Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny apologises for the practice of housing vulnerable women in forced labour homes until late in the 20th Century.

Same-sex marriage will "make our society stronger", David Cameron says as MPs prepare to vote on the controversial issue.

Bulgaria blames Hezbollah for killing five Israelis and a bus driver in 2012, prompting the US and Israel to call for action against the Lebanese group.

Provides an overview of Albania, including key events and facts about this European country

The Greek government invokes emergency powers to order maritime workers back to work after a six-day strike cuts traffic to the country's islands.

The owner of a firm awarded a large contract to restore the ancient Roman city of Pompeii is placed under house arrest and investigated for fraud.

Provides an overview of Latvia, including key events and facts about this country which lies on the Baltic Sea

Provides an overview of Estonia, including key events and facts about this small country on the Baltic sea

French anti-terror police arrest four suspects in the Paris region in a crackdown on Islamist militant networks operating in west Africa.

A County Down company at the centre of the horse meat controversy says it does not own the contaminated consignment.

A prominent Danish critic of Islam, Lars Hedegaard, has survived a gun attack at his home in the capital Copenhagen, police say.

Martin Sagrera uses his free time and his money to make the placards that many people carry during protests in Madrid

The Scottish government outlines a possible transition to independence, in the event of a "Yes" vote in the autumn 2014 referendum.

French President Francois Hollande tells the European Parliament there can be no "a la carte" attitude to the EU in an apparent swipe at the UK.

A model based on Richard III's skull, which was found under a Leicester car park, reveals how the English king may have looked.

Provides an overview of Liechtenstein, including key events and facts about this tiny European country

A senior MEP calls for the EU to become an 'empire' during a debate with Francois Hollande.

Six Spanish tourists have been raped by armed men at a beach resort near the Mexican city of Acapulco, local authorities say.

Was southern Spain really a refuge for Neanderthals?

The government wine cellars sold stock worth £44,000 over the past year with French wine the most popular, followed by English wine.