EU Commission chief von der Leyen was accused of creating a new position with a xenophobic message. The office for "protecting our European way of life" has been criticized within Brussels and throughout the EU.

European banks are twisting traditional economics of lending and borrowing to cope with years of sub-zero rates. With more easing expected, the lenders are only going to get more desperate to preserve their profits.

Restrictions on religion are on the rise, not just under authoritarian regimes but also in European democracies, according to the US Pew center. It found Christians are harassed in 143 countries, and Muslims in 140.

The Islamic Republic has signaled its intention to exceed limits on uranium enrichment under the deal. Iranian officials said European guarantors still have time to save the accord before it surpasses "the 300 kg limit."

European foreign ministers have urged restraint in directing blame over an alleged attack on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. The US has pointed the finger at Iran, but European diplomats say they need more evidence.

Bloomberg's Michael McKee examines concerns that the European economy is heading the way of Japan with tepid growth and low inflation.

Peter Rosenstreich, head of market strategy at Swissquote Bank, talks about the dollar, the market implications of the trade spat between the U.S. and China, European economies and central bank policy. He also discusses his investment strategy, the Brexit negotiations, and the euro.

Bloomberg's Elisa Martinuzzi reviews the bank scandals of 2018 and previews European bank performance for 2019.

Chancellor Merkel is facing huge pressure: she needs to bring divided European governments together to support a common line on refugees if she is to patch up a deep rift in her coalition in Berlin. But how can that be achieved? Guests this week: Thorsten Benner (GPPI), Monica Goracci (IOM), Raghida Bahnam (freelance journalist).

Millions of Europeans have been living and working in Britain for years. When the British citizenry voted to leave the EU, the future of those workers was thrown into doubt. Many of them work for an increasingly stretched National Health Service.

Some European embassies have been violating the European Union law by collecting fees on Visa processes that should be free. The EU law stipulates that students who apply for the purpose of study should have their visa fees waived.

As the controversy continues over Europe's divided response to the MS Aquarius, we take a look at comment in various European media about a major faultline in European politics: how to handle the refugee crisis and illegal immigration.