earlier this month, a French minister invited the UK to "come all the way back" to the EU, and the EU's ambassador said Brussels would be "ready to engage" once London decides what it wants.
Adding to the debate, the head of MI5 confirmed this month that Russia did try to interfere in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Switzerland: the model in the spotlight
Switzerland, which is not an EU member, has its relationship with the bloc built on a web of bilateral agreements that give it deep access to the single market. A "Switzerland plus" deal for Britain would go further than that framework. Details of what "plus" would include remain undefined, and no formal negotiations have been announced.
France: cost-of-living protests turn violent
In Paris, cost-of-living protests turned violent on Saturday, with fires burning and fireworks launched in the streets, according to New York Post video reports. Anger over fuel prices and wages has fueled demonstrations across the country.
Italy: Milan clashes for a second day
Italy saw a similar day of protest on Saturday, October 17, as thousands marched in Milan against soaring fuel prices and low wages. Clashes continued for a second day on Sunday, Le Monde reported, as mostly black-clad vandals hurled bottles, ransacked a supermarket and destroyed property around the central Duomo plaza.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, calling the vandals "thugs who exploit demonstrations to spread chaos, attack those who guarantee security, and hold entire cities hostage." She added that she had "great respect for the thousands" who protested peacefully.
On the diplomatic front, Italy and Spain moved to ease a weeks-long border dispute after talks between Meloni and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Italy extended its temporary checks on arrivals from Spain by just seven days to align with Spain's reciprocal measures, which were due to expire on October 22, Euronews reported. The two governments remain at odds over migration.
European Union: Russia sanctions under strain
Europe is also watching Washington after President Donald Trump paused new Russia sanctions passed by Congress amid a deepening row with Ukraine. EU leaders have generally maintained that sanctions remain a key lever on Moscow.
Sources: The Guardian, Euronews, Le Monde, Fox News, New York Post. TND will update these stories as they develop.
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