Britain will need a transitional trade agreement with the European Union, and the government should set out plans for it before beginning formal divorce talks with the bloc, members of parliament's upper house said on Tuesday.

• December 12, 2016

Turkey's ruling AK Party on Saturday submitted to parliament a package of constitutional reform proposals that would expand the president's powers, party officials said, in a move that could potentially see President Tayyip Erdogan rule until 2029.

• December 10, 2016

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced late on Thursday that his government would spend 617 million euros in one-off welfare benefits for low income pensioners after the country exceeded its 2016 primary surplus target.

• December 8, 2016

EU nations agreed on Wednesday to allow the European Commission to vet their oil and gas deals with third countries like Russia to guard against anti-competitive practices and supply disruptions

• December 7, 2016

Japan's trade minister on Wednesday dismissed concerns that boosting economic ties with Russia as part of a push for progress on a decades-old territorial row would mainly benefit Moscow, saying any business deals would be "win-win" for both.

• November 30, 2016

Sweden will side with the rest of the European Union in talks with Britain about leaving the bloc, the Swedish minister for EU affairs and trade said on Tuesday, ending any hope Britain would get any special favor from one of its closest EU allies.

• November 29, 2016

Turkmenistan opened a railway link to Afghanistan on Monday to boost exports of fuel as the gas-rich but cash-strapped nation seeks to ease its dependence on China and Russia.

• November 28, 2016

The Scottish government on Friday published legal arguments it will use to try to persuade Britain's highest court that the devolved Scottish parliament must give its approval before Prime Minister Theresa May can trigger the Brexit process.

• November 26, 2016