Europe

Report claims that, despite denials, French authorities and other European nations pay out millions over kidnaps that then help finance terrorism.

French MEPs are in charge of just two of a total of 22 parliamentary committees and sub-committees, those that oversee fishing and the budget.

In TV interview the former French president portrays himself as victim of an allegedly politically-motivated section of the country's judiciary.

The main union behind the strike against budget cuts said French government had now recognised the 'importance of investment in the sector'.

President François Hollande has played a background role in saga over who should be Commission president as UK and Germany slug it out.

Attacking a growing tide of Euroscepticism in France, Hollande said that the EU had brought peace and economic stability to the continent.

In visit to Moscow, Marine Le Pen says it is the European Union that declared 'cold war' on Russia by seeking closer ties with Ukraine.

French defence and foreign ministers 'strongly' urge EU members to do more, saying military contributions so far 'fall short' of what is needed.

Germany appears to have dismissed French calls for EU partners to help with financial support and ground troops for its CAR peacekeeping mission.

Foreign minister Laurent Fabius to make formal appeal in Brussels for assistance as French forces try to pacify Central African Republic.

Analyst claims poor figures from its factory sector underline France's bleak political and business climate compared with rest of Europe.

Opinion polls and local election victory chart rise of the National Front, whose progress in France mirrors that of nationalist parties elsewhere.

French prime minister Jean-Marc Ayrault says it is up to European political leaders to find a solution, adding 'compassion is not enough'.

Leaked report published in German newspaper says terror group has been plotting attacks on high-speed railways across the continent.