Corrected: In austere times, EU to discuss 6.8 percent budget rise

(Reuters) - The European Commission will risk accusations of double standards on Wednesday when it proposes a 6.8 percent increase in the European Union's budget next year despite calls for fiscal discipline across the bloc.

Dutch opposition rejects budget cuts, crisis deepens

(Reuters) - The biggest Dutch opposition parties refused on Tuesday to back austerity cuts needed to meet EU budget targets after the government fell, deepening the crisis in a nation probably facing a long period of uncertainty until elections.

Euro slammed by poor data, European political risks

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The euro slid against the dollar on Monday after two days of gains, rattled by poor euro zone data and concerns that the region's debt crisis could spread to other healthier European nations after Dutch officials failed to agree on budget cuts.

Canada rate hikes predicted despite tame inflation

OTTAWA (Reuters) - A drop in Canada's year-on-year inflation rate to an 18-month low in March will not delay interest rate hikes by the Bank of Canada, which is paying closer attention to economic growth, analysts said on Friday.

France Dispels Downgrade Talk

PARIS—France hasn't been notified of any potential sovereign-rating downgrade, French government officials said Thursday.