http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Tue, 21 May 2013 22:00:02 +0200 Tue, 21 May 2013 22:00:02 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-winners-and-losers-of-drug-liberalization-in-the-czech-republic-a-888618.html#ref=rss The Czech Republic's 2010 decision to lower drug possession from a criminal to misdemeanor offense has turned the country into a mecca for drug users. The change has spawned a profitable sub-economy, but also come at a high social cost. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:03:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-winners-and-losers-of-drug-liberalization-in-the-czech-republic-a-888618.html The Czech Republic's 2010 decision to lower drug possession from a criminal to misdemeanor offense has turned the country into a mecca for drug users. The change has spawned a profitable sub-economy, but also come at a high social cost.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/bad-king-klaus-the-failings-of-a-czech-president-a-885928.html#ref=rss Vaclav Klaus will leave office next week after a decade as president of the Czech Republic. Although he played an important role in his country's history, his legacy is likely to be marred by his controversial positions on the European Union, climate change and often blatant populism. Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:09:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/bad-king-klaus-the-failings-of-a-czech-president-a-885928.html Vaclav Klaus will leave office next week after a decade as president of the Czech Republic. Although he played an important role in his country's history, his legacy is likely to be marred by his controversial positions on the European Union, climate change and often blatant populism.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/nationalism-and-populism-decided-czech-presidential-election-a-880011.html#ref=rss Is the new Czech president from the left wing or the right wing? Neither, say German commentators. Rather, Milos Zeman is a populist who stopped at nothing, not even at the reopening of historical wounds between his country and Germany, on his way to Prague Castle. Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:50:36 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/nationalism-and-populism-decided-czech-presidential-election-a-880011.html Is the new Czech president from the left wing or the right wing? Neither, say German commentators. Rather, Milos Zeman is a populist who stopped at nothing, not even at the reopening of historical wounds between his country and Germany, on his way to Prague Castle.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/czech-voters-to-vote-for-president-for-first-time-since-revolution-a-874840.html#ref=rss For the first time since the Velvet Revolution, citizens in the Czech Republic will have the opportunity to vote directly for their head of state in two weeks. Former Prime Minister Milos Zeman is in the pole position. His tough-talking style appeals to Czechs who are tired of back room deals and a scandal-plagued leadership. Fri, 28 Dec 2012 11:48:04 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/czech-voters-to-vote-for-president-for-first-time-since-revolution-a-874840.html For the first time since the Velvet Revolution, citizens in the Czech Republic will have the opportunity to vote directly for their head of state in two weeks. Former Prime Minister Milos Zeman is in the pole position. His tough-talking style appeals to Czechs who are tired of back room deals and a scandal-plagued leadership.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spiegel-interview-with-czech-foreign-minister-we-have-to-move-away-from-a-europe-of-small-minds-a-807933.html#ref=rss In a SPIEGEL interview, Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg attacks European politicians for lacking vision, describes the resentment felt by small EU members at the dominance of Germany and France and warns the Germans against megalomania in their defense of the euro. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:59:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spiegel-interview-with-czech-foreign-minister-we-have-to-move-away-from-a-europe-of-small-minds-a-807933.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/remembering-vaclav-havel-a-moral-giant-among-pygmies-a-805536.html#ref=rss Since last Sunday, the world has been mourning the death of Vaclav Havel. The Czech leader led a rollercoaster life that saw him go from prison cells to palaces, from poetry to politics. In this personal remembrance from a SPIEGEL editor, Havel is remembered as a man who unflaggingly labored to "live within the truth." Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:52:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/remembering-vaclav-havel-a-moral-giant-among-pygmies-a-805536.html Since last Sunday, the world has been mourning the death of Vaclav Havel. The Czech leader led a rollercoaster life that saw him go from prison cells to palaces, from poetry to politics. In this personal remembrance from a SPIEGEL editor, Havel is remembered as a man who unflaggingly labored to "live within the truth."]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/europe-has-become-poorer-a-continent-mourns-the-passing-of-vaclav-havel-a-804614.html#ref=rss Leaders from the Czech Republic, Europe and beyond have expressed their sorrow at the death of Velvet Revolution leader Vaclav Havel. Thousands gathered in the heart of Prague on Sunday evening to mourn the passing of one of the communist-era's greatest dissidents. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:50:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/europe-has-become-poorer-a-continent-mourns-the-passing-of-vaclav-havel-a-804614.html Leaders from the Czech Republic, Europe and beyond have expressed their sorrow at the death of Velvet Revolution leader Vaclav Havel. Thousands gathered in the heart of Prague on Sunday evening to mourn the passing of one of the communist-era's greatest dissidents.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eastern-europe-s-scapegoats-governments-turn-blind-eye-to-violence-against-roma-a-788868.html#ref=rss It is a tragedy taking place in the heart of Europe. In many countries, Roma are being bullied by right-wing extremists, and racism against them is considered  acceptable in mainstream society. There is no sign of a strategy to solve the problem. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:09:36 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eastern-europe-s-scapegoats-governments-turn-blind-eye-to-violence-against-roma-a-788868.html It is a tragedy taking place in the heart of Europe. In many countries, Roma are being bullied by right-wing extremists, and racism against them is considered  acceptable in mainstream society. There is no sign of a strategy to solve the problem. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/expellee-provocation-prague-refuses-apology-to-sudeten-germans-a-768323.html#ref=rss An annual meeting of post-World War II expellees was marred this weekend by bad blood with Prague. The Czech president was outraged after an expellee leader suggested that an apology for their expulsion was in order. The row threatens the fragile process of reconciliation between the two sides. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:03:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/expellee-provocation-prague-refuses-apology-to-sudeten-germans-a-768323.html An annual meeting of post-World War II expellees was marred this weekend by bad blood with Prague. The Czech president was outraged after an expellee leader suggested that an apology for their expulsion was in order. The row threatens the fragile process of reconciliation between the two sides.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/about-time-germany-finally-opens-labor-market-to-eastern-workers-a-759325.html#ref=rss On May 1, Germany and Austria will open up their labor markets to citizens of the Eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004 -- seven years after most other EU members let them in. But Berlin's protectionist fears have only hurt the German economy, as the country will struggle to attract enough skilled workers. Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:55:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/about-time-germany-finally-opens-labor-market-to-eastern-workers-a-759325.html On May 1, Germany and Austria will open up their labor markets to citizens of the Eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004 -- seven years after most other EU members let them in. But Berlin's protectionist fears have only hurt the German economy, as the country will struggle to attract enough skilled workers.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/liberated-by-porn-controversy-surrounds-czech-use-of-erection-measurement-machine-a-734422.html#ref=rss Authorities in the Czech Republic have been using a supposed erotic lie detector to test whether asylum seekers are falsely claiming to be gay. But the practice has come in for criticism after the EU's human rights agency found out about it. Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:36:44 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/liberated-by-porn-controversy-surrounds-czech-use-of-erection-measurement-machine-a-734422.html Authorities in the Czech Republic have been using a supposed erotic lie detector to test whether asylum seekers are falsely claiming to be gay. But the practice has come in for criticism after the EU's human rights agency found out about it.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/massacre-in-czechoslovakia-newly-discovered-film-shows-post-war-executions-a-698060.html#ref=rss It has long been known that German civilians fell victim to Czech excesses immediately following the Nazi surrender at the end of World War II. But a newly discovered video shows one such massacre in brutal detail. And it has come as a shock to the Czech Republic. Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:28:47 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/massacre-in-czechoslovakia-newly-discovered-film-shows-post-war-executions-a-698060.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/czech-elections-economic-concerns-push-voters-towards-center-right-government-a-697722.html#ref=rss Disappointment in traditional politics was evident in the Czech elections this weekend, with the two biggest parties seeing a massive slump in votes. The country is now on course for a center-right coalition, with two newly formed parties likely to be part of any coalition government. Mon, 31 May 2010 12:18:10 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/czech-elections-economic-concerns-push-voters-towards-center-right-government-a-697722.html Disappointment in traditional politics was evident in the Czech elections this weekend, with the two biggest parties seeing a massive slump in votes. The country is now on course for a center-right coalition, with two newly formed parties likely to be part of any coalition government.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/bohemian-rhapsody-the-prince-who-would-be-kingmaker-a-697127.html#ref=rss Voters in the Czech Republic are heading to the polls this week to elect a new government. With a political stalemate between the country's two traditional leading parties, a 71-year-old prince with ties to the Hapsburgs could emerge as kingmaker. Karel von Schwarzenberg has pledged to end the EU country's political impasse and to battle rampant corruption with his newly formed party. Thu, 27 May 2010 18:50:07 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/bohemian-rhapsody-the-prince-who-would-be-kingmaker-a-697127.html Voters in the Czech Republic are heading to the polls this week to elect a new government. With a political stalemate between the country's two traditional leading parties, a 71-year-old prince with ties to the Hapsburgs could emerge as kingmaker. Karel von Schwarzenberg has pledged to end the EU country's political impasse and to battle rampant corruption with his newly formed party.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/purloined-porsches-germany-s-open-borders-a-boon-for-car-thieves-a-693129.html#ref=rss The open border between Germany and its neighbors to the east has been a bonanza for car thieves. Since the border came down in 2007, the number of stolen cars has gone up 60 percent in Dresden alone. Police in three countries are banding together to stem the flood of stolen vehicles. Thu, 06 May 2010 16:16:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/purloined-porsches-germany-s-open-borders-a-boon-for-car-thieves-a-693129.html The open border between Germany and its neighbors to the east has been a bonanza for car thieves. Since the border came down in 2007, the number of stolen cars has gone up 60 percent in Dresden alone. Police in three countries are banding together to stem the flood of stolen vehicles.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/the-velvet-revolution-czech-students-look-back-at-what-their-forebears-started-a-661999.html#ref=rss The Czech Republic this week kicked off celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. Back then, it was Czechoslovakian students who took the lead. Nowadays, the country's youth are ambivalent about Prague-style democracy. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:30:12 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/the-velvet-revolution-czech-students-look-back-at-what-their-forebears-started-a-661999.html The Czech Republic this week kicked off celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. Back then, it was Czechoslovakian students who took the lead. Nowadays, the country's youth are ambivalent about Prague-style democracy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-world-from-berlin-vaclav-klaus-had-become-almost-unbearable-a-655975.html#ref=rss Czech President Vaclav Klaus indicated over the weekend that he would finally sign the European Union's Lisbon Treaty. His hesitation was the last major hurdle facing the reform agreement and German commentators say it's about time. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:54:51 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-world-from-berlin-vaclav-klaus-had-become-almost-unbearable-a-655975.html Czech President Vaclav Klaus indicated over the weekend that he would finally sign the European Union's Lisbon Treaty. His hesitation was the last major hurdle facing the reform agreement and German commentators say it's about time.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/signing-the-lisbon-treaty-czech-media-calls-president-an-embarrassing-handicap-a-653336.html#ref=rss Media in the Czech Republic have hit out against President Vaclav Klaus, who is threatening not to sign the Lisbon Treaty and delay ratification for months. They call the Czech leader an embarrassment and discuss ways of forcing his signature. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:18:20 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/signing-the-lisbon-treaty-czech-media-calls-president-an-embarrassing-handicap-a-653336.html Media in the Czech Republic have hit out against President Vaclav Klaus, who is threatening not to sign the Lisbon Treaty and delay ratification for months. They call the Czech leader an embarrassment and discuss ways of forcing his signature.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/slamming-the-brakes-on-lisbon-czech-senators-send-treaty-back-to-court-a-652262.html#ref=rss Backers of the Lisbon Treaty were hoping that a "yes" in Friday's Irish referendum would be the final leverage needed to get Polish and Czech leaders to sign the much-stalled treaty. But now a group of Czech senators are sending the treaty back to the country's Constitutional Court -- for the second time. The move could mean several more months of delays. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:21:09 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/slamming-the-brakes-on-lisbon-czech-senators-send-treaty-back-to-court-a-652262.html Backers of the Lisbon Treaty were hoping that a "yes" in Friday's Irish referendum would be the final leverage needed to get Polish and Czech leaders to sign the much-stalled treaty. But now a group of Czech senators are sending the treaty back to the country's Constitutional Court -- for the second time. The move could mean several more months of delays.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/exit-prague-enter-stockholm-the-eu-presidency-is-too-big-for-small-nations-a-633226.html#ref=rss The Czech Republic proved that small EU states are not up to running the EU Council Presidency. Leadership on such a scale is simply beyond their means. Nevertheless, Sweden hopes to see the Lisbon Treaty ratified. Then it wants to lay the foundations for a real European foreign policy. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:06:19 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/exit-prague-enter-stockholm-the-eu-presidency-is-too-big-for-small-nations-a-633226.html The Czech Republic proved that small EU states are not up to running the EU Council Presidency. Leadership on such a scale is simply beyond their means. Nevertheless, Sweden hopes to see the Lisbon Treaty ratified. Then it wants to lay the foundations for a real European foreign policy.]]>