Euro zone economic morale jumps, easing pressure on ECB to act

(Reuters) - Euro zone economic sentiment rose more than expected in December and inflation expectations picked up, data showed on Thursday, easing some pressure on the European Central Bank to loosen monetary strings further.

Euro zone unemployment at 12%, while U.S. improving

New reports out of the U.S. and Europe Wednesday show a stark divergence between unemployment trends in America and the euro zone.

Italy service sector shrinks for second month in Dec - PMI

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's service sector contracted for the second month running in December, a survey showed on Monday, evidence the economy is still struggling to emerge from its worst recession since World War Two.

Euro Jobless Scourge Seen Defying Leaders’ Growth Pledge

European Union leaders pondering the fruits of a 120 billion-euro ($163 billion) push to jump-start the economy and create jobs can look to data this week for evidence of how little has been achieved.

Greece beats target for taking up EU co-financing funds

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece beat its target for taking up European Union co-financing funds in 2013 after it streamlined businesses' access to the money, the Development Ministry said on Thursday.