AP names new European econ writer

David McHugh, who as business editor in London oversaw The Associated Press‘ coverage of the recession and debt crisis in Europe since 2007, has been named Europe economics writer for the news service.

The appointment was announced Tuesday by John Daniszewski, senior managing editor overseeing international news and photos.

In his new role, McHugh will be based in Frankfurt, covering the debt crisis threatening the shared euro currency and the role played by Germany, Europe’s largest economy.

“Dave McHugh is an accomplished writer who understands European business news,” Daniszewski said. “His prior experience in Russia, Germany and the United Kingdom will give him a continent-wide perspective on the European business scene and one of the world’s most important economic engines.”

“Dave’s return to Frankfurt, home of the European Central Bank, also positions the AP for even stronger coverage in 2011 of the European debt crisis,” said Hal Ritter, the AP’s business editor.

For the past three years, McHugh has served as Europe business editor at AP’s regional editing desk in London, assigning and editing stories on the euro crisis and the global financial and economic turmoil.

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