Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s party has been excluded from taking part in upcoming regional polls after missing a deadline to submit candidates. A furious Berlusconi blamed the fiasco on judges and the opposition.

Catherine Ashton, who has taken widespread criticism since entering office 100 days ago, said in Strasbourg on Wednesday that EU nations must pull together – to achieve unity at home and gain influence abroad.

Germany has criticized an Israeli decision to build 1,600 Jewish homes on occupied land arguing that it could hinder planned peace talks. The plan has also been condemned by EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.

Catherine Ashton’s role of foreign-affairs chief was designed to give the EU a united voice with regards to foreign policy, but after 100 days in office, she has barely made herself heard.

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou said the US encouraged Athens’ efforts to boost financial regulations, after his meeting with Barack Obama in Washington. The US response to the meeting was measured, however.

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou said the US encouraged Athens’ efforts to boost financial regulations, after his meeting with Barack Obama in Washington. The US response to the meeting was measured, however.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is backing plans for a European Monetary Fund, as Germany and France outline plans to regulate financial market speculation.

Since its building boom ended, Ireland has become a land of unoccupied and half-finished houses. Now, housing market analysts in the country are asking themselves the proverbial question: What went wrong?

Latvia is desperate to attract new investors that could help the recovery of the country’s weak economy. But its recent easing of visa restrictions for non-EU citizens has sparked a nationalist outcry.

DNA tests confirm the body of Cyprus ex-President Tassos Papadopoulos has been found, three months after it was robbed from its grave.