The World from Berlin
The European Union is demanding even greater sacrifices from Greece, despite the deal reached by politicians in Athens on Thursday. Facing more painful cuts, Greek citizens are back on the streets as resentment boils over. German commentators say it's time to finally face the truth. more... [ Forum ]
Is Portugal Next?
Many economic experts agree that Portugal may be the next Greece. On Thursday evening, a senior European official seemed to confirm such fears. German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble was caught on camera offering Portugal "adjustments" to its bailout program. more...
Insufficient Austerity
Greek political leaders announced on Thursday that they were bowing to all European Union austerity demands. But euro-zone finance ministers are skeptical, saying several details need to be clarified. Even if Athens ultimately receives a new bailout package, however, its debt problems will not be solved. By Carsten Volkery more...
Greece Reaches Austerity Agreement
For days now, top politicians in Athens have been seeking to reach a deal on austerity measures required for a new multibillion euro bailout package. They ended the impasse on Thursday and it appears the country will agree to most of the stringent requirements laid out by the EU and IMF for additional aid. more...
Drilling Beneath the Surface
A gold rush is underway in Poland, where international energy companies are scrambling for the right to drill for shale gas. Poland's government sees the extraction as a ticket to independence from Russia's Gazprom, but some residents near the drilling sites are wary of the risks. By Jens Mattern in Warsaw more... [ Forum ]
Railing against the 'Fourth Reich'
Nazi flags are hardly a rarity at Greek demonstrations these days. Anti-German tirades on primetime television have likewise become a staple. In Greece, a consensus has developed as to who is to blame for the country's economic misery. Age old stereotypes are flourishing. By Johannes Korge and Ferry Batzoglou more... [ Video ]
Stalled Austerity Talks
Greek political leaders on Wednesday night were unable to come to agreement on a European Union demand for 300 million euros worth of pension cuts. The snag could jeopardize an EU aid package worth 130 billion euros -- and Greece's ongoing membership in the euro zone. Elsewhere, though, progress appears to have been made. more...
Revealing Conversation with German Diplomat
A newly declassified document from the German Foreign Ministry archive contains revealing new information about the failed 1981 coup in Spain. According to the report, Spanish King Juan Carlos apparently showed sympathy for the plotters in a private conversation with the German ambassador. By Klaus Wiegrefe and Helene Zuber more... [ Forum ]
Ice Fever
The event hasn't been held for 15 years. But, this week, Holland is abuzz with anticipation that the famed "11 Cities Tour" might take place in the coming days. All that's needed are a few more cold nights before 16,000 skaters can take to the 200-kilometer course. By Charles Hawley more...
The World from Berlin
Time is running out for the Greek government, which needs to reach a deal on unpopular austerity measures if it is to secure a second EU/IMF bailout. German commentators argue the country has already suffered enough, saying what are needed now are measures to stimulate growth. more... [ Forum ]
