Russia has recruited allies in German chancellor Angela Merkel's "inner circle" and in Austrian intelligence services, exiled Russian businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky has warned.

Economy commissioner Paolo Gentoloni said the real challenge is whether member states can stick to their national plans and timelines. However, more than a dozen EU countries still need to ratify legislation to start the funding.

Italian media have reported some 1,400 migrants arrived on the southern Italian island of Lampedusa on Sunday. EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson is asking EU states to help relocate some in a bid to help Italy.

The EU-Mercosur trade agreement, as it stands, would exacerbate the 'boomerang effect' of pesticides banned in the EU re-entering the bloc on food imports.

The question remains whether the EU can take advantage of the latest talks, and other shifts in the Middle East, to reverse its own diplomatic marginalisation.

The EU and US have voiced alarm over growing violence in Jerusalem, while urging Israel to curb settlement expansion.