Carillion Collapses, Forcing Government to Step In: Carillion, one of the U.K. government’s biggest contractors, entered liquidation proceedings after rescue talks collapsed, a high-profile failure that fuels a renewed political debate in Britain over the role of private-sector comp anies in the delivery of public services. Renzi’s Comeback Hopes Fade as Italy’s Self-Styled ‘Demolition Man’ Sinks in Polls: In 2014, Matteo Renzi swept to power on promises to ‘demolish’ the country’s discredited political establishment and revive its economy. A year after his resi gnation, his popularity—and his party’s—is plummeting. Pro-Moscow Candidate Pulls Ahead in Czech First-Round Vote: The Czech Republic’s presidential election, in which pro-Moscow Miloš Zeman is far ahead after first-round polling, sheds light on a region where some believe better relations with Russia can be a counterweigh t to the influence of the European Union. Airbus Delivers Record 718 Aircraft in 2017, Beating Expectations: Airbus SE delivered a record number of planes in 2017 and booked more new jetliner orders than expected, marking a positive end to a difficult year for the European plane maker, marred by further allegations of wrongdoing, personnel t urmoil, and supplier problems. Airbus Seeks Resolution to Germany Corruption Probe: The European plane maker said it is seeking to bring to a close a corruption case in Germany involving the export of combat aircraft and that it has suffered an unrelated legal setback in Taiwan. Drone Attacks on Russian Bases in Syria Expose Security Holes: Recent attacks against Russian bases on Syria’s Mediterranean coast by improvised combat drones have exposed weaknesses in President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to cement a permanent military presence there. p> |