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Business news and information from the European Union

EU Parliament chief highlights IMF's mixed messages — 13 January 2013, 23:28 CET

European Parliament president Martin Schulz has criticised the IMF for demanding more austerity in Portugal while acknowledging that too much budget rigour can undermine badly-needed economic growth.

Serbia gets parliament backing for Kosovo talks — 13 January 2013, 23:23 CET

Serbia's parliament early Sunday adopted a document calling for "autonomy" for its Serb minority in Kosovo as a part of EU-backed talks with Pristina.

EU to propose peace plan after Israel vote: report — 13 January 2013, 23:23 CET

The European Union is drawing up a detailed new plan to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, and expects to present it after this month's Israeli general election, Yediot Aharonot reported Sunday.

Macedonians continue anti-government protests — 12 January 2013, 23:01 CET

More than 7,000 Macedonians gathered for fresh protests on Saturday, calling for the resignation of conservative Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and early elections to be held in this former Yugoslav republic.

Austrian chancellor attacks Britain's Cameron over EU — 12 January 2013, 13:05 CET

Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann launched a broadside Friday at Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, accusing him of sending mixed messages when it comes to the European Union.

Gambians stage anti-EU demonstration — 12 January 2013, 13:05 CET

Thousands of Gambians Friday marched in the capital, Banjul to show solidarity with President Yahya Jammeh in his row with the European Union.

Slovak car sector posts record output in 2012 — 11 January 2013, 18:48 CET

Slovakia's auto sector posted record output of 900,000 vehicles in 2012, despite gloom in the European Union -- its key export market, the Slovak automotive industry association said Friday.

EU grants Haiti fresh aid on quake anniversary — 11 January 2013, 18:48 CET

The European Union said Friday it is giving Haiti another 30.5 million euros ($40.7 million) in aid, three years after the Caribbean country was devastated by a massive earthquake.

Germany urges stepped-up political efforts in Mali — 11 January 2013, 18:48 CET

Germany's foreign minister called Friday for political efforts to be stepped up to resolve the conflict in Mali between government forces and Islamists.

Macedonia's local elections due on March 24 — 11 January 2013, 18:48 CET

Macedonia on Friday called local elections for March 24 in a tense political climate that has reigned since opposition boycotted parliament last month.

EU must change if it wants Britain as member: Osborne — 11 January 2013, 18:47 CET

Britain's finance minister George Osborne told a German newspaper Friday that the European Union must change the way it deals with its member states if it aims to keep Britain in its ranks.

Ashton urges 'accelerated international' action in Mali — 11 January 2013, 18:47 CET

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Friday that a military offensive by terrorist groups based in northern Mali called for an "enhanced and accelerated" international response.

Russia hints at laxer Cyprus debt rules — 11 January 2013, 14:30 CET

Russia said on Friday it was ready to loosen the terms under which debt-ridden Cyprus had to repay loans which Russia had made to its close trading partner.

Italian borrowing costs drop in EUR 3.5 bn bond sale — 11 January 2013, 13:00 CET

Italy's borrowing costs fell sharply on Friday in an auction of bonds to be redeemed in 2015 which raised 3.5 billion euros, showing increased investor confidence.

Greek parliament to approve tax change under rescue terms — 11 January 2013, 13:00 CET

Greece's parliament was expected late on Friday to approve a new tax bill, part of the latest batch of fiscal reforms tied to the country's next slice of EU loans.

EU to force Google to change listing of search results: report — 10 January 2013, 22:06 CET

Google will have to change the way it presents search results or face anti-trust charges for favouring its own services, the EU's competition chief told the Financial Times.

Romania unveils 2013 budget, eyes 1.8% growth — 10 January 2013, 22:06 CET

Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta on Thursday unveiled the 2013 draft budget that targets 1.8 per cent economic growth and a public deficit under 2.0 per cent.

Allies urge Britain to stay in EU — 10 January 2013, 19:47 CET

British Prime Minister David Cameron faces warnings from the United States, Germany and his own coalition partners about London's plans to renegotiate its relationship with the EU.

Moroccan firm chocs up 200,000-euro bill — 10 January 2013, 19:41 CET

While most company executives are anxiously cutting costs in austere times, one Moroccan CEO happily oversaw chocolate purchases worth 35,000 euros last year, a local newspaper reported on Thursday.

Juncker offers hope for help with legacy bank debt — 10 January 2013, 18:41 CET

Eurozone head Jean-Claude Juncker offers some hope that the eurozone's new rescue fund can help ease the burden on countries that had to bail-out banks before it became operational.

Bulgaria hopes to use all available EU funds — 10 January 2013, 18:34 CET

Bulgaria has spent just 35 per cent of European aid money made available since it joined the bloc, but plans to use it all by a 2015 payment deadline, the minister in charge of EU funds said on Thursday.

EU condemns Mali violence, training mission 'urgent' — 10 January 2013, 18:02 CET

Clashes between Islamist rebels and government forces in Mali only reinforce the need for a planned EU training mission to support Bamako's troops, the European Union said Thursday.

US urges Britain to keep strong voice in Europe — 10 January 2013, 17:51 CET

Britain is trying to play down embarrassing comments by its closest ally the United States expressing concern about London's plans to renegotiate its relationship with the EU.

EU moves to end state rail monopolies — 10 January 2013, 17:50 CET

In proposals likely to infuriate Germany, the Commission will this month urge an end to Europe's last rail monopolies and so open the lucrative passenger market to competition from 2019.

EU not to blame for austerity: Barroso — 10 January 2013, 17:49 CET

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso denied on Thursday that the European Union was behind the tough austerity measures that have swept the continent in recent years.