The European Union will today begin mapping out a strategy of longer-term economic and financial assistance for Asian nations hit by the tsunami, as humanitarian aid pours into the region.

The European Union today told China it will maintain its 15-year-old embargo on arms sales until Beijing makes significant improvements in its human rights record.

THERE will be no honeymoon period for the new European Commission as they spent their first day in office fighting off allegations about one of their members.