Congress of Deputies

China’s top lawmaker Zhao Leji will make official goodwill visits to Portugal, Spain and Greece from November 21 to 30.

In an extraordinary demonstration of global unity, some 40 leaders from around the world have gathered together at the French presidential palace on Sunday to take part in the Paris Unity rally in the memory of the victims of this week's jihadist attacks.

The European Union leaders’ summit concluded in Brussels on Friday without any concrete decisions having been taken about Greece’s economic future despite Prime Minister Antonis Samaras holding a series with top officials.

Catalonia's regional government has decided to call off the November referendum on independence from Spain.

Following a meeting between pro-independence parties and the regional government, officials said on Monday that they have decided that the referendum, planned for November 9, cannot be carried out.

The president of the Spanish region of Catalonia, Artur Mas, signed a decree calling for a referendum on independence to be held on November 9.

The central Spanish government, however, is resisting the idea and Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy said he will block any referendum.

After a flurry of meetings and telephone calls with European officials, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is set to meet with incoming European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker at a European Union leaders' summit in Brussels on Saturday where he is expected to emphasize Greece’s progress in reforms ahead of next week's crucial negotiations with the troika in Paris.

Merkel supports Spanish PM on Catalan referendum

MADRID -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel has voiced support for Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who opposes a referendum on Catalonia's independence.

European Union state aid regulators cleared on Wednesday the restructuring of Greece's Alpha Bank by downsizing its international operations, saying it would ensure the lender's viability.

Thousands of Spaniards gathered in the capital Madrid to call for a referendum on the future of the monarchy.

In total, more than 60 rallies were staged across the country, shortly after King Juan Carlos, who had ruled since 1975, announced his decision to abdicate. Demonstrators waved republican flags and shouted slogans against the monarchy.

Spain's King Juan Carlos has decided to abdicate, in favor of his son Prince Felipe.

"His Majesty King Juan Carlos has just informed me of his desire to renounce the throne and begin the process of succession", Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced.