Bush hypes economy ahead of Europe farewell

US President George W. Bush, beginning a splashy farewell trip to Europe, expressed both concern and confidence yesterday about the US economy, shaken by soaring energy prices, rising unemployment and a severe credit crunch.

Bush's first stop is in Slovenia for his final US-European Union summit. He also will visit Germany, Italy, France, England and Northern Ireland. Next month he will go to Japan and in August he will attend the Olympic Games in China.

Like many Americans, Europeans have Bush fatigue. His decision to invade Iraq stirred anti-American sentiment in many countries, although that has receded as Europeans watch the US presidential campaign and weigh prospects for change under a new president.