The European Commission welcomed Friday French President Francois Hollande's "deep commitment" to Europe and looked forward to seeing promised proposals to boost the flagging EU. "We hail the deep committment of France and the French authorities to Europe," a European Commission spokesman said of Hollande's comments Thursday that he would take the initiative to end Europe's "lethargy" and promote a closer political union within two years.

BRUSSELS/GENEVA (Reuters) - Canada has lost an appeal at the World Trade Organization in a landmark case over incentives offered to local companies, the European Union said on Monday, ahead of the official publication of the appeal decision. Japan and the European Union brought the case over a scheme intended to promote renewable energy in the province of Ontario. They said the incentives were illegal because they discriminated against foreign firms, a complaint that was upheld by a WTO adjudication panel in December 2012.

By Robin Emmott and David Ljunggren BRUSSELS/OTTAWA (Reuters) - Talks to wrap up a multi-billion-dollar free trade deal between Canada and Europe have stalled, diplomats said, raising concerns the agreement could be put on hold as Brussels switches its attention to a much bigger pact with the United States.

Pakistan has unique geographical and strategic geo-political location and considered to be the hub of trade in South Asia, therefore, EU countries should also consider Pakistan for enhancing trade and investment.These remarks were made by Mr.Zafar Bakhtawari, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) while addressing at a dinner hosted by ICCI in honour of EU Ambassadors designated in Pakistan.Mr.Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, Head of the Delegation and Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, Mr.Petros Mavroidis, Ambassador of Greece, Ambassador of France, Au