Ukraine crisis hits European shares; auto and leisure lag

LONDON, July 21 (Reuters) - European shares fell on Monday as fighting erupted in eastern Ukraine, the first major eruption of violence there since a Malaysian airliner was shot down last week.

French economy minister blames the EU for the lack of growth, seeks new economic strategy

PARIS – France's economy minister is blaming European authorities for the lack of growth in France and Europe, and says it's time for a new economic policy that shuns austerity measures.

Pound Advances Versus Euro With Inflation Gap Most Since October

The pound gained versus the euro this week as reports strengthened speculation that the U.K. economy is recovering fast enough to withstand tighter monetary policy while other European economies require more stimulus.

Schaeuble says EU must focus on competitiveness, not exchange rate

(Reuters) - Europe must focus on improving the competitiveness of its economy rather than the exchange rate, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said on Friday, brushing aside French calls for EU action to weaken the euro.

Signs of turnaround in international use of euro: ECB

Frankfurt (AFP) - The eurozone attracted more foreign investment in 2013 than in 2012, but the euro's share of foreign exchange reserves and its role in international financing declined slightly, the European Central Bank said on Wednesday.