Germany calls for social responsibility in global economy
	In her New Year's address, Chancellor Angela Merkel said the global economy had been plunged into crisis by financial excess carried out without social responsibility and with a loss of proportion by many bankers and managers.

	Peaceful elections in Bangladesh important step: EU
	The European Union Election Observation Mission released its preliminary findings and conclusions about the Bangladesh Parliamentary Elections on Wednesday, December 31.

	EU leaders increase pressure to end violence in Gaza
	European foreign ministers will travel to Israel next week as part of the EU's efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, an EU official said on Wednesday, the fifth day of an Israeli offensive in the Hamas stronghold.

	India, Germany sign agreements for health and energy projects
	In December 2008, India and Germany signed agreements to start off four important development projects funded by German Official Development Assistance amounting to over Rs. 33.2 billion. The projects are in the areas of renewable energy, power generation and immunisation and are being implemented in India by the KfW Entwicklungsbank.