EU foreign ministers meet in Athens to discuss Ukraine crisis, Syrian civil war

ATHENS, GREECE: European Union foreign ministers have gathered in Athens for the second day of an informal meeting where attention has focused on the crisis in Ukraine and the civil war in Syria.

Price cuts aid first-quarter growth for euro zone businesses

(Reuters) - Euro zone businesses started 2014 with their best quarter in three years, but buoyant growth came at a cost as they slashed prices to drum up trade, which could further stoke deflation fears.

Kerry hails Morocco reforms, regional security efforts

Rabat (AFP) - Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday pledged US support for Moroccan reforms and efforts to promote regional stability, while also highlighting the social challenges faced by Rabat.

ECB president takes swipe at IMF over policy recommendations

European Central Bank President Mario Draghi swatted away suggestions from the International Monetary Fund that his bank should ease monetary policy further on Thursday, questioning the timing of the Fund's most recent comments.

Angela Merkel approves Germany's first minimum wage

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has approved the country's first minimum wage, at 8.50 euros an hour (£7; $11.75), to start in 2015.

Australia job vacancies rise 2.6 percent in February quarter

(Reuters) - Job vacancies in Australia rebounded last quarter as expanded openings in the private sector offset continued weakness in government employment and added to signs that hiring is stabilizing.

In Brussels, China learns 'eurospeak' to seek influence

(Reuters) - At the height of the euro zone crisis, a Chinese official quipped that Europe was being reduced to a "wonderful theme park" for tourists.