Vice-minister Le Yucheng rejects criticism, says China is providing much-needed infrastructure

Former French prime minister and presidential hopeful switches country

Akin Ipek extradition charges said to be ‘politically driven’ by Ankara

Volker Kauder voted out as head of chancellor’s parliamentary group

Top ranks of European banking shaken by surprise move

Stefan Lofven’s ousting will trigger intense coalition talks

Industry groups say draft laws aimed at US tech giants are too weak

Spy chief finds a firm ally in German interior minister Seehofer

Loosening of rules for US lenders brings calls for parity  

Businesses compete for scarce warehouse space to safeguard supply chains

Investors substitute futures trading for fall in cash volumes

Passive House buildings are set to cut power consumption dramatically

Environmentally conscious consumers have regulators to thank for reduced energy use

Brent crude above $81 a barrel while Draghi’s remarks send bond yields rising

Last batch of government technical notices aims to encourage contingency planning

Interior minister also determined to close all Roma camps

United Russia loses governorships as retirement reform anger festers

Macron government has limited room for manoeuvre after meeting EU deficit targets

Moscow says downing of its military plane has damaged relations

Ankara claims Akin Ipek has links to 2016 coup but judge expected to reject request for his return