Paolo Gentiloni
European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni speaks during a media conference on the economic forecast for spring 2021 at EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, May 12, 2021. The European Union economy is set to bounce back strongly this year after the deep coronavirus recession and member states are forecast to have recouped the ground lost by the end of next year. (Johanna Geron, Pool via AP)
EU economy to expand, bouncing back from pandemic crisis

By Raf Casert May. 12, 2021 04:57 AM EDT

FILE - In this Wednesday, April 28, 2021 file photo, European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni addresses the plenary chamber at the European Parliament in Brussels. The European Union's top economy official said Monday, May 10, 2021 that the measures the EU and its 27 member states have in the works to come out of the pandemic total some US dollars 5.85 trillion. EU economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni told a European Parliament Committee said that if comparisons are made with U.S. President Biden pandemic stimulus relief package, the 27-nation EU can confidently stand next to to Washington when all efforts are counted together. (Johanna Geron, Pool via AP, File)
EU: Pandemic measures to total about $5.85 trillion

By Raf Casert May. 10, 2021 10:37 AM EDT

European Commissioner for the Economy Paolo Gentiloni speaks during a media conference, after a virtual Eurogroup meeting, at the European Council in Brussels, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. (Stephanie Lecocq, Pool via AP)
As virus restrictions bite, EU extends safety net till 2023

By Lorne Cook Mar. 03, 2021 06:27 AM EST

European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni speaks during an online news conference at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. (Kenzo Tribouillard/Pool Photo via AP)
EU hopeful for firm economic growth despite virus challenges

By Lorne Cook Feb. 11, 2021 05:12 AM EST

Protesters shout slogans "Vaccine now" and hold the Portuguese message "Over 200,000 deaths. It's your fault, Bolsonaro," referring to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and the COVID-29 pandemic, outside the presidential palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, the day after Brazil passed 200,000 pandemic deaths. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
Brazil's pandemic deaths top 200,000 amid a return to fun

By Mauricio Savarese And Diane Jeantet Jan. 08, 2021 12:00 AM EST

People shop along the street "25 de Marco," an outdoor market area, days before a COVID-19 lockdown goes into effect in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020. Only essential business will be allowed to operate from Dec. 25 - 27 and Jan. 1 - 3. (AP Photo/Carla Carniel)
Brazil enjoys fun in the sun as COVID-19 deaths top 200,000

By Mauricio Savarese And Diane Jeantet Jan. 07, 2021 05:02 PM EST

European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni speaks during a media conference on the summer 2020 economic forecast at EU headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, July 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, Pool)
EU forecasts deeper economic hit from pandemic

By Samuel Petrequin Jul. 07, 2020 04:38 AM EDT

A man wearing a face mask to protect against coronavirus waits for a train at Schuman metro station during a gradual lifting of a lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19, in Brussels, Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Belgium began relaxing some of its lockdown measures on Monday. Business-to-business companies can open their offices to employees again and those taking public transport must wear a mask. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
EU forecasts 'recession of historic proportions' this year

By Lorne Cook May. 06, 2020 05:13 AM EDT