All Europe
- As euro strengthens, debate grows about setting a 'target' value
France has floated more intervention, which Germany rejects. The debate is framed by rising concerns over a 'currency war' if countries try to spur economic growth by devaluing their currencies.
- How will the Catholic Church handle a living ex-pope?
The resignation of Benedict XVI raises a conundrum not faced by the Catholic Church for centuries.
- Keep calm and answer on: Take our United Kingdom quiz.
How much do you know about the United Kingdom of Great Britain? Test your knowledge.
- EU leaders approve budget, and everyone wins - at least politically
Europe's leaders, in agreeing to a seven-year, 960 billion euro budget today for the EU, can all claim political victory for their constituents, but the practical implications are modest.
- TV drama? Putin rips Sochi official on air over Olympic cost overruns
Analysts say that the Russian president's angry tirade, followed by the official's firing, may be a bit of political theater meant to ease public concerns over the troubled Sochi Games preparations.
- Irish beef avoids EU budget chop. Is agricultural subsidy reform on the menu?
Agricultural subsidies account for a whopping 40 percent of the EU budget. Ireland, which holds the EU presidency, hopes to push through subsidy reforms next.
- ECB nod allows Ireland to shut down toxic bank, easing debt pressures
Ireland closed down the bankrupt Anglo Irish Bank in 2011, absorbing its debt and assets into a state-owned bank. Overnight, it voted to shut down that bank as well.
- New mission for Knights of Malta: rescue Europe's poor
The chivalric order of the Knights of Malta, which has an annual budget of $800 million, announced the switch of emphasis from Asia and Africa to Europe this week.
- Russian bill looks to hide gay identity, affirm democracy of the majority
The country faces two competing visions of democracy, one that emphasizes majority rule versus another that stresses minority protections.
- Does Tory opposition to gay marriage signal a UK 'culture war'?
More than 100 Conservative MPs voted against the gay marriage bill backed by Prime Minister David Cameron, but support from Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs carried the vote.