http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:50:07 +0200 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:50:07 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cyprus-asks-for-improvements-to-bailout-deal-a-906558.html#ref=rss In a letter to euro-zone leaders, Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades has asked that the bailout package for his country be revisited. The effects on the island nation's economy have been much greater than expected, he writes. EU leaders are "puzzled." Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:45:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cyprus-asks-for-improvements-to-bailout-deal-a-906558.html In a letter to euro-zone leaders, Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades has asked that the bailout package for his country be revisited. The effects on the island nation's economy have been much greater than expected, he writes. EU leaders are "puzzled."]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/samaras-government-in-greece-survives-broadcaster-battle-a-906466.html#ref=rss Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras almost fell over his decision last week to shut down public broadcaster ERT. But on Monday night, an unexpected court ruling helped him stay in power. How long will the peace last? Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:25:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/samaras-government-in-greece-survives-broadcaster-battle-a-906466.html Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras almost fell over his decision last week to shut down public broadcaster ERT. But on Monday night, an unexpected court ruling helped him stay in power. How long will the peace last?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/study-on-trans-atlantic-trade-sees-huge-benefits-for-germany-a-906407.html#ref=rss The EU and the US are set to start negotiations on a trans-Atlantic free trade agreement in July. A deal could have huge benefits for Germany and the rest of the EU. But there would also be losers according to a new study. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:46:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/study-on-trans-atlantic-trade-sees-huge-benefits-for-germany-a-906407.html The EU and the US are set to start negotiations on a trans-Atlantic free trade agreement in July. A deal could have huge benefits for Germany and the rest of the EU. But there would also be losers according to a new study. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-trip-to-romania-offers-unsettling-answers-to-roma-influx-a-905155.html#ref=rss Large numbers of Roma immigrants from southeastern Europe are proving to be a serious integration problem for many cities, including Berlin. A local politician recently traveled to Romania to learn more about the challenge. Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:53:30 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-trip-to-romania-offers-unsettling-answers-to-roma-influx-a-905155.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/culture-wars-france-could-derail-trade-deal-with-exceptions-a-905535.html#ref=rss This week, EU member states are expected to give the green light on talks for a wide-reaching trans-Atlantic free-trade agreement. But French demands for films and culture to be exempted from negotiations could stall or derail the plan. Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:22:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/culture-wars-france-could-derail-trade-deal-with-exceptions-a-905535.html This week, EU member states are expected to give the green light on talks for a wide-reaching trans-Atlantic free-trade agreement. But French demands for films and culture to be exempted from negotiations could stall or derail the plan.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/erdogan-crackdown-could-threaten-eu-membership-talks-a-905344.html#ref=rss The crackdown against protesters in Istanbul by the Turkish government creates a dilemma for the EU. The Europeans don't want to tolerate violence against demonstrators, but they also don't want to lose Erdogan as a partner. Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:13:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/erdogan-crackdown-could-threaten-eu-membership-talks-a-905344.html The crackdown against protesters in Istanbul by the Turkish government creates a dilemma for the EU. The Europeans don't want to tolerate violence against demonstrators, but they also don't want to lose Erdogan as a partner. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-high-court-skeptical-of-ecb-bond-buying-a-905246.html#ref=rss Germany's high court on Tuesday made clear that it was skeptical of the ECB's program to buy unlimited quantities of sovereign bonds from struggling euro-zone member states. It could strike down the most successful tool in combating the crisis. Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:40:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-high-court-skeptical-of-ecb-bond-buying-a-905246.html Germany's high court on Tuesday made clear that it was skeptical of the ECB's program to buy unlimited quantities of sovereign bonds from struggling euro-zone member states. It could strike down the most successful tool in combating the crisis.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-press-us-spying-program-attacks-basic-civil-rights-a-905089.html#ref=rss The world has been scandalized to learn about Prism, the broad data surveillance program used by the US at home and abroad. German commentators say that both Berlin and Brussels must defend Europe from this invasion of privacy. Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:23:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-press-us-spying-program-attacks-basic-civil-rights-a-905089.html The world has been scandalized to learn about Prism, the broad data surveillance program used by the US at home and abroad. German commentators say that both Berlin and Brussels must defend Europe from this invasion of privacy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/top-economist-attacks-bundesbank-opposition-to-bond-buying-a-904888.html#ref=rss With its opposition to the ECB's bond-buying policy, the German central bank is pursuing a risky strategy that may stem in part from a desire to enhance its own power. Germany's Constitutional Court will hold a key hearing on bond buying this week. Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:16:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/top-economist-attacks-bundesbank-opposition-to-bond-buying-a-904888.html With its opposition to the ECB's bond-buying policy, the German central bank is pursuing a risky strategy that may stem in part from a desire to enhance its own power. Germany's Constitutional Court will hold a key hearing on bond buying this week. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-high-court-considers-challenge-to-ecb-bond-purchases-a-904745.html#ref=rss Germany's highest court is currently reviewing the European Central Bank's controversial bond-buying program to shore up euro-zone crisis countries. A decision in Karlsruhe could determine the common currency's fate. Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:06:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-high-court-considers-challenge-to-ecb-bond-purchases-a-904745.html Germany's highest court is currently reviewing the European Central Bank's controversial bond-buying program to shore up euro-zone crisis countries. A decision in Karlsruhe could determine the common currency's fate.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-interior-minister-expell-eastern-european-poverty-immigrants-a-904415.html#ref=rss German communities have complained for years about Romanians and Bulgarians immigrating to abuse the country's social welfare system. On Friday, the interior minister promised tougher measures, including expulsions and travel bans. Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:43:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-interior-minister-expell-eastern-european-poverty-immigrants-a-904415.html German communities have complained for years about Romanians and Bulgarians immigrating to abuse the country's social welfare system. On Friday, the interior minister promised tougher measures, including expulsions and travel bans. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-union-says-no-aid-money-available-for-flood-victims-a-904103.html#ref=rss Germany and several of its neighbors have been battling record flooding for days. But the European Union said on Wednesday that the aid fund for such disasters is depleted. The bloc's budget deadlock means that Central Europe will have to go it alone. Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:51:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-union-says-no-aid-money-available-for-flood-victims-a-904103.html Germany and several of its neighbors have been battling record flooding for days. But the European Union said on Wednesday that the aid fund for such disasters is depleted. The bloc's budget deadlock means that Central Europe will have to go it alone.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/greece-wants-to-slow-public-sector-layoffs-to-avoid-unrest-a-903868.html#ref=rss Huge protests, massive strikes and tear gas: That is the horror scenario that is driving the Greek government to ask for more time to lay off thousands of public sector workers. Athens doesn't want to scare away tourists in the summer season. Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:19:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/greece-wants-to-slow-public-sector-layoffs-to-avoid-unrest-a-903868.html Huge protests, massive strikes and tear gas: That is the horror scenario that is driving the Greek government to ask for more time to lay off thousands of public sector workers. Athens doesn't want to scare away tourists in the summer season.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-announces-preliminary-tariffs-in-solar-trade-war-with-china-a-903511.html#ref=rss The European Commission on Tuesday announced it was imposing tariffs on Chinese solar panels in response to "price dumping." China has previously warned it would retaliate. The escalating trade war can only have one loser: Germany. Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:18:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-announces-preliminary-tariffs-in-solar-trade-war-with-china-a-903511.html The European Commission on Tuesday announced it was imposing tariffs on Chinese solar panels in response to "price dumping." China has previously warned it would retaliate. The escalating trade war can only have one loser: Germany.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/spiegel-interview-with-angela-merkel-on-euro-crisis-and-arms-exports-a-903401.html#ref=rss In a SPIEGEL interview, Chancellor Angela Merkel discusses Germany's power in the euro crisis and explains why the country exports weapons to authoritarian regimes like Saudi Arabia. Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:42:50 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/spiegel-interview-with-angela-merkel-on-euro-crisis-and-arms-exports-a-903401.html In a SPIEGEL interview, Chancellor Angela Merkel discusses Germany's power in the euro crisis and explains why the country exports weapons to authoritarian regimes like Saudi Arabia.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-challenges-germany-over-flight-paths-at-berlin-airport-ber-a-902866.html#ref=rss Berlin's controversial unfinished airport is under fire again. The European Commission has challenged Germany over its proposed flight paths, arguing that their environmental impact was not properly assessed. Germany has two months to respond. Thu, 30 May 2013 17:16:45 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-challenges-germany-over-flight-paths-at-berlin-airport-ber-a-902866.html Berlin's controversial unfinished airport is under fire again. The European Commission has challenged Germany over its proposed flight paths, arguing that their environmental impact was not properly assessed. Germany has two months to respond.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/hungarian-government-puts-european-conservatives-in-tough-spot-a-902620.html#ref=rss Much of Europe agrees that Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán has trampled on European Union values and infringed on constitutional democracy. His fellow European conservatives have largely kept quiet, but that could soon change. Wed, 29 May 2013 16:54:05 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/hungarian-government-puts-european-conservatives-in-tough-spot-a-902620.html Much of Europe agrees that Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán has trampled on European Union values and infringed on constitutional democracy. His fellow European conservatives have largely kept quiet, but that could soon change.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-commissioner-oettinger-says-eu-needs-overhaul-a-902553.html#ref=rss Many European leaders have recently suggested that the Continent is on the road to economic recovery. EU Commissioner Günther Oettinger, however, says the bloc is in a "truly abysmal state" and that France, in particular, needs reform. Wed, 29 May 2013 13:32:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-commissioner-oettinger-says-eu-needs-overhaul-a-902553.html Many European leaders have recently suggested that the Continent is on the road to economic recovery. EU Commissioner Günther Oettinger, however, says the bloc is in a "truly abysmal state" and that France, in particular, needs reform.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-commission-set-to-fight-german-energy-subsidies-a-902269.html#ref=rss As part of Germany's switch to renewables, industry has been exempt from paying higher prices associated with solar and wind energy. The European Commission, however, believes the practice distorts competition on the Continent. Huge penalties could be in store. Wed, 29 May 2013 11:05:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-commission-set-to-fight-german-energy-subsidies-a-902269.html As part of Germany's switch to renewables, industry has been exempt from paying higher prices associated with solar and wind energy. The European Commission, however, believes the practice distorts competition on the Continent. Huge penalties could be in store.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/commentary-european-union-fails-to-find-position-on-syria-a-902401.html#ref=rss European Union foreign ministers have sought to sell their Syria compromise as a success. In reality, Monday's agreement is an abdication of leadership, once again proving that Europe cannot be taken seriously as an actor on the global stage. Tue, 28 May 2013 17:34:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/commentary-european-union-fails-to-find-position-on-syria-a-902401.html European Union foreign ministers have sought to sell their Syria compromise as a success. In reality, Monday's agreement is an abdication of leadership, once again proving that Europe cannot be taken seriously as an actor on the global stage.]]>