Russia is "practically in a state of war against Europe", with the crisis in Ukraine rapidly approaching "the point of no return", warn EU leaders.

This 700-year-old Spanish castle will appeal to amateur historians, hikers and those who enjoy fine dining.

Power of monetary policy to drive global growth is nearing its limit. Further progress depends on government leaders.

When Rome's tourist traps got a little tiring, Josh Martin found a boisterous table with locals was only a few clicks away.

The Czech Republic has given the world many things, but the greatest of these is lager beer, writes Peter de Graaf.

Atheist writer Richard Dawkins says it is 'immoral' to allow foetuses with Down’s syndrome to be born.

Jamie Morton gets to grips with picturesque Switzerland's double act of charming culture and flashy style.

ECB reluctance to adopt full-scale quantitative-easing policies is prompting German comparisons with Japan's stagnation over the past 15 years.

An Italian villa is the perfect setting for an exotic honeymoon, writes Alexia Santamaria.

Slovenia is achingly beautiful, but stay on the path, warns Jenna Hand.

The city's knuckly notoriety no longer applies. Tourists come now for a laugh. And, as Ewan McDonald found on his pilgrimage - of arts, culture and fitba' - there's plenty.

Summer is festival time in Edinburgh, and thousands of visitors descend on the Scottish capital to see some of the best new talent in arts and entertainment.

Ten reasons to visit Glasgow, the number one UK destination "on the rise" by TripAdvisor, and the third best destination in the UK, in the 2013 Travellers' Choice Destinations.

Former motorsport boss Max Mosley may serve an injunction on Google over the continued publication of images of him taken at an orgy.

French tax hikes over the last three years and fiscal breaks provided by Portugal are driving rich French to seek homes in the Atlantic-hugging country.

Years of history lie under the hallowed ground of one of the world's most famous cricket venues. But the best bit is the tea and scones ritual, writes Kevin Pilley.

Leave modesty at the door to get the best treatment at a Turkish bathhouse, writes Megan Singleton.

Britain's 70 billion-pound pub industry has fallen on hard times. But the industry is fighting back, thanks in part to investors like Noah Bulkin.

Gold futures posted the biggest gain in four weeks after Ukraine said rebels shot down a Malaysian jet carrying 295 people near its border with Russia. Palladium extended a rally to a 13-year high.

The Kremlin said Mr Putin had informed President Obama of the disaster after learning of it just before a scheduled phone call between the two.

The German economy is set to benefit as the country's football victory draws shoppers to the "Made in Germany" brand, says a research firm.

Travel back in time from the war cemeteries of Gallipoli to the ancient wonders of Istanbul.

Ellen Creager soaks up some natural wonders and architecture under Reykjavik's midnight sun.

Ewan McDonald stays at the Malmaison, a former "house of negotiable affection" in Edinburgh.

It was the Everest of its time, and some 25,000 people try to scale it every year. But the issue of climbing Europe's tallest mountain has come to an ugly head.

Even bloodthirsty Count Dracula likes a sundowner now and then, learns Kevin Pilley.

The good folk of Tuscany are offering lessons in manners to wealthy Russian tourists.

Over a dozen NZ women have told Maggie Barry they were also indecently assaulted by Rolf Harris - and one is considering an official complaint to police after years of silence.

In football, architecture and cheap food, Dean Parker finds a few ghosts of the old East Berlin - before the wall came down.