EU sets out plans to free finance for investment

(Reuters) - The European Union will look for ways other than the region's banks to finance infrastructure projects and invest in start-up companies, according to plans the EU published on Thursday.

Italy PM Renzi pledges job creation, housing reforms next week

(Reuters) - Italy's new Prime Minister Matteo Renzi pledged on Wednesday to introduce a series of "very important reforms" next week to help create jobs, make housing more affordable and remodel crumbling school buildings.

Euro zone turns from financial to political crisis

LONDON (MarketWatch) — A political crisis in Italy threatens fresh elections. The Portuguese government takes a hammering at the polls.Austria sees an upsurge in far-right and anti-euro parties. Germany drifts on without a government. Far-right parliamentarians are being arrested in Greece.

Steinbrueck Says Merkel Misleading Voters on Euro Debt Crisis

German chancellor candidate Peer Steinbrueck criticized Angela Merkel for misleading voters over the true cost of the European debt crisis, saying he’ll be upfront about the policy decisions needed after fall elections.

Germany's Schaeuble set to stay center stage in euro crisis

(Reuters) - Two years ago, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble was on the point of giving up his role as iron fist in the euro zone debt crisis, but the 70-year-old champion of closer European integration now seems likely to remain on Europe's center stage.

Celebrating the Elderly With a Nervous Eye on Italy’s Future

PERDASDEFOGU, Italy — On a recent Sunday afternoon, hundreds of villagers gathered in this tiny Sardinian town for a Mass to celebrate the 100th birthday of Claudina Melis, one of its esteemed citizens.

Germany could expand small business loan scheme to EU strugglers

BERLIN: Portugal and Greece are interested in the same kind of support for lending to small business that Germany agreed with Spain this week, a spokeswoman for the German finance ministry said on Saturday, but they will need a state financing body to qualify.

Merkel Says Euro Crisis Recovery Is Worth Austerity Pain

Chancellor Angela Merkel said the promise of lifting the euro area out of its debt crisis is worth the pain that’s being caused by German-inspired austerity.

Greek unemployment rate at new record of 22pc

Greek unemployment hit a record 22.5pc in April and may keep edging higher, with even the key tourism sector unlikely to provide more than fleeting support over the summer as visitors stay away from the recession-hit country.

Monti Says Overhauling Italy’s Firing Rules Can’t Be ‘Taboo’

Feb. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Italy’s rigid firing rules can hurt economic growth and changing them to make it easier for companies to shed workers can’t be “taboo,” Prime Minister Mario Monti said.

Euro zone economy heading for steep contraction in Q4: PMIs

LONDON (Reuters) - The escalating sovereign debt crisis has already pushed the euro zone economy into a contraction that could be far worse than economists had expected, business surveys suggested on Monday.

Clegg: £1bn scheme will 'provide hope' to young jobless

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg says a £1bn plan to provide subsidised work and training placements will "provide hope" to thousands of young people.