The uneasy trio of European Commission, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank was assembled in haste in March 2010 after Greece's public debt and deficit exploded and it was about to lose access to market funding.

*Policymakers hope for brighter future after Cyprus low. Despite a messy bailout of Cyprus, markets are calm, Ireland's rescue programme is on track and Greece and Portugal, while still in recession, hope for a slow recovery next year. And although Malta's banking system is vast compared with its economy, it is not structured in the same way as in Cyprus.

*Greece in deflationary territory for first time in 45 yrs. FRANKFURT, April 11- Modelled on the hawkish, inflation-fighting Bundesbank, the European Central Bank is used to focusing on containing price rises rather than worrying about them increasing too slowly- or even falling.

*ECB keeps interest rates at 0.75 pct. FRANKFURT, April 4- European Central Bank President Mario Draghi opened the door on Thursday to an interest rate cut as soon as next month, saying his bank stands "ready to act" to boost the recession-hit euro zone economy.

FRANKFURT, April 4- The European Central Bank expects a gradual economic recovery later this year but will monitor incoming data very closely and is ready to cut interest rates if necessary, its president said on Thursday.

LONDON, Feb 7- The euro rose on Thursday on interest from Asian sovereign investors and macro funds, but many refrained from aggressive buying as they anticipated European Central Bank comments on its strength.

London, Feb 7- The euro and shares were little changed on Thursday after the European Central Bank left rates steady at its monthly policy meeting as investors awaited president Mario Draghi's views on the region's growth outlook.

LONDON, Feb 7- The euro rose on Thursday as Asian sovereign investors and macro funds bought, but most investors refrained from aggressively adding bets on the currency strengthening before a European Central Bank meeting.

NEW YORK, Feb 6- The oft-maligned euro has become 2013' s currency darling, and its recent run may not be over. "It is no longer taboo to be positive on the euro," said Axel Merk, chief investment officer at Merk Funds in Palo Alto, California.

*Former Thales chief Denis Ranque emerges as chairman pick. Denis Ranque, 61, was contacted about the plan while still sailing in the Atlantic, preparing for a return to power almost four years after he fell victim to a boardroom coup at Thales.

PARIS, Feb 5- European aerospace group EADS was putting finishing touches on Tuesday to a board shake-up which is likely to see former Thales boss Denis Ranque emerge as the company's first independent chairman, people familiar with the matter said.

PARIS, Jan 28- France has stepped up support for Anne Lauvergeon as the potential new chairwoman of EADS, injecting fresh uncertainty into efforts to free the European aerospace group's top management from state interference.

PARIS, Jan 22- In theory, a new ownership structure means European planemaker EADS is no longer controlled by Paris and Berlin, free to pick the very best person in the world for the vacant job of board chairman.

President Barack Obama on Thursday nominated White House chief of staff Jack Lew to succeed him. If Lew is not confirmed by the Senate by the time Geithner departs, Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal Wolin will serve as acting secretary, a Treasury official said. Jan. 26, 2009: Senate votes 60-34 to approve nomination.