AFP - Europe's leading stock markets sank Friday in early trade, hit by growing doubts about the progress of a 700-billion-dollar bailout package for the US financial sector.

AFP - London shares closed up sharply on Thursday as optimism over the US Congress' approval of a 700-billion-pound government rescue plan fueled investor confidence.

AFP - European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso on Wednesday urged the next US president to work with the EU to confront challenges like the financial crisis, ties with Russia and climate change.

AP - Police arrested 11 suspected Basque militants Wednesday in southwest France in two separate investigations, including the financing of terror attacks in France and Spain, officials said.

AFP - London shares closed lower on Wednesday as jitters from the current financial crisis continued to unnerve traders with energy companies suffering the most.

AFP - Europe does not need a US-style bailout plan for the financial sector, top EU officials said Wednesday, limiting their response to the current crisis to calls for tougher regulation.

AP - As a mutiny swirled in his ranks and pundits took aim, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown stood before his party's faithful Tuesday and argued that the qualities his critics disparage — his seriousness and lack of flair — are exactly what Britain needs as it faces economic turmoil.

AP - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown faced down critics in his party and the country with a rousing and emotive speech Tuesday, vowing to heed his mistakes and lead the country out of the global economic downturn.

AFP - Doubts emerged Monday about a gargantuan 700-billion-dollar US bailout of the finance system, plunging markets into renewed turmoil, as oil prices surged, the dollar slid and stocks faced fresh pressure.

AFP - Stock markets resumed their slide Monday as doubts mounted about the effectiveness of a much-vaunted rescue package for the financial sector in the US Congress.