Germany

Jean-Claude Juncker could pull out of the race for European Commission President, according to diplomatic sources.

The former Prime Minister of Luxembourg was pitted as the favorite after his European People's Party (EPP) won the most seats in the European Parliament in May's elections.

The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde has ruled out the possibility of becoming the next European Commission President.

BERLIN - German Chancellor Angel Merkel has underlined that she is looking forward to the visit by Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic to Berlin, and announced that they will discuss Serbia's further pathway.

Vucic will pay a visit to Berlin on Wednesday upon the invitation of the German chancellor.

Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu will be in Essen, Germany on June 7 to address Turks residing in Germany and other corners of Europe, to convince them to vote for the candidate that the social democrat party will appoint for the Aug. 10 polls.

Two campaign groups seeking World War II reparations from Germany are planning to stage a protest march from Parliament to the German Embassy in the central district of Kolonaki at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

By David Goodman and Lucy Meakin

Mario Draghi has once again proved himself to be the bond market’s best friend.

A jump in government securities across the euro area sent yields to record lows on Friday, inspired by a fresh package of stimulus measures from the European Central Bank.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is banking on Brazilian support for his country at the World Cup, where he says they are in the toughest of the eight groups.
   

German Chancellor Angela Merkel met Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since the Ukraine crisis began in late 2013.

Two Mistral assault ships are to be sold to Russia, France's Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius announced.

The decision comes amid tensions between Moscow and the West over the Ukraine crisis.

Fabius wrote on Twitter that the contracts were agreed in 2011 and were to be executed as they would create many jobs in his country, as the BBC reported.

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu will meet leaders of other opposition parties starting from Monday next week, dismissing claims that the opposition is leaving it late in appointing its candidate for the upcoming presidential elections.