http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:00:15 +0100 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:00:15 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814939,00.html#ref=rss For months, European leaders have been trying to find a way out of the Greek debt crisis. But austerity is merely driving the country deeper into economic despair. Is it time for a radical rethink? Many think the answer is yes. By SPIEGEL Staff Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:53:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814939,00.html For months, European leaders have been trying to find a way out of the Greek debt crisis. But austerity is merely driving the country deeper into economic despair. Is it time for a radical rethink? Many think the answer is yes. By SPIEGEL Staff]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814920,00.html#ref=rss Global investor George Soros considers the German government's policies in the euro crisis to be disastrous. In a SPIEGEL interview, he warns of a vicious circle triggered by Chancellor Angela Merkel's strict austerity measures and pleads for more money to be pumped into the countries most plagued by the debt crisis. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:59:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814920,00.html Global investor George Soros considers the German government's policies in the euro crisis to be disastrous. In a SPIEGEL interview, he warns of a vicious circle triggered by Chancellor Angela Merkel's strict austerity measures and pleads for more money to be pumped into the countries most plagued by the debt crisis. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814864,00.html#ref=rss The Greek parliament has passed an austerity package that clears the way for a 130-billion-euro EU/IMF rescue package intended to save Greece from default. Violent protests against the austerity measures took place in Athens and elsewhere, with at least 120 people injured. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:16:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814864,00.html The Greek parliament has passed an austerity package that clears the way for a 130-billion-euro EU/IMF rescue package intended to save Greece from default. Violent protests against the austerity measures took place in Athens and elsewhere, with at least 120 people injured.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814523,00.html#ref=rss 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. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:47:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814523,00.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814500,00.html#ref=rss 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. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:29:31 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814500,00.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814464,00.html#ref=rss 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. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:11:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814464,00.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814363,00.html#ref=rss 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. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:41:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814363,00.html 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. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814125,00.html#ref=rss 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.  Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:40:08 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814125,00.html 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. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814344,00.html#ref=rss 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. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:37:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814344,00.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814279,00.html#ref=rss 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. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:59:54 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814279,00.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814156,00.html#ref=rss 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. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:01:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814156,00.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814100,00.html#ref=rss 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. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:31:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814100,00.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814095,00.html#ref=rss 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. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:17:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,814095,00.html 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. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813919,00.html#ref=rss Whether it be an escrow account or a budget commissioner, the latest demands by Germany show just how absurd negotiations over Greece's future have become. It is high time to bring an end to this tragicomedy. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:06:17 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813919,00.html Whether it be an escrow account or a budget commissioner, the latest demands by Germany show just how absurd negotiations over Greece's future have become. It is high time to bring an end to this tragicomedy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813908,00.html#ref=rss The cold snap which has held Europe in its grip for over a week has yet to relent. Several countries have reported rising numbers of casualties as a result of the deep freeze. Holland, meanwhile, hopes the cold continues long enough to hold the mythical ice-skating race called Elfstedentocht. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:11:25 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813908,00.html The cold snap which has held Europe in its grip for over a week has yet to relent. Several countries have reported rising numbers of casualties as a result of the deep freeze. Holland, meanwhile, hopes the cold continues long enough to hold the mythical ice-skating race called Elfstedentocht.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813835,00.html#ref=rss Angela Merkel's decision to campaign on behalf of French President Sarkozy has infuriated the German opposition, with some warning that it could damage German-French ties. But German commentators say that the bigger threat is posed by Sarkozy's Socialist challenger Francois Hollande. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:41:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813835,00.html Angela Merkel's decision to campaign on behalf of French President Sarkozy has infuriated the German opposition, with some warning that it could damage German-French ties. But German commentators say that the bigger threat is posed by Sarkozy's Socialist challenger Francois Hollande.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813667,00.html#ref=rss There is a widespread belief that Germany is the big winner of the euro crisis, as investors stash their money in the euro zone's last safe haven, driving interest rates on German bonds down to record lows. But the idea is just a myth. Indeed, the crisis could end up costing Berlin dearly. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:42:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813667,00.html There is a widespread belief that Germany is the big winner of the euro crisis, as investors stash their money in the euro zone's last safe haven, driving interest rates on German bonds down to record lows. But the idea is just a myth. Indeed, the crisis could end up costing Berlin dearly.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813676,00.html#ref=rss Patience with Greece is wearing thin in Europe. On Monday, Chancellor Merkel became just the latest EU leader to demand quick action from Athens. But talks on additional austerity measures there continue to go nowhere despite the looming threat of bankruptcy. Greek politicians, after all, must answer to their voters. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:56:40 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813676,00.html Patience with Greece is wearing thin in Europe. On Monday, Chancellor Merkel became just the latest EU leader to demand quick action from Athens. But talks on additional austerity measures there continue to go nowhere despite the looming threat of bankruptcy. Greek politicians, after all, must answer to their voters.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813583,00.html#ref=rss Chancellor Angela Merkel's move to help President Nicolas Sarkozy in his bid for re-election is unprecedented. But so too is the European debt crisis. Berlin is driven by the fear that a Socialist president in Paris may overturn its strategy to rescue the euro. But Merkel's campaign assistance poses risks. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:52:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813583,00.html Chancellor Angela Merkel's move to help President Nicolas Sarkozy in his bid for re-election is unprecedented. But so too is the European debt crisis. Berlin is driven by the fear that a Socialist president in Paris may overturn its strategy to rescue the euro. But Merkel's campaign assistance poses risks. By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813524,00.html#ref=rss In a SPIEGEL interview, Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the Euro Group, talks about the need for Greece to push ahead with economic reforms. If the country doesn't meet Europe's demands, it will have to declare bankruptcy in March, he says. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:17:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,813524,00.html