Topic: Brussels

France's Afghanistan pull-out signals war fatigue driving European defense cuts

Disillusionment with warfare, coupled with economic troubles, has given European defense cuts strong momentum. But defense experts worry they are being made too haphazardly.

EU still looking for way forward on Greece, growth, and euro zone

The latest summit in Brussels concluded with wide agreement that something needs to be done but with little consensus on what to do.

Amid eurozone turmoil, Germany borrows money for free

Germany sold $5.7 billion of debt today to yield 0 percent, a reflection of how much Europe's largest economy has diverged from its southern neighbors who are paying far more to borrow.

Stocks mixed after Greek worries resurface

After gaining for most of the day, the Dow only finished up 2 points at 12503 Tuesday, as news out of Greece yanked indexes lower shortly before the closing bell.

Stocks climb, breaking losing streak

Apple stock soared, helping propel major US stock indexes to gains after a solid week of losses. The Dow Jones rose 135 points to close at 12504.

France says 'oui' to euro bonds, but Germany says 'nein'

German finance official says Berlin continues to oppose euro bonds, which would create debt backed jointly by European Union nations. EU members meet Wednesday in Brussels to discuss euro bonds and other growth-enhancing policies.

Hollande takes power in France amidst lightning

After he assumed the presidency in a Paris ceremony, the new French president headed for Germany to meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Greece has only one chance left to avoid another election

Socialist party leader Evangelos Venizelos today became the third politician this week to fail at forming a coalition government. If the president does too, Greece will head back to the polls. 

Maurice Sendak beloved by parents and kids around the world

Maurice Sendak, who passed away this week, was beloved by parents and kids around the world, who admired his unique storytelling abilities that could transport the reader into wild worlds of unfettered imagination and wonder.

Maurice Sendak with the Wild Things, now (+video)

The beloved children's book author passed away at 83 after suffering a stroke.

Europe calls Euro 2012 penalty on Ukraine for treatment of Tymoshenko

With Ukraine and Poland preparing to host the Euro 2012 soccer championship, Europe sees it as an opportune time to pressure Ukraine over its treatment of opposition figure Yulia Tymoshenko.

Russia urges NATO to stay in Afghanistan beyond 2014

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the timeline for a NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan. Russia fears a spillover of Islamist militancy into the former Soviet republics on its border.

Panetta apologizes over latest military scandal

Nonviolent Peaceforce helps protect women, children in South Sudan

Brewing conflict with Sudan in the north, and Joseph Kony's LRA in the south, are just two of South Sudan's challenges. Nonviolent Peaceforce is working to protect the population, especially women and children, from these and other threats.

Bosnian war 20th anniversary: Sarajevo residents remember siege victims Friday

The Bosnian war began in 1992 with the siege of Sarajevo. Friday, on the 20th anniversary of the Bosnian war beginning, citizens of Sarajevo are honoring those that were killed in the three-year war.

Why France now backs easing EU sanctions on Myanmar (+video)

France follows the US in supporting a lifting of sanctions on Myanmar after April 1 elections. Aung San Suu Kyi and her NLD won a landslide parliamentary election.

Ethnic violence belies Balkans peace

Peace agreements brought the last Balkan conflict to an end more than two decades ago, but they didn't resolve ethnic tensions, which are rising to the surface again.

EU leaders agree on need for more money - just not how much

Some European leaders want to give the permanent bailout fund as much money as possible, but others say that will do nothing to deter a repeat of the current debt crisis. 

Libya to Europe: Remember us?

Former Libyan Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril traveled to Brussels to warn European leaders about the dangers of abandoning their work in Libya before the country is stabilized. 

Lawyers for Strauss-Kahn say will challenge case in prostitution scandal

Strauss-Kahn's French lawyers called a news conference in response to news he had been formally placed under investigation into allegations he illegally participated in a prostitution scandal, in the northern city of Lille on counts that could expose their client to up to 20 years in jail.

In positive week for eurozone, warnings rise that crisis isn't over

The Greek bailout and cheap loans may have pulled Europe back from the edge, but economists warn that without real change, the eurozone will continue to teeter. 

Europe to Germany: your eurocrisis 'answers' don't work for us

As prosperous Germany reshapes Europe's fiscal operating system to fit the German doctrine of austerity, questions and warnings are on the rise.

France's far-right presidential hopeful Le Pen clears crucial election hurdle

Ms. Le Pen – who has attacked the rise of Islam in France – garnered the required signatures to get on the April 2012 presidential ballot.

Spain leads Europe's rebellion against German austerity

Prime Minister Mario Rajoy told EU officials that Spain would not meet its deficit target for 2012. Other countries, struggling to avoid further recession, may follow suit. 

Greece to investors: take a haircut so we can get our bailout (+video)

For Greece to receive its second international bailout, private lenders need to agree to a substantial debt write-off. The deadline for an agreement is tonight.