http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Sun, 19 May 2013 18:45:20 +0200 Sun, 19 May 2013 18:45:20 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/amid-more-delays-siemens-blames-government-agencies-and-suppliers-a-897798.html#ref=rss Due to a series of glitches, German electronics giant Siemens has once again been unable to deliver trains on time. Instead of assuming responsibility for the problems, management is trying to pin the blame on suppliers and government agencies. Fri, 03 May 2013 17:10:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/amid-more-delays-siemens-blames-government-agencies-and-suppliers-a-897798.html Due to a series of glitches, German electronics giant Siemens has once again been unable to deliver trains on time. Instead of assuming responsibility for the problems, management is trying to pin the blame on suppliers and government agencies.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/long-winter-harming-german-economy-a-892983.html#ref=rss Winter's hold on Germany lasted longer than usual this year, taking its toll not just on the moods of residents, but also on a number of economic sectors. Construction, agriculture, service and retail are all suffering, and experts warn the effects could be long-term. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:28:16 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/long-winter-harming-german-economy-a-892983.html Winter's hold on Germany lasted longer than usual this year, taking its toll not just on the moods of residents, but also on a number of economic sectors. Construction, agriculture, service and retail are all suffering, and experts warn the effects could be long-term. By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/future-of-stuttgart-station-project-in-question-as-berlin-pulls-back-a-882330.html#ref=rss The bottom appears to be falling out of one of the costliest construction projects ever undertaken by the German government. Amid delays and cost overruns, government players in the Stuttgart 21 train station venture are looking for the exit door. It could become a problem for Chancellor Merkel ahead of fall elections. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:09:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/future-of-stuttgart-station-project-in-question-as-berlin-pulls-back-a-882330.html By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/government-distances-self-from-stuttgart-21-rail-project-a-881559.html#ref=rss With overruns of €2.3 billion, the German federal government says it sees no reason why it should pay the extra costs of a major railway project in Stuttgart. Officials are accusing Deutsche Bahn of providing inaccurate information. Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:18:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/government-distances-self-from-stuttgart-21-rail-project-a-881559.html With overruns of €2.3 billion, the German federal government says it sees no reason why it should pay the extra costs of a major railway project in Stuttgart. Officials are accusing Deutsche Bahn of providing inaccurate information. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/prozess-nach-ice-unfall-versicherungen-einigen-sich-in-frankenthal-a-879285.html#ref=rss 15 Menschen wurden verletzt, als 2010 ein ICE im Pfälzerwald mit einem Müllfahrzeug kollidierte. Vor Gericht haben sich die Parteien nun geeinigt: Für den Schaden am Zug müssen Versicherungen aufkommen - nicht der verklagte Lastwagenfahrer. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:47:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/prozess-nach-ice-unfall-versicherungen-einigen-sich-in-frankenthal-a-879285.html 15 Menschen wurden verletzt, als 2010 ein ICE im Pfälzerwald mit einem Müllfahrzeug kollidierte. Vor Gericht haben sich die Parteien nun geeinigt: Für den Schaden am Zug müssen Versicherungen aufkommen - nicht der verklagte Lastwagenfahrer.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/media-says-siemens-inability-to-deliver-trains-part-of-larger-problem-a-868923.html#ref=rss Engineering giant Siemens is in the hot seat after it was revealed on Thursday that the company will be unable to deliver high-speed trains on time, spelling delays and cancellations this winter in Germany. Media commentators say that company management is to blame for this and other recent disasters. Fri, 23 Nov 2012 13:21:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/media-says-siemens-inability-to-deliver-trains-part-of-larger-problem-a-868923.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-rail-warns-of-delays-due-to-siemens-delivery-problems-a-868763.html#ref=rss German rail operator Deutsche Bahn on Thursday warned of yet another winter full of delays and cancellations because it still hasn't taken delivery of new high-speed ICE trains ordered from Siemens in 2008. The opening of the high-speed route from Frankfurt to London has been pushed back as well. Thu, 22 Nov 2012 16:41:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-rail-warns-of-delays-due-to-siemens-delivery-problems-a-868763.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-world-from-berlin-politicians-should-not-fear-direct-democracy-a-800369.html#ref=rss Bulldozers can finally dig in after opponents of the Stuttgart 21 rail project suffered a decisive defeat in a referendum on Sunday. Now, as head of the state government in Baden-Württemberg, the Green Party must complete a project to which it has long been opposed, write German editorialists. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:28:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-world-from-berlin-politicians-should-not-fear-direct-democracy-a-800369.html Bulldozers can finally dig in after opponents of the Stuttgart 21 rail project suffered a decisive defeat in a referendum on Sunday. Now, as head of the state government in Baden-Württemberg, the Green Party must complete a project to which it has long been opposed, write German editorialists.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-s-longest-subway-billions-upon-billions-for-berlin-munich-bullet-train-a-794125.html#ref=rss The new rail route being built between Berlin and Munich is nothing if not ambitious -- as well as being the most expensive transportation project to take shape since reunification. But the line is yet another example of how France beats Germany in the high-speed rail game and critics say its costs may not justify the advantages it will bring. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:11:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-s-longest-subway-billions-upon-billions-for-berlin-munich-bullet-train-a-794125.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/nature-calling-court-relieves-train-attendant-of-peeing-fine-a-794180.html#ref=rss A year ago, Germany's national railway fined a train attendant 100 euros after he advised a passenger who urgently needed to pee to do so in a trash bin in first class. The man appealed the fine and, on Wednesday, a court ruled in the his favor, saying he had made the best of a bad situation. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:58:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/nature-calling-court-relieves-train-attendant-of-peeing-fine-a-794180.html A year ago, Germany's national railway fined a train attendant 100 euros after he advised a passenger who urgently needed to pee to do so in a trash bin in first class. The man appealed the fine and, on Wednesday, a court ruled in the his favor, saying he had made the best of a bad situation.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/suicide-on-the-tracks-court-case-highlights-german-railway-problem-a-776893.html#ref=rss Hundreds kill themselves along German railways each year, and train drivers will likely see an average of three suicides over the course of their careers. A case currently being considered by a court in the country could determine whether train drivers receive compensation for the trauma induced. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:28:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/suicide-on-the-tracks-court-case-highlights-german-railway-problem-a-776893.html Hundreds kill themselves along German railways each year, and train drivers will likely see an average of three suicides over the course of their careers. A case currently being considered by a court in the country could determine whether train drivers receive compensation for the trauma induced. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/invisible-new-weapon-german-rail-to-use-chemical-markers-to-combat-metal-theft-a-774495.html#ref=rss Rising commodity prices have prompted thieves to target copper cables and other metal parts used by railways, forcing interruptions in train service in Germany and other European countries. Now, new invisible markers may help German rail get the upper hand. Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:14:14 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/invisible-new-weapon-german-rail-to-use-chemical-markers-to-combat-metal-theft-a-774495.html Rising commodity prices have prompted thieves to target copper cables and other metal parts used by railways, forcing interruptions in train service in Germany and other European countries. Now, new invisible markers may help German rail get the upper hand.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/massive-cost-overruns-german-rail-allegedly-hid-price-tag-of-stuttgart-21-a-772173.html#ref=rss German national rail provider Deutsche Bahn has been systematically doctoring projected costs for the controversial Stuttgart 21 project for years, according to internal documents obtained by SPIEGEL. The real costs would have put a stop to the undertaking two years ago if they'd become public. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:04:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/massive-cost-overruns-german-rail-allegedly-hid-price-tag-of-stuttgart-21-a-772173.html German national rail provider Deutsche Bahn has been systematically doctoring projected costs for the controversial Stuttgart 21 project for years, according to internal documents obtained by SPIEGEL. The real costs would have put a stop to the undertaking two years ago if they'd become public.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/stealing-like-magpies-spike-in-metal-theft-imperils-german-railways-a-770870.html#ref=rss As metal prices continue to climb, theft along Germany's railways has reached record levels. The missing parts are not only dangerous, the delays and cancellations they cause are damaging Deutsche Bahn's reputation. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:06:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/stealing-like-magpies-spike-in-metal-theft-imperils-german-railways-a-770870.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/baden-wuerttemberg-elections-greens-inherit-billion-euro-bomb-a-753841.html#ref=rss After the euphoria of their stunning election victory comes the reality of government: The Greens and the SPD face billion-euro problems in Baden-Württemberg. Withdrawing from the controversial Stuttgart 21 project would be vastly expensive, and the newly-nationalized energy giant EnBW could also turn out to be a bottomless money pit. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:25:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/baden-wuerttemberg-elections-greens-inherit-billion-euro-bomb-a-753841.html After the euphoria of their stunning election victory comes the reality of government: The Greens and the SPD face billion-euro problems in Baden-Württemberg. Withdrawing from the controversial Stuttgart 21 project would be vastly expensive, and the newly-nationalized energy giant EnBW could also turn out to be a bottomless money pit.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/holding-millions-hostage-train-driver-union-s-strike-could-wreak-havoc-for-passengers-a-751143.html#ref=rss Once again, German train drivers are making life miserable for rail managers and customers. Claus Weselsky, the head of the German train drivers' union, GDL, isn't just trying to force national railway Deutsche Bahn to its knees, but also hopes to strengthen his small union in the process. Customers could be facing massive service disruptions in the months ahead. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:45:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/holding-millions-hostage-train-driver-union-s-strike-could-wreak-havoc-for-passengers-a-751143.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/transport-chaos-in-germany-commuters-hit-hard-as-train-drivers-strike-a-750081.html#ref=rss Travel chaos descended on Germany Thursday as some 800 train drivers went on strike. Hundreds of services were cancelled, and commuters across the country suffered massive delays. The union behind the industrial action is demanding that its members who work for smaller private rail firms should earn as much as those employed by Deutsche Bahn. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:19:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/transport-chaos-in-germany-commuters-hit-hard-as-train-drivers-strike-a-750081.html Travel chaos descended on Germany Thursday as some 800 train drivers went on strike. Hundreds of services were cancelled, and commuters across the country suffered massive delays. The union behind the industrial action is demanding that its members who work for smaller private rail firms should earn as much as those employed by Deutsche Bahn.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/commuter-chaos-strikes-threaten-to-bring-german-rail-to-a-halt-a-749549.html#ref=rss German train drivers voted on Monday to go out on strike, a move which could bring the country's rail network to a standstill. Several other unions are likewise demanding higher wages this year -- a trend experts say is very worrisome given the delicate economic recovery. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:09:05 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/commuter-chaos-strikes-threaten-to-bring-german-rail-to-a-halt-a-749549.html German train drivers voted on Monday to go out on strike, a move which could bring the country's rail network to a standstill. Several other unions are likewise demanding higher wages this year -- a trend experts say is very worrisome given the delicate economic recovery.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/deadly-rail-accident-in-germany-train-driver-thought-to-have-ignored-two-stop-signals-a-742869.html#ref=rss Investigators believe that the driver of a freight train which slammed into a passenger train on Saturday night may have failed to respond to two stop signals. He is under investigation for manslaughter. Ten people died in the crash. Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:54:27 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/deadly-rail-accident-in-germany-train-driver-thought-to-have-ignored-two-stop-signals-a-742869.html Investigators believe that the driver of a freight train which slammed into a passenger train on Saturday night may have failed to respond to two stop signals. He is under investigation for manslaughter. Ten people died in the crash.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/makeover-for-deutsche-bahn-german-government-plans-radical-railroad-reform-a-740182.html#ref=rss In the wake of winter-related chaos on Germany's railroad system, Transportation Minister Peter Ramsauer is planning far-reaching reforms to the national railway operator Deutsche Bahn. More money will be made available for infrastructure investment, and a long-planned privatization of the company looks likely to be watered down. Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:05:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/makeover-for-deutsche-bahn-german-government-plans-radical-railroad-reform-a-740182.html In the wake of winter-related chaos on Germany's railroad system, Transportation Minister Peter Ramsauer is planning far-reaching reforms to the national railway operator Deutsche Bahn. More money will be made available for infrastructure investment, and a long-planned privatization of the company looks likely to be watered down.]]>