Over the weekend, as private jets evacuated prominent members of the Democratic Party and their allies, Moldovans celebrated the peaceful power transition. Looking beyond the euphoria that surrounded the celebrations, the new government is facing many challenges.

Low-ranking EU officials are to represent Europe when America unveils part of its "Deal of the Century" on the Arab-Israeli conflict in Bahrain next week.

The EU commission tells Switzerland that clarifications to the draft deal are possible - but not renegotiations. The message is clear to 'Brexit' Britain as well: the Swiss model is over, there are no special agreements.

The General Court of the European Union in Luxembourg will next month hold a public hearing on the refusal by Frontex, the EU's border agency, to release documents concerning its border control and surveillance operation known as Triton.

Environmental NGOs immediately denounce member states' draft plans as a "climate fail", while EU commissioners refrained from "naming-and-shaming".

France has urged Iran to step back from nuclear threats - but declined to back US claims Tehran recently attacked two oil tankers, echoing a broader EU approach.