ECB's Draghi Urges Tighter Fiscal Rules

Draghi Gains Favor as Next ECB Chief

Italian central-bank governor Mario Draghi appears to be drawing growing support among euro-zone governments to become the next president of the ECB, a senior minister from a euro-zone government said.

Norway and Sweden Work on Oil Spill

Emergency services have stopped the leakage of oil from the grounded Icelandic cargo ship Godafoss off the coast of southern Norway, the Norwegian coastal administration said.

Belgium's Leterme Pushes Back Against Germany

Belgium Prime Minister Yves Leterme urged Germany to allow national governments the flexibility to set their own economic policies as part of an overhaul of the euro zone.

Alpha Bank Rejects Offer From Rival Greek Bank

Alpha Bank said a takeover bid by rival National Bank of Greece wasn't in the interest of its shareholders.

Euro Zone Attracts More Foreign Capital

The euro zone continued to attract foreign capital despite its chronic problems with sovereign and bank debt. Separately, consumer confidence improved more rapidly than economists predicted.

NYSE Deal Bears Big Breakup Fee

The tie-up agreement between NYSE Euronext and Deutsche Börse AG would cost a rival bidder $337 million to break up, according to documents filed with regulators Wednesday.

Hungary to Amend Media Law

Hungary's government agreed to amend a new media law after sharp criticism from the European Union that the legislation imposes unacceptable restrictions on freedom of expression.

• New Europe: Read dispatches from Hungary

Bank Lending From ECB Skyrockets

Use of the European Central Bank's emergency lending facility skyrocketed, hitting its highest level in over 19 months. The high figure generally reflects acute liquidity problems at one or more banks.

• Simon Nixon: Lending Shows Crisis is Not Over

• Central Bank Watch

Belarus Activist Handed Prison Sentence

Belarus sentenced an opposition activist to four years in jail for his part in mass unrest following the disputed re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko, defying Western calls for the authoritarian leader to free political prisoners.

Asset Sale Juices Nestlé Profit

Spain Unbowed on Cajas

BAE Profitable, Braces for Cuts

Charges Weigh on BNP Profit

Push to Further Limit Carbon Emissions

U.K. Life Sale Hits AXA Profit

Berlusconi: 'Not Worried' About Charges

Merkel Taps Adviser to Head Bundesbank

Turkish Media Group Wins in Court

Swiss Re Posts Loss on Repayment

EU Approves Korean Trade Pact

ABB Plans Further Cost Cuts

Gucci Group CEO Gets the Boot

G-20 Vows Closer Ties, Cites Risks to Economy

Iceland Clears Icesave Repayment

Belgium Weighs New Government Proposal

Abu Dhabi Sets Oil Deal

Sands Plans Spanish Expansion

Sanofi Buys Genzyme

Airbus Maker Cuts Tanker Bid

Société Générale Profit Soars

WestLB Reaches Deal on Downsizing

Drug Firms Attack Patent Plans

Exports Fuel Spanish Growth

ING Aims to Repay Aid

Heineken Profit Bubbles Up 41%

Turkey's Rate Gamble May Work

Eni Cautious Despite Profit Rise