May 22, 2012, 06:51 PM
Charismatic, eloquent and defiant, the leader of Greece's Radical Left party, Alexis Tsipras, visited Berlin on Tuesday to ram home the message that he will scrap austerity if he wins the June election, and that no one, not even mighty Germany, has the right to evict Greece from the currency. By David Crossland more...
May 22, 2012, 06:14 PM
Azerbaijan's Eurovision hopeful believes the world's largest non-sports TV event is an opportunity to "open our hearts to Europe." But Sabina Babayeva seems baffled by the idea that some Europeans believe that they should neither visit nor support a country with an oppressive regime like that of the Aliyevs in Baku. By Annette Langer more... [ Forum ]
May 22, 2012, 04:23 PM
German doctors have hardly begun their treatment of the jailed Ukrainian politician Yulia Tymoshenko, and yet they already seem to have failed. The confusing situation at the hospital, complicated by mixed messages from the government and invasive security, has proven to be wildly frustrating. By Christian Neef more... [ Forum ]
May 22, 2012, 02:00 PM
Germany is Europe's paymaster because it committed the Holocaust, claims a new book by Thilo Sarrazin, a firebrand author and former board member of the German central bank. The claim by the controversial writer achieved the desired effect of stoking publicity for Tuesday's launch of 'Europe Doesn't Need the Euro.' more...
May 22, 2012, 10:21 AM
The new French president, François Hollande, is already making headlines with his calls for measures to promote growth. But he won't have any real power unless the Socialists win the parliamentary election in June. If they don't, the result will be political deadlock -- a development that France and Europe can barely afford. By Mathieu von Rohr more... [ Forum ]
May 21, 2012, 06:11 PM
Greece's tourism industry, crucial to its ailing economy, has been hit hard by the political turmoil following the May 6 election and growing speculation of a Greek euro exit, tourism experts say. One industry leader reports bookings have been down 50 percent since the vote. more...
May 21, 2012, 05:32 PM
Spectacular wildlife photography often depicts African lions or penguins waddling across Antarctic snow. But an exhibition on tour in Europe is shining a spotlight on natural wonders closer to home. Starting on Tuesday, visitors arriving at Berlin's central train station will be greeted by pictures showcasing Europe's gems. By Kate Katharina Ferguson more...
May 21, 2012, 05:09 PM
Greeks have spurned the politicians who represent the country's broken system, and many are now following rising star Alexis Tsipras. The radical left-wing politician has pledged to free Greece from painful austerity measures while keeping the euro, but no one knows how he plans to fulfill his promises. By Julia Amalia Heyer more... [ Forum ]
May 21, 2012, 04:16 PM
The European Central Bank is keeping Greek banks afloat with emergency assistance even though urgently needed banking reforms have been put on hold in the election campaigns. As Greeks withdraw money from the banks amid fears of a euro exit, the ECB's own risk exposure is mounting. By Anne Seith more... [ Forum ]
May 21, 2012, 02:19 PM
French President François Hollande has reignited the debate over euro bonds ahead of this week's informal EU summit. Germany has repeated its opposition to jointly issued debt. German commentators are divided over the merits of euro bonds, but agree that Chancellor Merkel will have to make concessions. more... [ Forum ]
May 21, 2012, 12:57 PM
Officially, euro zone governments say they're not talking about a Greek exit from the euro zone. But it's a different story behind closed doors. Finance ministers meeting in Brussels last Monday threatened to evict Greece, SPIEGEL has learned. Meanwhile, Germany denied reports that Chancellor Angela Merkel called for Greece to hold a referendum on the euro. more...
May 21, 2012, 12:57 PM
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble wants to become the head of the Euro Group, but this prospect is being met with ample skepticism. In Berlin he is seen as too European, while in Brussels he is considered too German. Critics say taking on the second job would cause a conflict of interest. By Andreas Macho, Christian Reiermann and Christoph Schult more...
May 21, 2012, 12:29 PM
French President François Hollande will put German Chancellor Angela Merkel under pressure at Wednesday's EU summit to agree to euro bonds, which she has so far strictly opposed. Italy and Britain are expected to back Hollande in a further sign that Merkel is increasingly isolated in Europe with her austerity plan for saving the euro. more...
May 21, 2012, 09:00 AM
In a SPIEGEL interview, British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg argues that the European Union has to stand together to fight the crisis. The euro zone needs a clear vision for its future, he argues, otherwise Europe will see a new wave of nationalism and xenophobia. more... [ Forum ]
