As protests continue in Istanbul's Gezi Park, the BBC's Mark Lowen says there is almost a carnival-like atmosphere, with food sellers and entertainers amidst the crowds.

Key milestones of anti-government protests in Turkey that first erupted last week over the plans to redevelop a park in Istanbul.

The Dutch government is ordered by a court in The Hague to pay damages to owners of coffee shops that sell cannabis in the south of the Netherlands.

Latvia is set to become the 18th country to use the euro after being approved for membership by the European Commission.

The founder of Swedish furniture retailer Ikea is to step down from the board of the firm, with his son taking on the role of chairman.

A public inquiry into the death of former KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko is requested by the British coroner in charge of his inquest.

Provides an overview of Slovenia, including key events and facts about this European country which used to be part of Yugoslavia

The former prime minister of Slovenia, Janez Jansa, is convicted of corruption and sentenced to two years in prison.

The Economic Affairs Commissioner says Latvia should be granted approval to join the eurozone.

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

Provides an overview of Turkey, including key events and facts about this country which straddles Europe and Asia

A fire in the Moscow metro causes travel chaos during the city's rush hour and injures at least 45 people.

Croatia will become the 28th member state of the EU at the end of June, but its economy is expected to go into recession this year and unemployment is climbing.

Mass protests continue in Istanbul's Taksim Square after the deputy prime minister apologises for the tough police response to initial demonstrations.

Thousands of people have left their homes in the Czech Republic, where substantial amounts of rain water are threatening to overwhelm flood barriers.

Violent anti-government demonstrations have continued for a fifth consecutive night in Turkey, as police and protesters clashed in Ankara and Istanbul.

There is no doubt Syria's government has used sarin during the country's crisis, says France's foreign minister, without specifying where or when.

Jeremy Bowen reports from Istanbul on the challenge to the Turkish leadership.

Turkey's Deputy PM Bulent Arinc apologises to protesters injured in initial protests opposing the demolition of an Istanbul park.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has visited flood-hit areas, promising 100m euros (£78m; $130m) in emergency aid