Some of the suspects in the Paris attacks took advantage of Europe's migrant crisis to "slip in" unnoticed, warning the EU needed to "take responsibility" over border controls.
Hopes for a quick political transition in war-ravaged Syria dimmed as embattled President Bashar al-Assad threw cold water on an ambitious timetable agreed at international talks in Vienna.
Hillary Clinton called for a US-led global fight to defeat the Islamic State group and shut down its flow of fighters, propaganda and weapons in the wake of the Paris attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for "a global solution" to terrorism in a phone call with Francois Hollande on Wednesday to express his solidarity after the Paris attacks.
Britain's government came under pressure to let 16 and 17 year-olds have the vote in a referendum on European Union membership after suffering a defeat in parliament.
New York's financial regulator announced another $150 million fine against British bank Barclays over its "misconduct" in foreign exchange services offered to clients.
European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker insisted that Britain would not leave the EU, as leaders prepare to discuss David Cameron's reform demands at a summit next month.
English rock act Florence and the Machines will headline two US summer music festivals, which announced lineups months before expected amid growing competition.
A FIFA appeal committee rejected a bid by president Sepp Blatter and UEFA chief Michel Platini to overturn their 90-day bans while Swiss police pursue a criminal inquiry.
Kazakhstani boxer Zhanat Zhakiyanov (26-1, 18 KOs) has become the top contender for the full WBA title in the bantamweight (53.42 kg) after defeating Yonfrez Parejo.
The resignation of Kairat Kelimbetov from the post of the National Bank governor and a prompt appointment of Daniyar Akishev have raised conflicting feelings both in the media and among general public.