This page deals with events in the European Union, of interest to its citizens and/or involving them.
For the first time in Europe, a domesticated cat is found infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus. The dead cat was found on the island of Rügen in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany. (AP), (Handelsblatt), (Reuters AlertNet)
British author David Irving goes on trial in Austria charged with Holocaust denial (a criminal offence in Austria) (BBC).
British Prime Minister Blair meets German Chancellor Merkel for talks about Iran, the Middle East and European issues.
European Parliament votes in favour of the services directive 391 votes to 213, which will lead to the opening up of the service sectors in the member states of the European Union BBC.
Brussels announces a crack-down on anti-competitive behaviour of Gas and Electricity industries BBC.
Microsoft denies accusations by the European Commission that it has failed to comply with requests to provide data in its anti-competition case BBC.
Members of the European Parliament condemn violent protests in Europe concerning the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy BBC.
Residents of Åland threaten to prevent Finland from ratifying the European Constitution Telegraph.
H5N1 virus found in dead swans in Germany ABC news.
MEPs debate the proposed services directive, a law intended to liberalise the service sector industries in the European Union BBC
Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi causes a controversy by comparing himself to Jesus Christ BBC.
A report by the Council of Europe criticises France's human rights record with regard to jails, police brutality and immigration quotas Guardian.
The World Trade Organisation gives the European Union permission to impose US$4 billion worth of sanctions on the United States if it does not comply with the WTO ruling relating to tax breaks given to Boeing Reuters.
2006 Winter Olympics opens in Turin BBC
