International: Europe archive
June 17, 2012, 09:12 PM
The conservative New Democracy has won the Greek election, whose outcome was seen as crucial to the euro zone's future. The party should be able to form a pro-bailout coalition government with the Socialists, but Greece could still face months of uncertainty. more... [ Comment ]
June 16, 2012, 12:35 PM
Many Greeks are emptying their bank accounts out of fear that the country may return to the drachma. But most of the money is not going abroad. Instead, individuals are storing cash in safe deposit boxes or at home -- leading to an increase in burglaries. By David Böcking in Athens more... [ Comment ]
June 15, 2012, 04:49 PM
The mood at the Vatican is apocalyptic. Pope Benedict XVI seems tired, and both unable and unwilling to seize the reins amid fierce infighting and scandal. While Vatican insiders jockey for power and speculate on his successor, Joseph Ratzinger has withdrawn to focus on his still-ambiguous legacy. By Fiona Ehlers, Alexander Smoltczyk and Peter Wensierski more... [ Comment ]
June 15, 2012, 03:55 PM
Slowly but surely, Venice is sinking. The city has battled the water ever since it was founded 1,600 years ago in a marshy lagoon. Now it's working on a gigantic project to prevent the floods that threaten its future -- but experts are divided over whether it will work. By Hans-Jürgen Schlamp in Venice, Italy more...
June 15, 2012, 02:45 PM
Greek voters head to the polls on Sunday, and the future of Europe's common currency could hang in the balance. Investors fear that a leftist victory could trigger Greece's exit from the euro zone, magnifying problems in Spain and Italy. Adding to concerns, depositors are rapidly withdrawing their savings from Greek banks. By Charles Hawley more... [ Comment ]
June 14, 2012, 04:00 PM
Wildlife cameras set up in the woods of the Austrian state of Carinthia have captured the sexual exploits of an unidentified local politician. The footage has sparked a debate about data protection, with Austrian activists claiming the cameras are intrusive. But the politician may win compensation for breach of privacy. more... [ Comment ]
June 14, 2012, 03:45 PM
Low interest rates on German bonds are translating into billions in savings. Now economists have calculated that the country should be able to balance its budget by next year -- something that is likely to increase criticism of Germany's crisis management. Meanwhile, Chancellor Merkel has warned that Germany could be "overwhelmed" by efforts to solve the crisis. more... [ Comment ]
June 14, 2012, 12:28 PM
The German national team on Wednesday played just a few kilometers away from where opposition icon Yulia Tymoshenko is imprisoned. Chancellor Merkel stayed well away, preferring to watch the game from Berlin. But other German politicians took a clearer stance. more...
June 13, 2012, 05:01 PM
Europe's biggest black market, a labyrinth of metal containers in the Ukrainian port city of Odessa, is doing a roaring trade in counterfeit merchandise related to the European football championship. UEFA, which is organizing the tournament, is powerless to stop it -- the dealers have influential allies. By André Eichhofer in Odessa, Ukraine more...
June 13, 2012, 04:42 PM
When it comes to winning titles, the talented but egotistical footballers on the Dutch national side are usually the only people standing in their own way. But as they prepare to battle Germany in the European Championship on Wednesday night, there are signs that a new sense of teamwork may be emerging. By Markus Feldenkirchen more... [ Comment ]
June 13, 2012, 01:34 PM
After Spain, the focus of the euro crisis has now shifted to Italy, which is struggling with a shrinking economy and rising bond yields. Prime Minister Mario Monti has denied that his country will ask for an EU bailout, but optimism about Italy's future is in short supply. By Hans-Jürgen Schlamp in Rome more... [ Comment ]
June 13, 2012, 01:12 PM
Tens of thousands of Russians took to the streets of Moscow on Tuesday in the latest indication that President Vladimir Putin's efforts at oppression are not having their desired effect. German commentators warn that the situation could lead to instability. more...
June 13, 2012, 11:52 AM
The EU is signalling that it may be willing to renegotiate the austerity measures it imposed in return for aid to Greece, a German daily reported on Wednesday. The move is aimed at keeping Greece in the euro by boosting support for pro-austerity parties in the June 17 election. more...