http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Thu, 23 May 2013 18:43:56 +0200 Thu, 23 May 2013 18:43:56 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/amnesty-international-report-slams-european-asylum-policies-a-901447.html#ref=rss Millions are fleeing from war and violence, but Europe is sealing itself off to those in need, a new report from Amnesty International alleged on Thursday. The human rights organization urged EU countries to act and save lives. Thu, 23 May 2013 12:48:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/amnesty-international-report-slams-european-asylum-policies-a-901447.html Millions are fleeing from war and violence, but Europe is sealing itself off to those in need, a new report from Amnesty International alleged on Thursday. The human rights organization urged EU countries to act and save lives. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/erdogan-hurts-turkish-integration-in-germany-with-aggressive-policies-a-898116.html#ref=rss Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a self-styled patron of Turkish immigrants in Germany. But critics say that his aggressive diaspora policy is increasingly driving a wedge between immigrant families and mainstream society. Tue, 07 May 2013 13:23:42 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/erdogan-hurts-turkish-integration-in-germany-with-aggressive-policies-a-898116.html Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a self-styled patron of Turkish immigrants in Germany. But critics say that his aggressive diaspora policy is increasingly driving a wedge between immigrant families and mainstream society.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/menschenhandel-in-nahost-zwangsarbeiter-auf-600-000-geschaetzt-a-893461.html#ref=rss Hunderttausende Menschen sind im Nahen Osten Opfer von Zwangsarbeit. Dies ergibt eine Studie der Vereinten Nationen. In Jordanien, im Libanon, in Kuwait sowie den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten sei Arbeitsmigration "gemessen an Ausmaß und Anstieg beispiellos". Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:09:40 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/menschenhandel-in-nahost-zwangsarbeiter-auf-600-000-geschaetzt-a-893461.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/human-trafficking-thrives-on-sinai-peninsula-a-891585.html#ref=rss The Sinai Peninsula has become a prison and grave for thousands of African refugees. They are kidnapped, imprisoned and tortured to death even after their families have paid hefty ransoms. But Egypt refuses to act. Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:11:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/human-trafficking-thrives-on-sinai-peninsula-a-891585.html The Sinai Peninsula has become a prison and grave for thousands of African refugees. They are kidnapped, imprisoned and tortured to death even after their families have paid hefty ransoms. But Egypt refuses to act. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interior-minister-friedrich-says-no-schengen-for-bulgaria-and-romania-a-886704.html#ref=rss Germany remains opposed to allowing Romania and Bulgaria membership in Europe's Schengen Area of border-free travel. Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich told SPIEGEL that more progress must be made in the fight against corruption. Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:58:16 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interior-minister-friedrich-says-no-schengen-for-bulgaria-and-romania-a-886704.html Germany remains opposed to allowing Romania and Bulgaria membership in Europe's Schengen Area of border-free travel. Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich told SPIEGEL that more progress must be made in the fight against corruption.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/amnesty-international-blasts-greece-on-treatment-of-asylum-seekers-a-874073.html#ref=rss Greece's treatment of migrants and asylum seekers is so appalling that it has become a humanitarian crisis, Amnesty International charges in a new report. It cites squalid conditions at refugee facilities and authorities who are doing little to combat the problem. Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:18:04 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/amnesty-international-blasts-greece-on-treatment-of-asylum-seekers-a-874073.html Greece's treatment of migrants and asylum seekers is so appalling that it has become a humanitarian crisis, Amnesty International charges in a new report. It cites squalid conditions at refugee facilities and authorities who are doing little to combat the problem. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/germany-remains-promised-land-for-roma-in-serbia-and-macedonia-a-866760.html#ref=rss Since the European Union began allowing visa-free travel for Serbs and Macedonians, there has been a sharp increase in Roma from the Balkans applying for asylum. Despite the difficulties, Germany remains the promised land for those in the slums of Skopje and Belgrade. Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:47:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/germany-remains-promised-land-for-roma-in-serbia-and-macedonia-a-866760.html Since the European Union began allowing visa-free travel for Serbs and Macedonians, there has been a sharp increase in Roma from the Balkans applying for asylum. Despite the difficulties, Germany remains the promised land for those in the slums of Skopje and Belgrade.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-seeks-to-halt-influx-of-balkans-asylum-seekers-a-863345.html#ref=rss With a massive surge in asylum applications from people of the Roma minority from Serbia and Macedonia, Germany's interior minister is calling for new rules to expedite processing these cases. Although many come to the EU for better economic opportunities, they also face racial discrimination at home, advocacy groups say. Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:44:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-seeks-to-halt-influx-of-balkans-asylum-seekers-a-863345.html With a massive surge in asylum applications from people of the Roma minority from Serbia and Macedonia, Germany's interior minister is calling for new rules to expedite processing these cases. Although many come to the EU for better economic opportunities, they also face racial discrimination at home, advocacy groups say. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/conditions-little-better-for-roma-immigrants-in-germany-a-862270.html#ref=rss Seeking a better life and a future for their children, tens of thousands of Roma have come to Germany in recent years. They hope to escape the poverty and marginalization they experience in their home countries, but they remain outsiders in their new home too. The resulting problems are keeping police and social workers busy. Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:58:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/conditions-little-better-for-roma-immigrants-in-germany-a-862270.html Seeking a better life and a future for their children, tens of thousands of Roma have come to Germany in recent years. They hope to escape the poverty and marginalization they experience in their home countries, but they remain outsiders in their new home too. The resulting problems are keeping police and social workers busy. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/exodus-from-moldova-leaves-thousands-of-children-behind-a-856699.html#ref=rss Moldova was a relatively prosperous republic when it was still part of the Soviet Union. But now its ailing economy has driven roughly a quarter of its population abroad in search of better prospects. The victims are the thousands of children growing up back home alone. Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:55:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/exodus-from-moldova-leaves-thousands-of-children-behind-a-856699.html Moldova was a relatively prosperous republic when it was still part of the Soviet Union. But now its ailing economy has driven roughly a quarter of its population abroad in search of better prospects. The victims are the thousands of children growing up back home alone.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/rostock-residents-dread-20th-anniversary-of-neo-nazi-racist-riot-a-851479.html#ref=rss This weekend marks the 20th anniversary of one of the darkest episodes in the history of postwar Germany, when hundreds of rioting neo-Nazis set ablaze an asylum-seekers' hostel in Rostock. Locals are tired of the onslaught of media attention, but many still live in fear of right-wing violence. Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:51:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/rostock-residents-dread-20th-anniversary-of-neo-nazi-racist-riot-a-851479.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/cuban-sails-baltic-sea-for-two-months-after-denied-russian-visa-a-845076.html#ref=rss The rigmarole of entering foreign countries can often be annoying. But for Cuban architect Luis Cespedes, it was nightmare. He spent two months at sea sailing between Russia and Finland after he was denied entry to both countries. Wed, 18 Jul 2012 18:15:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/cuban-sails-baltic-sea-for-two-months-after-denied-russian-visa-a-845076.html The rigmarole of entering foreign countries can often be annoying. But for Cuban architect Luis Cespedes, it was nightmare. He spent two months at sea sailing between Russia and Finland after he was denied entry to both countries. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-court-rules-benefits-for-asylum-seekers-are-inhumane-a-845066.html#ref=rss Asylum seekers in Germany are entitled to receive the same level of benefits as the country's welfare recipients, the Constitutional Court ruled on Wednesday, saying that current levels are inhumane. Payments to refugees -- unchanged since 1993 -- are to be increased immediately. Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:21:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-court-rules-benefits-for-asylum-seekers-are-inhumane-a-845066.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/asylum-seekers-outnumber-locals-in-german-village-a-844818.html#ref=rss The tiny southern German village of Schöllnstein is a microcosm of what happens when two worlds collide. Outnumbered by an influx of asylum seekers, locals are struggling to cope. And although the foreigners may live in the center of town, they still remain at the margins of society. Tue, 17 Jul 2012 17:51:24 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/asylum-seekers-outnumber-locals-in-german-village-a-844818.html The tiny southern German village of Schöllnstein is a microcosm of what happens when two worlds collide. Outnumbered by an influx of asylum seekers, locals are struggling to cope. And although the foreigners may live in the center of town, they still remain at the margins of society.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/thousands-of-illegal-immigrants-enter-europe-through-greece-a-834415.html#ref=rss 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. Thu, 24 May 2012 14:37:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/thousands-of-illegal-immigrants-enter-europe-through-greece-a-834415.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/dutch-quiz-show-failed-asylum-seekers-vie-for-farewell-cash-a-783830.html#ref=rss Failed asylum seekers in the Netherlands will answer questions about Dutch topics Thursday night in hopes of winning money to resettle after deportation. Critics have panned the TV show concept, but its creators say they are drawing attention to a serious issue that displaces well-integrated youths. Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:39:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/dutch-quiz-show-failed-asylum-seekers-vie-for-farewell-cash-a-783830.html Failed asylum seekers in the Netherlands will answer questions about Dutch topics Thursday night in hopes of winning money to resettle after deportation. Critics have panned the TV show concept, but its creators say they are drawing attention to a serious issue that displaces well-integrated youths.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/after-13-years-in-germany-town-hides-family-in-fight-against-deportation-a-779270.html#ref=rss German authorities recently ruled that a family of Armenian asylum seekers should be deported after 13 years of living in the country. But they never showed up to the airport. Residents of their town hid the family for almost two weeks until officials agreed to review their case. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:04:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/after-13-years-in-germany-town-hides-family-in-fight-against-deportation-a-779270.html German authorities recently ruled that a family of Armenian asylum seekers should be deported after 13 years of living in the country. But they never showed up to the airport. Residents of their town hid the family for almost two weeks until officials agreed to review their case.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/from-serbia-to-germany-and-back-wave-of-roma-rejected-as-asylum-seekers-a-764630.html#ref=rss Ever since European visa requirements were dropped for travelers from Serbia and Macedonia, an increasing number of Roma asylum seekers from the two countries have been making their way to Germany. They have all been rejected -- and Roma rights groups are furious. Thu, 26 May 2011 10:48:14 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/from-serbia-to-germany-and-back-wave-of-roma-rejected-as-asylum-seekers-a-764630.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-press-review-is-border-dispute-a-betrayal-of-eu-values-a-759250.html#ref=rss Battered by the crisis over the North African immigrants who have landed in Italy and are now entering other countries, the EU's Schengen Agreement of open borders is being openly questioned by Paris and Rome. Sarkozy and Berlusconi say they favor changes to the treaty, but commentators in papers in Italy and France warn European freedom values are under attack. Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:26:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-press-review-is-border-dispute-a-betrayal-of-eu-values-a-759250.html Battered by the crisis over the North African immigrants who have landed in Italy and are now entering other countries, the EU's Schengen Agreement of open borders is being openly questioned by Paris and Rome. Sarkozy and Berlusconi say they favor changes to the treaty, but commentators in papers in Italy and France warn European freedom values are under attack.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/is-this-your-democracy-refugee-influx-exposes-limitations-of-european-solidarity-a-757666.html#ref=rss The influx of economic refugees from Tunisia has exposed deep rifts in the European Union. Italy wants help in dealing with the thousands of immigrants who have arrived since the beginning of the year, but the rest of the bloc refuses to provide it. It is just one more example of an EU struggling to stay united. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:41:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/is-this-your-democracy-refugee-influx-exposes-limitations-of-european-solidarity-a-757666.html The influx of economic refugees from Tunisia has exposed deep rifts in the European Union. Italy wants help in dealing with the thousands of immigrants who have arrived since the beginning of the year, but the rest of the bloc refuses to provide it. It is just one more example of an EU struggling to stay united.]]>