Anxieties have reached a new high in Europe as uncertainty reigns over a potential Greek exit from the euro zone and new figures raise fears that the crisis may be affecting the German economy. German commentators on Friday review the currency union's options. more...
With Europe beginning to look for alternatives to its exclusive focus on austerity, the German government has developed a six-point plan to foster economic growth in Europe, SPIEGEL has learned. Included in the proposal is the creation of special economic zones in struggling euro-zone countries. more... [ Forum ]
Germans used to think of Poland as a country full of car thieves and post-communist drabness. On the eve of hosting the European Football Championship, however, the country has become the most astonishing success story in Eastern Europe. Relations between Berlin and Warsaw have never been better. By Erich Follath and Jan Puhl more... [ Forum ]
Because wind and solar energy are inconsistent, energy managers are looking for ways to fill in the gaps when it is dark outside and the air is still. A Norwegian company wants to turn hydroelectric power stations in the north into Europe's battery packs. By Christoph Seidler more...
Many of the illegal immigrants in the EU arrive via Greece, which is overwhelmed by the flood of incomers. The would-be migrants are ruthlessly exploited by people smugglers, and many of them die in the attempt to get to Europe. SPIEGEL heard the stories of a group of young Bangladeshi men who made it to Athens -- and discovered the reality behind the dream. By Andreas Ulrich in Nea Vyssa, Greece more... [ Forum ]
With Greeks heading to the polls once again in June, finance ministries in euro-zone member states are preparing for the worst. Several media outlets are reporting that contingency plans are being developed to prepare for a Greek exit from the common currency zone. more...
French President François Hollande managed to set the tone at his first EU summit with his proposal for euro bonds. It was the first such meeting in years that was not dominated by Chancellor Merkel. Hollande wanted to send the message that France will be more assertive in the future. By Carsten Volkery in Brussels more... [ Forum ]
The German national team is playing all of its 2012 European Football Championship group games in Ukraine -- two in Lviv and one in Kharkiv. In these cities beyond the borders of the European Union, fans from both Eastern and Western Europe will meet, and the experience could be jarring for some. By Walter Mayr more... [ Forum ]
Preparations for the first semi-final of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest on Tuesday were overshadowed by a diplomatic row between host country Azerbaijan and its neighbor Iran. The latter recalled its ambassador over accusations that Baku was planning an accompanying "gay parade." more...
New French President François Hollande has been consistent in his demands for measures to stimulate economic growth in the European Union. But so far, Hollande has been vague about exactly what he wants. His moment of truth will arrive on Wednesday night. By Carsten Volkery in London more...
