http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Sat, 25 May 2013 10:18:21 +0200 Sat, 25 May 2013 10:18:21 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/protests-grow-in-bulgaria-against-political-corruption-a-898682.html#ref=rss Protests over the last three months in Bulgaria have included several self-immolations meant to draw attention to corruption among political elites with ties to organized crime. But few expect Sunday's parliamentary elections to change much. Wed, 08 May 2013 11:25:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/protests-grow-in-bulgaria-against-political-corruption-a-898682.html Protests over the last three months in Bulgaria have included several self-immolations meant to draw attention to corruption among political elites with ties to organized crime. But few expect Sunday's parliamentary elections to change much.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/bulgarian-migrant-worker-case-exposes-problems-in-german-labor-market-a-894611.html#ref=rss Injured on the job, a Bulgarian migrant worker desperately needs surgery, but his official status as an independent contractor has allowed the companies involved to shirk responsibility. His case exposes a troubling gray area in Germany's labor market. Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:06:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/bulgarian-migrant-worker-case-exposes-problems-in-german-labor-market-a-894611.html Injured on the job, a Bulgarian migrant worker desperately needs surgery, but his official status as an independent contractor has allowed the companies involved to shirk responsibility. His case exposes a troubling gray area in Germany's labor market.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/man-dies-in-sixth-bulgarian-self-immolation-in-less-than-a-month-a-890444.html#ref=rss A 40-year-old Bulgarian set himself on fire to protest poverty and corruption in his country on Friday, becoming the sixth self-immolation in the EU country in less than a month. Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:08:40 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/man-dies-in-sixth-bulgarian-self-immolation-in-less-than-a-month-a-890444.html A 40-year-old Bulgarian set himself on fire to protest poverty and corruption in his country on Friday, becoming the sixth self-immolation in the EU country in less than a month. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-cities-struggle-to-accommodate-rise-in-homeless-a-885484.html#ref=rss With frigid temperatures outside, German homeless and emergency shelters are usually full this time of year. But a rising number of homeless people, many from other EU states, are exceeding their capacities and triggering competition for limited cots and resources. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:05:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-cities-struggle-to-accommodate-rise-in-homeless-a-885484.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/western-europe-fearful-of-roma-immigrants-from-romania-and-bulgaria-a-884760.html#ref=rss British, French and German politicians are all sounding the alarm. In 2014, Romanian and Bulgarian citizens will be given free movement within Europe's labor market. They are concerned about a wave of immigration, yet most of those who want to head west likely already have. Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:53:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/western-europe-fearful-of-roma-immigrants-from-romania-and-bulgaria-a-884760.html British, French and German politicians are all sounding the alarm. In 2014, Romanian and Bulgarian citizens will be given free movement within Europe's labor market. They are concerned about a wave of immigration, yet most of those who want to head west likely already have.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/bulgarian-prime-minister-borisov-resigns-following-violent-protests-a-884463.html#ref=rss Europe's debt crisis claimed its latest victim on Wednesday when the Bulgarian government stepped down after days of violent nationwide protests against austerity measures, high energy costs and corruption. Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:11:08 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/bulgarian-prime-minister-borisov-resigns-following-violent-protests-a-884463.html Europe's debt crisis claimed its latest victim on Wednesday when the Bulgarian government stepped down after days of violent nationwide protests against austerity measures, high energy costs and corruption. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-interior-minister-urges-bulgaria-and-romania-to-integrate-roma-a-884236.html#ref=rss With the tide of Bulgarians and Romanians flooding Germany showing no signs of abating, officials in Berlin have called on the two countries to stem the exodus by boosting efforts to integrate Roma into their own societies. Poverty migration, they argue, must be combatted at the source. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:49:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-interior-minister-urges-bulgaria-and-romania-to-integrate-roma-a-884236.html With the tide of Bulgarians and Romanians flooding Germany showing no signs of abating, officials in Berlin have called on the two countries to stem the exodus by boosting efforts to integrate Roma into their own societies. Poverty migration, they argue, must be combatted at the source.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-cities-worried-about-high-immigration-from-romania-and-bulgaria-a-881409.html#ref=rss Immigration to Germany from southeastern Europe has dramatically increased in recent years and the country's municipalities are struggling to absorb the influx. Now, German cities are taking a close look at the problem and may ask for help from Berlin or even the European Union. Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:42:44 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-cities-worried-about-high-immigration-from-romania-and-bulgaria-a-881409.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/israel-believes-that-iran-and-hezbollah-are-behind-bulgaria-bombing-a-845372.html#ref=rss The attack on Israeli tourists in Burgas, Bulgaria is a nightmare for Israeli security officials. For months, terrorists have been trying to strike at Israeli targets abroad -- and have now finally succeeded. It is thought to be part of the country's shadowy war with Iran and Hezbollah. Thu, 19 Jul 2012 16:47:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/israel-believes-that-iran-and-hezbollah-are-behind-bulgaria-bombing-a-845372.html The attack on Israeli tourists in Burgas, Bulgaria is a nightmare for Israeli security officials. For months, terrorists have been trying to strike at Israeli targets abroad -- and have now finally succeeded. It is thought to be part of the country's shadowy war with Iran and Hezbollah.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/israel-accuses-iran-of-bus-attack-in-bulgaria-a-845269.html#ref=rss Seven people, mainly Israeli tourists, died on Wednesday in an explosion on a bus at the airport of a Bulgarian resort town. Authorities there believe it was likely a suicide attack, while Israel has blamed Iran outright. The suspected bomber's identity has yet to be determined. Thu, 19 Jul 2012 12:08:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/israel-accuses-iran-of-bus-attack-in-bulgaria-a-845269.html Seven people, mainly Israeli tourists, died on Wednesday in an explosion on a bus at the airport of a Bulgarian resort town. Authorities there believe it was likely a suicide attack, while Israel has blamed Iran outright. The suspected bomber's identity has yet to be determined. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/romanian-leader-yields-to-eu-pressure-on-judicial-independence-a-845154.html#ref=rss The EU issued a scathing report on Wednesday, outlining the bloc's concerns about respect for the rule of law in Romania. The country's prime minister has pledged to make "any personal and political sacrifice" to ensure Romania's standing abroad. But the EU is still keeping an eye on Bucharest. Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:10:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/romanian-leader-yields-to-eu-pressure-on-judicial-independence-a-845154.html The EU issued a scathing report on Wednesday, outlining the bloc's concerns about respect for the rule of law in Romania. The country's prime minister has pledged to make "any personal and political sacrifice" to ensure Romania's standing abroad. But the EU is still keeping an eye on Bucharest.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/bulgarian-and-romanian-immigrants-overwhelm-german-system-a-832027.html#ref=rss Worlds are colliding as a flood of impoverished Bulgarians and Romanians stream into Germany, overwhelming authorities. But efforts to help integrate the new residents have been sluggish and many of the immigrants find themselves awash in a system they don't understand. Wed, 09 May 2012 13:11:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/bulgarian-and-romanian-immigrants-overwhelm-german-system-a-832027.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/progress-needed-on-corruption-and-crime-schengen-membership-delayed-for-bulgaria-and-romania-a-738314.html#ref=rss Failure to address corruption issues and make judicial reforms means Bulgaria and Romania must wait until October 2011 at the earliest before they can join the passport-free Schengen zone. While Bulgaria appears to have accepted the situation, Romania has reacted with resentment. Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:15:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/progress-needed-on-corruption-and-crime-schengen-membership-delayed-for-bulgaria-and-romania-a-738314.html Failure to address corruption issues and make judicial reforms means Bulgaria and Romania must wait until October 2011 at the earliest before they can join the passport-free Schengen zone. While Bulgaria appears to have accepted the situation, Romania has reacted with resentment.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-us-takes-on-the-underworld-on-the-trail-of-weapons-smugglers-a-733308.html#ref=rss It's not difficult for the wrong people to get their hands on powerful weapons. The US, however, expends great effort in making it more difficult. Recently released diplomatic dispatches show that Washington is particularly vigilant when it comes to Bulgaria, Ukraine and Russia. Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:53:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-us-takes-on-the-underworld-on-the-trail-of-weapons-smugglers-a-733308.html It's not difficult for the wrong people to get their hands on powerful weapons. The US, however, expends great effort in making it more difficult. Recently released diplomatic dispatches show that Washington is particularly vigilant when it comes to Bulgaria, Ukraine and Russia.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-bulgaria-s-boyko-borisov-we-are-inundated-with-scandals-a-633985.html#ref=rss In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, Boyko Borisov, the conservative front-runner in national elections in Bulgaria and mayor of Sofia, discusses his efforts to crackdown on endemic corruption, the status of the country's large Turkish minority and the legacy of communism in his country. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:40:27 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-bulgaria-s-boyko-borisov-we-are-inundated-with-scandals-a-633985.html In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, Boyko Borisov, the conservative front-runner in national elections in Bulgaria and mayor of Sofia, discusses his efforts to crackdown on endemic corruption, the status of the country's large Turkish minority and the legacy of communism in his country.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/campaigning-against-bulgarian-corruption-europe-s-poorest-country-heads-for-the-polls-a-634095.html#ref=rss Boyko Borisov, a former bodyguard, is the frontrunner in Bulgaria's national elections on Sunday. He insists that his goal is to finally clean up corruption in the European Union's poorest member state. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:08:34 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/campaigning-against-bulgarian-corruption-europe-s-poorest-country-heads-for-the-polls-a-634095.html Boyko Borisov, a former bodyguard, is the frontrunner in Bulgaria's national elections on Sunday. He insists that his goal is to finally clean up corruption in the European Union's poorest member state.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-enlargement-european-doors-kept-closed-for-romanian-and-bulgarian-workers-a-600236.html#ref=rss Romanians and Bulgarians are still not seen as full-fledged citizens of the European Union. Many member states continue to keep them out of their job markets, particularly now that their economies are falling into recession. Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:02:45 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-enlargement-european-doors-kept-closed-for-romanian-and-bulgarian-workers-a-600236.html Romanians and Bulgarians are still not seen as full-fledged citizens of the European Union. Many member states continue to keep them out of their job markets, particularly now that their economies are falling into recession.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-european-gas-freeze-supplies-to-turkey-and-bulgaria-halted-a-599637.html#ref=rss The row between Gazprom and Kiev over the price of Russian gas has started to have a knock-on effect in Europe. Many countries, including Turkey, Bulgaria and Austria, are suffering major disruptions to their gas supplies. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:03:18 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-european-gas-freeze-supplies-to-turkey-and-bulgaria-halted-a-599637.html The row between Gazprom and Kiev over the price of Russian gas has started to have a knock-on effect in Europe. Many countries, including Turkey, Bulgaria and Austria, are suffering major disruptions to their gas supplies.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/post-communist-sleaze-eu-may-halt-funds-over-bulgarian-corruption-a-566649.html#ref=rss For some time critics have claimed that EU money was flowing into Bulgaria's organized-crime coffers, not to its people. Now the European Commission -- in a sharply-worded report -- will threaten the government in Sofia with severe funding cuts. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:41:29 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/post-communist-sleaze-eu-may-halt-funds-over-bulgarian-corruption-a-566649.html For some time critics have claimed that EU money was flowing into Bulgaria's organized-crime coffers, not to its people. Now the European Commission -- in a sharply-worded report -- will threaten the government in Sofia with severe funding cuts.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-cold-war-s-forgotten-victims-avenging-east-germans-killed-in-bulgaria-a-563992.html#ref=rss They are the forgotten victims of the Berlin Wall. The East Germans who were killed attempting to flee through Bulgaria. At least 18 were shot by border guards, mowed down with as few scruples as those murdered along the death strip that was Germany's inner border. Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:19:22 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-cold-war-s-forgotten-victims-avenging-east-germans-killed-in-bulgaria-a-563992.html