AFP - Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi voiced firm opposition to European Union (EU) plans to lift a 16-year-old arms embargo on China, amid worsening ties between Tokyo and the economic giant.

AFP - European stock markets climbed in early trading after overnight gains by Wall Street and as dealers in London returned to their desks after a long holiday weekend ahead of a British election.

AFP - European stock markets climbed in early trading after a choppy overnight Wall Street session, following a quarter-point rise in US interest rates, and as London investors absorbed a batch of corporate news on the eve of a British election.

AFP - European stock markets climbed in early trading, lifted by a firm overnight showing on Wall Street, with London shares rising as Britons voted in nationwide polls, dealers said.

FT.com - London equity markets were little changed at the start of trade on Friday as investors remained largely unmoved by news of Tony Blair's victory in the UK General Election, which was widely expected.

AFP - European stock markets mainly fell after a weak showing by Wall Street, although London's FTSE 100 index eked out gains after a widely-predicted general election victory for British Prime Minister Tony Blair's Labour party.

FT.com - European stocks were heading for a weaker open on Monday, partly due to profit taking after last week's strong showing, and due to concerns over US interest rates after Friday's unexpectedly strong non-farm payrolls.

AFP - European stock markets climbed in early trading after a modest overnight rally in US stocks, and amid a raft of corporate news, dealers said.

AFP - European stock markets showed mixed fortunes in early trading after sharp overnight falls on Wall Street.

AFP - European stock markets climbed strongly in early trading after a rebound on Wall Street overnight.

AFP - European stock markets fell in early trading after an overnight tumble by Wall Street, as a slide in crude oil prices hit heavyweight metal, mining and energy shares, dealers said.

AFP - British finance minister Gordon Brown remains firmly opposed to giving up Britain's rebate on contributions to the EU budget despite Labour's recent election victory, Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker said.

AP - Germany and five other austerity-minded nations rejected a hike in future EU spending Saturday, widening a split with newer eastern European members that see membership as a boon for their economies and living standards.

AFP - The French government faces a major test to its authority as millions look set to ignore its decision to scrap a national holiday in order to raise money for the elderly, less than two weeks before a crucial referendum on the EU constitution.

AFP - European stock markets mostly fell in early trading, with only London rising following a weak showing by Asian shares that appeared to cancel out a strong overnight rally by Wall Street.

AFP - Britain's finance minister Gordon Brown warned of the risk of sluggish economic activity in the European Union as he called for a 'truly national consensus' on economic reform in the 25-nation bloc.

AFP - European stock markets rose in early trading after Wall Street extended a recent strong rally that helped also to push Asian shares higher.

AFP - European stock markets steadied in early trading after US stocks posted modest gains overnight, while London investors focused on the mining sector, dealers said.

AP - European Union foreign ministers hold closed door talks Sunday in an effort to bridge deep divisions over how much money each country should contribute to the union's budget in the years ahead.

AFP - European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso argued for a generous budget for the European Union, warning that more money was needed to live up to agreed ambitions.

AP - Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder tried to revive Germany's hidebound economy by chipping away at social protections — angering his base and causing his support to plummet.

FT.com - European stocks started Wednesday little changed after the profit taking witnessed in the previous session, and following a quiet day's trade on Wall Street.

AP - Share prices were higher on the London Stock Exchange Thursday. The FTSE 100-share index closed up 23.36 points, or 0.47 percent, at 4,994.90.

AP - What's eating Europe? In theory, these should be the continent's glory days. Already united by a common currency, flag, legislature and more, the European Union's 450 million citizens now are looking at a landmark constitution that many leaders insist will translate to a greater voice in world affairs and the means to achieve even greater prosperity. In practice, there's an overwhelming sense of doubt, disillusionment and just plain disgruntlement — epitomized by polls that show France probably heading toward a rejection of the charter in a weekend referendum.

AP - With their defiant 'Non!' to the European Union's proposed constitution, French voters stunned President Jacques Chirac and the continent's political elite and projected their fears about issues ranging from stagnant economies to national identity.

FT.com - The euro fell in early trading in Asia after the French referendum amid worries about the impact on European Union economic policy of France's decisive rejection of the EU's constitution.

FT.com - European stocks were flat in mid-morning trade on Tuesday with market participants in cautious mood after the previous session's rally close to three-year highs.