Merkel, Cameron meet in Hamburg

German Chancellor Angela Merkel hosts British Prime Minister David Cameron today for talks in Hamburg ahead of a summit on Britain's European Union membership referendum. Dr Merkel is expected to support Mr Cameron who is hoping for a deal at the Feb 18-19 summit so he can hold the referendum in June. EU president Donald Tusk set out his proposals for the deal with Mr Cameron last week on EU reforms to keep Britain in the bloc.

Crime statistics out today

The police will release annual crime statistics today.

On Wednesday, the Home Affairs Ministry highlighted trends of crime statistics which are set to be released by law enforcement agencies over the next few days.

It said the overall crime rate remains low, although there was a slight increase from 2014, fuelled by a sharp increase in online crime - such as scams - which has persisted since 2013.

Euro zone releasing GDP data

The euro zone will release its gross domestic product (GDP) data today amid estimates by the European Commission that growth will slightly accelerate this year and the next.

But increased global risks will reduce the pace this year from previous forecasts in the 19-country bloc. Analysts expect GDP to expand by 1.7 per cent this year, from 1.6 per cent last year. The recovery will gain speed next year with economic expansion of 1.9 per cent.