Ireland

The International Labor Organization (ILO) has voiced its concern about the impact of austerity on social protection, saying that measures aimed at offsetting the effects of the crisis have will have long-term detrimental effects on the bloc's economies.

A worldwide bond market surge pushed yields to the lowest levels in a year on growing evidence central banks can keep stimulating economic growth without igniting inflation.

Balkan soldiers included in 50-country military exercise

The Lobster, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, has won the Jury Prize at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

French film Dheepan won the top Palme d'Or prize for director Jacques Audiard at the 68th edition of the festival

The Czech Republic, Latvia, Malta and Slovakia are heading to the polls on the third day of the European elections, Saturday.

The UK and the Netherlands held elections on Thursday, Ireland voted on Friday, while the rest of the EU member states, including Bulgaria, will exercise their right to vote on the last day of the European Parliament Elections, Sunday May 25.

Around 200 women boxers representing 31 countries in Europe are expected to participate in the European Women's Boxing Championship in Bucharest, from May 31 to June 7.

By Nikos Konstandaras

Millions of people are voting on the first day of the European elections 2014 in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, Thursday.

Voting will take place in the EU's other 27 member states over the next four days, with 751 MEPs in total to be chosen.

The dollar gained against the euro on Wednesday amid concern the European Parliament elections starting on Thursday may shift the balance of power in the 18-nation region.

The yen reached a three-month high earlier after the Bank of Japan refrained from expanding stimulus.

Bulgarian households had the lowest electricity bills in the European Union in the second half of 2013, Eurostat data has revealed.

A family in Bulgaria pays EUR 8.8 per kWh of energy on the average, compared to EUR 20.1 for the EU as a whole.

Romania (EUR 12.8) and Hungary (EUR 13.3) rank second and third, according to the European statistical agency.