Christian Aid has backed the UK parliament's accusations that the European Union is abusing its trade negotiating power with former colonies

The European Union is continuing to abuse its position of power when negotiating trade agreements with 75 of its former colonies, the International Development Committee of the House of Commons said yesterday.

Campaigners across Europe are asking their governments to threaten to withhold funds from the World Bank unless specific changes are made to policy and practice.

Evangelical aid agency Tearfund is calling on the European Union (EU) to renew targeted sanctions against the country.

Churches joined enthusiastic 2007 New Year celebrations in Bulgarian and Romanian towns and cities earlier today ‚Ä' events which also marked the two countries' entry into the expanding European Union.

An ecumenical (inter-church) consultation of senior Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican leaders has issued a statement to Europe's major politicians ‚Ä' arguing that constructive dialogue among peoples, religions and civic institutions is the way forward for the continent and the EU, underpinned by political pluralism and neutrality.

Pope Benedict XVI says he is looking to increased cooperation between Christians, and a stepped-up dialogue with Muslims, following his four-day visit to Turkey - writes Luigi Sandri for Ecumenical News International.