Russia-Turkey war of words escalates over downed warplane
Moscow slapped sanctions on Ankara as the war of words over a downed Russian warplane escalated, with Turkish strongman Recep Tayyip Erdogan warning Russia not to "play with fire".
Queen wraps up nostalgic Malta visit with boat trip
Queen Elizabeth II prepared for an action-packed final day of a state visit to Malta, including a picturesque boat trip around the Mediterranean island she once called home.
French president urges British MPs to back Syria air strikes
Francois Hollande urged British MPs to back air strikes on Islamic State targets in Syria "in solidarity with France", in a tight vote expected early next week.
Merkel berated over refugee policy by Bavarian ally
German Chancellor Angela Merkel came under fire for her welcoming refugee policy from her powerful Bavarian coalition ally, who demanded she cap arrivals "in the national interest".
Eurogroup chief warns of 'mini-Schengen' if EU fails on migrant issue
Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem warned that a small group of EU countries may be forced to form a "mini-Schengen" if the bloc fails to resolve its migrant crisis.
Hollande leads French mourning for Paris attacks dead
France mourned the 130 people killed in the November 13 Paris attacks, with President Francois Hollande set to lead a solemn ceremony in honour of the victims.
Prince Charles warns of 'perfect storm' should Paris climate talks flop
Prince Charles warned that if international leaders fail to clinch a deal on climate change at talks in Paris next week, it would leave mankind facing a "perfect storm".
Dutch PM backs Ukraine-EU accord as key for stability
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte defended an EU cooperation deal with Ukraine as vital for European stability only months before a referendum Dutch eurosceptics have forced on the accord.
Use of GMOs debated in Kazakh Senate
Senator Ahan Bizhanov has called Kazakhstan to forgo the use of genetically modified products.