Scottish independence vote 'more likely' after May's Brexit speech

Four far-right French MEPs have been barred from official election-monitoring missions after they took part in trips to Russia in the run-up to its invasion of Ukraine.

A new round of Russia sanctions affecting ports, oligarchs' families and trust funds is foreseen for early next week.

In the short term, limiting RT and Sputnik's ability to spread disinformation about the appalling human cost of the war in Ukraine may appear a timely and proportionate response. In the long run, questions remain over their wisdom and effectiveness.

The war on Ukraine will dominate the European Parliament's plenary meeting in Strasbourg too. Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas will discuss Europe's new security reality with MEPs.

Two citizens' initiatives were presented to the parliament in Helsinki this week, one demanding Nato membership and one demanding a referendum on Nato membership. Both gathered the needed 50,000 signatures in a matter of days.

Right of Reply: Viktor Orban's office reponds to EUobserver