Western Europe

Von der Leyen confirmed as new European Commission president

The European Parliament voted 383-327 vote with 22 abstentions on Tuesday to approve von der Leyen's nomination.

France passes law taxing digital giants in defiance of US anger

With the GAFA tax, an acronym for Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon, France becomes the first major economy to tax tech giants, defying US President Trump's probe that could trigger reprisal tariffs. The new law aims at plugging a taxation gap

VW Beetle bows out after decades of production

The "people's car" once had fans across the world but its popularity waned in face of competition from other models.

Merkel says 'very well' despite third shaking spell

Despite suffering her third trembling spell in less than a month, Germany's Angela Merkel has insisted she is "very well."

Eurozone growth, inflation cut as risks from US trade grow

In its quarterly economic forecasts, the European Union's executive arm says prices will grow less than previously predicted, pushing the inflation rate further off the European Central Bank's target of close to but less than two percent.

Sister of Saudi crown prince on trial over 'beaten workman' in France

Hassa bint Salman, sister of Mohammed bin Salman who is known by his initials "MBS", is accused of ordering her bodyguard to beat up a workman after he was seen taking a photo inside her home in September 2016.

Police drop probe into French ambassador sexual assault claims

"An offence was committed, but I found the foreign ministry's response to be proportional to the seriousness of what happened," prosecutor says. Robby Judes was fired after two women said he groped them during an official visit to New Caledonia

Germany declines US request for ground troops in Syria

"No ground troops," says German government spokesman Steffen Seibert, a day after US envoy to Syria James Jeffrey sought German boots on the ground in northern Syria.

Deutsche Bank axes teams in Asia-Pacific as 18,000 global job cuts begin

The German lender announces the job losses as part of a restructuring plan that will ultimately cost $8.31 billion (7.4 billion euros) and see it undo years of work aimed at making its investment bank a major force on Wall Street.

US men fail to follow women, lose Gold Cup final to Mexico

While the US women's football team won a fourth World Cup in eight editions, the US men's team was not so lucky as Mexico defeated them 1-0 to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup for a record eighth time.

US calls on Germany to send ground troops to Syria

The US request comes after Trump has repeatedly urged Berlin to increase its defence spending, last month calling Germany "delinquent" over its contributions to NATO's budget.

Football: Netherlands like underdogs tag in WC final with USA

"The US are favourite and we are the underdog and we are fine with that," says Netherlands head coach Sarina Wiegman ahead of Sunday's final.