AFP - French Prime Minister Francois Fillon insisted here Friday that the French and European economies are sound, but that the US economic slowdown will effect Europe's growth.

AFP - Ireland's incoming prime minister Brian Cowen acknowledged challenges ahead Thursday, as he prepared to take office facing growing economic gloom and the prospect of a crunch EU poll next month.

AP - The European Central Bank and the Bank of England are both expected to keep their interest rates unchanged Thursday, as more evidence mounts that growth in the euro zone and in Britain is likely to slow in coming months.

AFP - As EU newcomer Bulgaria aims to attract ever larger flows of foreign investment, authorities and analysts have raised fears that part of the money streaming into the country may have been laundered.

AFP - EU Tax Commissioner Laszlo Kovacs said Wednesday he saw support among finance ministers in the bloc to broaden out rules against tax dodgers who stash cash in offshore accounts.

AP - German investor confidence declined for a second straight month as rising inflation, the euro's near-record strength and high oil prices ate into expectations, a closely watched survey showed Tuesday.

AP - German business confidence posted an unexpected increase for May, bouncing back after sinking to its lowest level in more than two years in the previopus month, a closely watched survey showed Wednesday.

AFP - The EU's top economic official slammed Friday salaries earned by some European business leaders, joining those who have called for action on the socially sensitive issue.

AFP - Confidence in the combined economy of the 15 nations sharing the euro held steady in May despite expectations for a fall, according to an EU survey on Thursday.

AFP - Vladimir Putin, in France on his first trip abroad as prime minister, has dismissed criticisms of Russia's human rights record as a ploy for putting diplomatic pressure on Moscow.