Topic: Herman Van Rompuy

Leftist Greek leader ready to walk away from EU bailout deal

Alexis Tsipras has the presidential mandate to end the Greek political impasse by forming a governing coalition by Thursday.

EU leaders sign treaty to enforce fiscal discipline as Spain rebels

Spain told European Union leaders as they gathered to sign a fiscal treaty that it couldn't meet the deficit targets set by the EU for the upcoming year. 

Europe pact: Members must balance budgets or suffer sanctions

European leaders signed a fiscal pact that would enforce balanced budget among member states. Leaders also pledged to promote growth. Members must still ratify the pact.

Germany's Merkel: Will she save the euro or seal its demise?

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has opposed many of the moves to stabilize the eurozone that her European colleagues favor. Is she the steady hand Europe needs now, or does she lack political courage?

Merkel, Sarkozy to Europe: shelve your sovereignty, save the euro

The plan put forth from the German and French leaders to save the euro amounts to a call for European states to give up full control over their own spending.

How an obscure rule could trample EU dissenters

The EU might invoke an 'overpass' clause to head off individual nations' objections to more centralized budgetary powers. 

China won't solve Europe's debt problems

China has stressed it will not be a savior to Europe as President Hu Jintao embarks on an official visit to the continent

Sarkozy and Merkel vow support for euro (video)

But investors weren't impressed by the French and German leaders' commitment to greater regional integration. They wanted a bigger bailout fund for the euro, and they didn't get it.

'Eurobonds' anyone? Officials call for EU-wide fiscal policies to ease debt crisis

But that hasn't dampened calls from critics who worry that centralizing European Union fiscal policy would impinge on national sovereignty – and possibly even worsen the crisis.

EU leaders agree on Greek bailout. Turning point in euro crisis?

European leaders in Brussels today agreed to a deal for Greece that includes $156 billion in aid, private investors, and extending the maturity period on Greek bonds.

European markets tumble as investors fear Italian default

Investors in Europe have set their sights on Italy, speculating that if a Greek bailout isn't approved and Athens defaults on its government debt, Italy is next.

Why Italy may need a bailout, too

With high debt and falling stocks, Italy appears to be the next European economy on the brink. Investors and European officials are now sounding alarm bells.

Ireland's $90 billion question: Does it need a bailout?

Ireland is set to host EU and IMF officials Thursday in ongoing talks about a bailout for the debt-stricken nation.

How Germany's Merkel convinced EU to change rules after the Greek crisis

Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, together with France's government, pushed through a tough amendment to EU finance rules today.

EU leaders set for clash over financial reforms, Lisbon Treaty

At a two-day meeting in Brussels that opened today, Germany is set to make a high-stakes bit to amend the EU's Lisbon Treaty in order to make financial checks permanent.

Greek debt crisis: pushing more European integration?

As the Greek debt crisis rolls on, some in Britain worry that the crisis is being used to undermine economic sovereignty and pushes European integration further.

EU promises help for Greece, but euro falls in absence of bailout

European Union (EU) leaders promised on Thursday that they stand waiting to help debt-laden Greece, if needed. But the euro declined as investors worried about the lack of a clear commitment to a bailout package.

Interview: former French diplomat Hubert Védrine on China and a West 'in disarray'

Former Foreign Minister Hubert Védrine, author of 'History Strikes Back,' offers a realist view on a central challenge for Europe and the United States: the rise of China.

Welcome, to Mr. and Ms. Europe

You probably never heard of the new president and foreign policy chief of the European Union – Belgian Herman Van Rompuy and Briton Catherine Ashton. That may be their strength.

Tony Blair loses EU presidency bid, Belgium's Van Rompuy wins job

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair missed his chance to be the first EU president, with members selection the more low-key Belgium Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy for the job.

The EU's next step after the Lisbon treaty: Choose a president

The European Union is tossing around names for who could be the 'George Washington of Europe,' with Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy a top name. The EU is expected to decide by mid-November.

World