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The governments approach to leaving the European Union could fall apart like a chocolate orange, Amyas Morse said. Photograph: David Lee/Alamy

A Brexit minister has accused the head of the National Audit Office of using overdone language after he said that the governments approach to leaving the European Union could fall apart like a chocolate orange.

Steve Baker, an undersecretary in the Department for Exiting the EU, also urged opposition parties to back Thursdays Brexit bill in the national interest after Labour said it would vote against it.

Interviewed by Sky News, Baker was asked about unusually outspoken criticism by the auditor general, Amyas Morse, over the risk of a directionless approach to Brexit from the various Whitehall departments involved.

What we dont want to find is that at the first tap it falls apart like a chocolate orange. It needs to be coming through like a cricket ball, Morse told journalists.

That doesnt sound good, Baker conceded. But he added: I think it is overdone language. What Im seeing every day in the department is civil servants working extremely hard under strong political direction from ministers to deliver the plans that we need to make sure that our exit from the EU is smooth and orderly and successful in whatever circumstances we face.

Baker suggested that MPs who voted against the governments flagship repeal bill, would be punished by their constituents. If somebody wrecks this bill then they will leave the UK statute book in an unworkable condition, and they will have to explain to their electors why they have chosen to do that, he said.

He added: The bill which we are bringing forward today is a bill which deserves to have the support of people right across the political spectrum and right across the United Kingdom. We need to ensure that businesses and individuals have certainty, continuity and control as we leave the European Union and it is incumbent on everyone to look closely at this bill to work out ways to support it in the national interest.

Baker comments come as the EUs chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, is due to meet the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, as well as the Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and her Welsh counterpart, Carwyn Jones.

Asked about the meeting Baker said: This is a time to come together in the national interest.

Baker was also asked to explain the foreign secretary, Boris Johnsons remarks suggesting that the EU could go whistle on its extortionate bill for leaving the bloc. Baker used more diplomatic language. He said: We know that we have rights and obligations and we are testing the European Unions claims. But we wont pay a penny more then we need to. We are not going to put a figure on it today. It is matter for negotiation.

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'Chocolate orange' Brexit warning is overdone, says minister - The Guardian

Positive moment for the EU-Ukraine partnership as 19th Summit takes place in Kyiv

The 19th Summit between the European Union and Ukraine will take place in Kyiv on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th July. The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker will represent the European Union, alongside the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk. President Petro Poroshenko, will represent Ukraine. European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner Johannes Hahn and Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrm will also be present. The Summit takes place at a very positive moment in the partnership between the European Union and Ukraine, with the finalisation of the ratification of the EU Ukraine Association Agreement yesterday, Ukrainian citizens' being granted visa free travel to the Schengen area in June, and autonomous trade measures, which would further benefit Ukrainian exports, set to be adopted soon. The Summit will provide an opportunity for leaders to review the substantial progress made since the last Summit, in particular as regards Ukraine's implementation of its ambitious reform agenda, to which the EU is providing unprecedented support. It will also identify further reform priorities notably as regards the fight against corruption. The leaders are expected to discuss security and conflict-related matters, as well as regional and foreign policy issues. On Wednesday, President Poroshenko will host Presidents Juncker and Tusk for a working dinner. A joint press conference of the three Presidents is due to take place on Thursday at 13:00 local time, 12:00 CET, and will be preceded by the Summit's plenary session and followed by a working lunch. Coverage will be available via Europe by Satellite. For more information, visit the dedicated Summit website, the website of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, or consult the factsheet on EU-Ukraine relations. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas - Tel.: +32 229 60524; Maja Kocijancic Tel.: +32 229 86570; Adam Kaznowski Tel: +32 229 89359)

President Juncker to be awarded Doctor Honoris Causa, by the Faculty of Law, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

On Thursday 13 July, President Juncker will be in Thessaloniki, Greece, where he will be awarded Doctor Honoris Causa, by the Faculty of Law, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in a ceremony chaired by Rector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Professor Pericles Mitkas and the Dean of the Faculty of Law Professor, Georgios I. Dellios. Also attending, are Commissioner Avramopoulos, Prime Minister Tsipras, with whom President Juncker will meet bilaterally, and members of the Greek government and parliament. President Juncker will also deliver a speech which will be broadcast live on EbS, along with photos of the visit. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas Tel.: +32 229 60524)

Michel Barnier debriefs the College on the state of play of Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom

The European Commission's Chief Negotiator for Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom, Michel Barnier, will hold a press conference today following the meeting of the College of Commissioners. You can watch the press conference live here. A memo on the state of play of the Article 50 negotiations is available online (see here). Michel Barnier's introductory comments will also be available shortly. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas Tel.: +32 229 60524; Mina Andreeva Tel.: +32 229 91382; Daniel Ferrie: +32 229 86500)

EU to announce additional humanitarian aid for Iraq

The European Commission is scaling up its response to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq, which will enable the EU to continue supporting emergency relief in newly retaken areas and for newly displaced families. It will also allow to continue emergency medical services, attending injured civilians from the frontlines, to the final point of rehabilitation. Speaking in Washington today during a High-Level Meeting on the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Crisis in Mosul, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said: "The end of the Mosul military campaign marks the beginning of a new phase of international support to Iraq. One that requires our rock solid commitment to preserving humanity during and after the conflict, to ensure that all civilians are protected in Telafar, West Anbar and Hawidja, as well as in their locations of displacement. Our humanitarian commitment will remain faithful to our guiding humanitarian principles." The new funding will further help filling the gaps between assistance provided in current locations of displacement and potential areas of return, and strengthen community-based, conflict-sensitive actions aimed at providing information, coordination and effective delivery of services available to IDPs, conflict-affected host communities, and returnees. (For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz De Gordejuela Tel.: +32 229; Christina Wunder Tel.: +32 229 92256)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control over logistics asset in Spain by SEGRO and PSPIB

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over CAT SITE, a 5.3 hectare plot of land leased as a car park in Madrid, Spain, , by SEGRO plc (SEGRO) of the UK and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSPIB) of Canada, via their joint venture SEGRO European Logistics Partnership S..r.l. of Luxembourg. SEGRO is a real estate investment trust focused on warehousing and light industrial properties. PSPIB is a pension investment manager with a global portfolio including stocks, bonds and investments in private equity, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources, and private debt. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns because of the limited changes it brings to the market. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8521. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou - Tel.: +32 229 13740)

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of joint control over OHL Mxico by OHL and IFM

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over OHL Mxico S.A.B. de C.V. (OHL Mxico) of Mexico by Obrascon Huarte Lain, S.A. (OHL) of Spain and IFM Investors Pty Ltd (IFM) of Australia. OHL Mxico builds, manages and operates seven toll roads and one airport in Mexico. Previously, OHL Mxico was solely controlled by OHL, a global company primarily engaged in infrastructure and industrial construction projects and concessions. IFM is a global investment manager with assets across infrastructure, listed equities, private capital and debt investments. The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns in Europe, because OHL Mxico will only be active in Mexico. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.8538. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou - Tel.: +32 229 13740)

12 new species classified as invasive to protect biodiversity and economic activity in the EU

Today, the Commission took another important step towards halting biodiversity loss with the inclusion of 12 new species in the list of invasive alien species that require action across the EU. Invasive alien species are one of the major causes of biodiversity loss. They have major economic negative consequences in areas such as health care costs, crop yield losses, fish stock losses and damage to infrastructure. These 12 new species including the muskrat and the alligator weed - have been added, following the positive opinion of experts from Member States. They damage on a scale that justifies dedicated measures across the Union. Member States are required to address these species by preventing them from being introduced, kept, sold, transported, reproduced or released. They will also need to put in place appropriate measures to tackle new invasions or established populations. The rules will start applying 20 days after publication of the list in the Official Journal of the European Union. Underpinning with scientific work, the Commission's Joint Research Centre has recently published the first ever Baseline Distribution of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern for 37 species. It has also developed a smartphone application on the 37 species of Union concern, called Invasive Alien Species Europe, which allows citizens to report the presence of these specieson the European territory and to raise awareness on the issue. The list and more information are available here. (For more information: Enrico Brivio Tel.: +32 229 56172; Iris Petsa Tel.: + 32 229 93321)

Eurostat: La production industrielle en hausse de 1,3% dans la zone euro

En mai 2017 par rapport avril 2017, la production industrielle corrige des variations saisonnires a augment de 1,3% dans la zone euro (ZE19) et de 1,2% dans l'UE28, selon les estimations d'Eurostat, l'office statistique de l'Union europenne. En avril 2017, la production industrielle avait progress de 0,3% dans la zone euro et de 0,1% dans l'UE28. Un communiqu de presse est disponible ici. (Pour plus d'informations: Lucia Caudet Tel.: +32 229 56182; Mirna Talko Tel.: +32 229 87278)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Vice President Maro efovi in Georgia

Energy Union Vice President Maro efovi is on an official visit to Georgia from 12 until 13 July. He is meeting President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and the Chairman of the Parliament, Mr Irakli Kobakhidze for bilateral meetings. Vice President efovi will also attend this year's Batumi International Conference "Ensuring Regional Stability" where he delivers a key note on energy security in the opening session in the presence of the President, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Parliament. The conference is organised by the State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration since 2007 and represents an important venue for high level officials to discuss issues related to politics, security, economic developments in the EU and its neighbourhood. This year the Conference will focus on the European Agenda, particularly on energy security and diversification of energy markets. Ahead of the visit, Energy Union Vice President Maro efovi said: "The EU-Georgia Association Agreement entails Georgia's alignment to key EU energy legislation. In this regard, I welcome the recent ratification by the Georgian Parliament of the accession protocol to the Energy Community. This represents a major milestone for a proper and timely implementation of the commitments made under the Association Agreement and I encourage efforts to ensure a comprehensive implementation of commitments. Furthermore, Georgia has a key transit role to play in the opening of the Southern Gas Corridor. For the EU and Georgia the timely implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor is important as well as its extension over time to additional supply countries." More information about the conference can be found online. (For more information: Anca Paduraru Tel.: +32 229 91269; Nicole Bockstaller Tel.:+32 229 52589)

Upcoming events of the European Commission (ex-Top News)

Excerpt from:
Daily News 12 / 07 / 2017 - EU News

Bruno Maes, who was Portugals EU minister between July 2013 and November 2015 told the Express.co.uk that Italianswere increasingly drawing the link between the countrys economic woes and its EU membership.

Mr Maes said: The big problem is that Italy has not grown since the start of the euro, its been basically stagnant for 16 or 17 years.

This is not sustainable, and of course more and more people are making the connection and asking, publicly, whether the euro is to blame for Italian stagnation.

Italy is not a country that is used to this. It was for decades a fast growing, fast industrialising, high tech economy. You have to make an effort to think back to those years in the 70s and the 60s.

Getty/Express

The former minister, who helped steer his country through the EU sovereign debt crisis, said that Italians often feel their nation is not recognised at a European level.

He said: Its a country that also feels that its size and importance is not being recognised. Its allabout France and Germany.

Every Italian political leader tries to change this. They all fail. So there is some dynamics there, thatarequite dangerous in terms of creating more and more alienation from the EU, so I think that is the country the EU should be concerned about.

Anger at the European Union in Italy has seen the rise of the 5 Star Movement (MS5) founded by former comedian Beppe Grillo in 2009.

Its a country that also feels that its size and importance is not being recognised

Bruno Maes

The movement won a spectacular victory when it helped the no vote win in a referendum on a change of Italys constitution in late 2016.

Italy voted to reject the reform with 59.4 per cent to 40.6 per cent for Yes which saw PM Matteo Renzi stand down. A caretaker PM has taken office with an election due by spring 2018 at the latest.

MS5 has vowed to hold a referendum on single currency membership should they get into power, but has stopped short of calling for a vote on EU membership.

Mr Maes said that problems in Italys banking sector and indeed across Europe are likely to continue despite the spate of bailouts in Italys beleaguered financial sector.

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Now some people think this is birth pains and that everything will get back on track. Im a bit more pessimistic.

Bank problems have not been solved. They are hidden under the blankets because of the easy policy of the ECB, but I think there is always the possibility of them coming back.

If you look at the figures, theyre not good.Non performingloans, bank ratios, these are all very troubling if you look carefully so I think theres alwayspotentialfor problems in the banking sector and weve already seen that in Italy.

He criticised Italys bank bailouts branding its flouting of rules and the acquiescence of Brussels troubling.

I spent so many days, so manyweeks,when I was in government working on the banking union plan, and I was a real believer and in some respects I still am.

I thought this is the right way for the EU to go, not a fiscal union, but this idea of a banking union, and a lot of effort that we spent on the banking union.

Then to see this Italian bailout that really disrespects the rules that were established, that just a week before had beenrespectin Spain is very troubling.

Italy's government was allowed to cut a deal that will cost it 14billion (17bn) as the good assets of failed lenders Popolare diVicensaand Vento Banca are taken over by the country's biggest retail bank Intesa Sanpaolo.

The following Wednesday the MontedeiPaschi bank was bailed out to the tune of4.7billion in the biggest bailout since the financial crisis.

More:
Italy warns Germany and France fixated EU 'ignore us at your peril' - Express.co.uk

European Union officials are looking forward to a massive eight-hour end of year party, which will boast 700 bottles of wine and a dinner with 26 different dishes at a cost of up to 48,600.

About 1,200 to 1,400 civil servants will enjoy an evening of dancing, dinner and drinks lasting from 7pm until 3amat the Council of the European Unions huge Justus Lipsius building in Brussels. The building hosts the regular summits of EU leaders, chaired by European Council President Donald Tusk,as well as meeting of national ministers.

Details of the annual bash, planned for between late October and December, emerged after the council published a call for tender to catering companies.

The bill will be paid from the council budget, which is money from EU member states including Britain. The cost was branded alarming and extravagant by campaign group The Taxpayers Alliance.

The main goal is to...

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EU officials plan 50000 staff party with 700 bottles of wine - Telegraph.co.uk

The 2017 Western Balkans Summit will take place on 12 July in Trieste, Italy. The Summit will serve as an important occasion to work together on strengthening concrete opportunities while fostering regional cooperation with the aim of developing inclusive societies, good governance and vibrant economies, hence also further advancing the European Union integration perspective of the region.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Johannes Hahn Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, and Violeta Bulc,Commissioner for Transport, will participate together with Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers, Ministers of Economy and Ministers of Transport of the Western Balkans and their counterparts from 6 EU Member States (Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia).

Discussions will focus on three key areas of regional cooperation: 1) Connectivity, 2) Regional economic integration/private sector development and 3) People-to-people contacts.

For more information:

Factsheet: EU Engagement in the Western Balkans

2017 Trieste Summit on the Western Balkans

EU-Western Balkans Youth forum

Civil Society Forum Trieste 2017

Western Balkans European External Action Service

Directorate General: European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations

Directorate General - Mobility and Transport

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2017 Western Balkans Summit stepping up regional cooperation to advance on the European Union path - EU News