Crossword Genius

Handle European making complaint (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gripe

'complaint' is the definition.
(an objection or source of annoyance)

'handle european' is the wordplay.
'handle' becomes 'grip' (synonyms).
'european' becomes 'e' (abbreviation e.g. EU).
'grip'+'e'='GRIPE'

'making' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for gripe that I've seen before include "Complain; colic (water)" , "beef" , "Complain, grouse" , "Protest" , "Grievance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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