19/11/2018 (Agence Europe) – Inter-institutional negotiations on the screening of third country investments could be concluded on Tuesday 20 November, with the European Parliament and the EU Council reiterating their desire to reach a final political agreement before the end of 2018 (see EUROPE 12134). However, the most sensitive issues remain on the negotiating table. According to one European representative, discussions could focus on certain elements of the 'third scenario', which would require a Member State receiving investments to engage in a dialogue with other European countries when at least one third of them consider their national security threatened. However, behind the scenes of the discussions, there is concern about the threat of an about-turn from Italy, in a delicate position with the European hierarchy regarding its 2019 draft budget (see other news). If no agreement is reached, a further meeting could be scheduled for 27 November. (HD)