http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Sat, 18 May 2013 20:53:16 +0200 Sat, 18 May 2013 20:53:16 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/eu-wachstumspakt-nutzt-reichen-nordlaendern-statt-suedeuropa-a-900512.html#ref=rss Der für die südeuropäischen Krisenstaaten entworfene EU-Wachstumspakt dürfte vor allem Nordeuropa nutzen. Nach Informationen des SPIEGEL wird die Wirkung von Projektanleihen, mit denen große Infrastrukturprojekte finanziert werden sollen, im Norden getestet. Auch Deutschland dürfte profitieren. Fri, 17 May 2013 13:34:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/eu-wachstumspakt-nutzt-reichen-nordlaendern-statt-suedeuropa-a-900512.html Der für die südeuropäischen Krisenstaaten entworfene EU-Wachstumspakt dürfte vor allem Nordeuropa nutzen. Nach Informationen des SPIEGEL wird die Wirkung von Projektanleihen, mit denen große Infrastrukturprojekte finanziert werden sollen, im Norden getestet. Auch Deutschland dürfte profitieren.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/germany-and-france-will-not-create-joint-statement-ahead-of-eu-summit-a-900514.html#ref=rss As a further sign that all is not well in the Franco-German motor of Europe, the two countries will not issue a joint statement ahead of the next EU summit as Berlin had hoped. The development comes as France slips further into economic malaise. Fri, 17 May 2013 13:30:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/germany-and-france-will-not-create-joint-statement-ahead-of-eu-summit-a-900514.html As a further sign that all is not well in the Franco-German motor of Europe, the two countries will not issue a joint statement ahead of the next EU summit as Berlin had hoped. The development comes as France slips further into economic malaise. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-says-extended-eu-recession-shows-austerity-ineffective-a-900252.html#ref=rss The European common currency zone has now been in recession for six straight quarters, with three of the bloc's four largest economies now suffering persistent negative growth. Could the Continent's pursuit of austerity be backfiring? German commentators believe the answer is yes. Thu, 16 May 2013 13:34:27 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-says-extended-eu-recession-shows-austerity-ineffective-a-900252.html The European common currency zone has now been in recession for six straight quarters, with three of the bloc's four largest economies now suffering persistent negative growth. Could the Continent's pursuit of austerity be backfiring? German commentators believe the answer is yes.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bundesregierung-mahnt-eurolaender-zu-reformen-an-a-899349.html#ref=rss Die EU-Kommission will Staaten wie Frankreich und Spanien mehr Spielraum beim Schuldenabbau geben - das Kanzleramt aber drängt auf mehr Sparbemühungen. Ein Dossier, das dem SPIEGEL vorliegt, kritisiert bisherige Reformen als unzureichend und listet Versäumnisse der Südländer auf. Sun, 12 May 2013 18:01:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bundesregierung-mahnt-eurolaender-zu-reformen-an-a-899349.html Die EU-Kommission will Staaten wie Frankreich und Spanien mehr Spielraum beim Schuldenabbau geben - das Kanzleramt aber drängt auf mehr Sparbemühungen. Ein Dossier, das dem SPIEGEL vorliegt, kritisiert bisherige Reformen als unzureichend und listet Versäumnisse der Südländer auf.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/bundesbank-head-weidmann-criticizes-french-deficit-reduction-plans-a-898924.html#ref=rss German central bank head Jens Weidmann has strongly criticized French efforts to reduce its budget deficit, just days after the European Union granted Paris more time to meet EU requirements. He warns that French delays could damage the credibility of euro-zone rules. Thu, 09 May 2013 12:10:49 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/bundesbank-head-weidmann-criticizes-french-deficit-reduction-plans-a-898924.html German central bank head Jens Weidmann has strongly criticized French efforts to reduce its budget deficit, just days after the European Union granted Paris more time to meet EU requirements. He warns that French delays could damage the credibility of euro-zone rules.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/former-minister-france-no-role-model-for-germany-a-897671.html#ref=rss The parliamentary leader of Chancellor Angela Merkel's junior coalition partner, the Free Democrats (FDP), and a former German economics minister publicly criticized the French government under Socialist President François Hollande Thursday in a move that highlights the tension between the two countries. Thu, 02 May 2013 12:08:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/former-minister-france-no-role-model-for-germany-a-897671.html The parliamentary leader of Chancellor Angela Merkel's junior coalition partner, the Free Democrats (FDP), and a former German economics minister publicly criticized the French government under Socialist President François Hollande Thursday in a move that highlights the tension between the two countries. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/tensions-grow-between-germany-and-france-over-austerity-a-897318.html#ref=rss Progress in the European Union is stalled at the moment because France and Germany can't get along. Paris is hoping for a change of government in Berlin after elections this fall, but even that would do little to bridge growing differences between the countries. Wed, 01 May 2013 16:56:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/tensions-grow-between-germany-and-france-over-austerity-a-897318.html Progress in the European Union is stalled at the moment because France and Germany can't get along. Paris is hoping for a change of government in Berlin after elections this fall, but even that would do little to bridge growing differences between the countries. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-parliament-president-says-french-criticism-of-merkel-is-unfair-a-897321.html#ref=rss European Parliament President Martin Schulz shielded German Chancellor Angela Merkel from French criticism on Monday evening, saying she couldn't be held responsible for all the bloc's economic woes because 26 other leaders are also involved in decision-making. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:51:20 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-parliament-president-says-french-criticism-of-merkel-is-unfair-a-897321.html European Parliament President Martin Schulz shielded German Chancellor Angela Merkel from French criticism on Monday evening, saying she couldn't be held responsible for all the bloc's economic woes because 26 other leaders are also involved in decision-making. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/sarkozy-speech-in-montreal-criticizes-hollande-policies-a-897165.html#ref=rss While French President François Hollande deals with dismal jobless figures and turmoil surrounding the recent legalization of gay marriage, his upbeat predecessor goes on the thinly veiled offensive in Montreal. "When I look at those who succeeded me," Nicolas Sarkozy says, "I feel very good." Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:43:36 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/sarkozy-speech-in-montreal-criticizes-hollande-policies-a-897165.html While French President François Hollande deals with dismal jobless figures and turmoil surrounding the recent legalization of gay marriage, his upbeat predecessor goes on the thinly veiled offensive in Montreal. "When I look at those who succeeded me," Nicolas Sarkozy says, "I feel very good." ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-french-vote-to-approve-same-sex-marriage-a-896287.html#ref=rss The French parliament's Tuesday decision to approve a same-sex marriage bill sparked violent protests in Paris. In Germany, too, the split opinions on the editorial pages mirror the left-right schism that has left French society divided. Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:31:40 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-french-vote-to-approve-same-sex-marriage-a-896287.html The French parliament's Tuesday decision to approve a same-sex marriage bill sparked violent protests in Paris. In Germany, too, the split opinions on the editorial pages mirror the left-right schism that has left French society divided. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-president-francois-hollande-seeks-legitimacy-amid-tax-scandal-a-893293.html#ref=rss French President François Hollande is doing some moral spring cleaning. His recent demands that government ministers make public all their financial assets are part of an effort to rebuild the reputation of the political caste -- and to legitimize his government so he can finally start governing again. Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:38:59 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-president-francois-hollande-seeks-legitimacy-amid-tax-scandal-a-893293.html French President François Hollande is doing some moral spring cleaning. His recent demands that government ministers make public all their financial assets are part of an effort to rebuild the reputation of the political caste -- and to legitimize his government so he can finally start governing again.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/corruption-scandal-puts-hollande-and-france-on-their-heels-a-892965.html#ref=rss France had hoped that President François Hollande could lead the country out of the swamp of scandal left behind by his precedessor Sarkozy. But accusations against his campaign manager combined with the offshore account held by Budget Minister Jérôme Cahuzac have destroyed that dream and triggered a crisis of democracy. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:09:41 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/corruption-scandal-puts-hollande-and-france-on-their-heels-a-892965.html France had hoped that President François Hollande could lead the country out of the swamp of scandal left behind by his precedessor Sarkozy. But accusations against his campaign manager combined with the offshore account held by Budget Minister Jérôme Cahuzac have destroyed that dream and triggered a crisis of democracy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-spd-growing-wary-of-partnership-with-french-president-hollande-a-892820.html#ref=rss Germany's Social Democrats had hoped that François Hollande's victory last spring would provide them with some momentum. But Friday's visit to Paris by SPD candidate Peer Steinbrück has highlighted the difficulties facing the European left. A renaissance this election year seems unlikely. Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:01:53 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-spd-growing-wary-of-partnership-with-french-president-hollande-a-892820.html Germany's Social Democrats had hoped that François Hollande's victory last spring would provide them with some momentum. But Friday's visit to Paris by SPD candidate Peer Steinbrück has highlighted the difficulties facing the European left. A renaissance this election year seems unlikely.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cahuzac-tax-evasion-scandal-threatens-french-government-a-892547.html#ref=rss Former Budget Minister Jerome Cahuzac shocked France this week by admitting to tax evasion. The scandal represents a potential disaster for the struggling Socialist government and could increase pressure from the public and the political opposition against President François Hollande. Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:01:54 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cahuzac-tax-evasion-scandal-threatens-french-government-a-892547.html Former Budget Minister Jerome Cahuzac shocked France this week by admitting to tax evasion. The scandal represents a potential disaster for the struggling Socialist government and could increase pressure from the public and the political opposition against President François Hollande.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-president-hollande-failing-to-control-unemployment-crisis-a-891182.html#ref=rss France has long had a chronic problem with unemployment, but the current jobless rate is especially dismal. The government has introduced several employment programs, but they're not taking effect quickly enough to convince the country things will get better. Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:52:07 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-president-hollande-failing-to-control-unemployment-crisis-a-891182.html France has long had a chronic problem with unemployment, but the current jobless rate is especially dismal. The government has introduced several employment programs, but they're not taking effect quickly enough to convince the country things will get better.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/anti-gay-marriage-activists-clash-with-paris-police-a-890752.html#ref=rss Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris on Sunday to protest a plan by the French government to legalize gay marriage and adoption. The demonstration turned violent with police using tear gas and batons. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:07:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/anti-gay-marriage-activists-clash-with-paris-police-a-890752.html Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris on Sunday to protest a plan by the French government to legalize gay marriage and adoption. The demonstration turned violent with police using tear gas and batons.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/merkel-zoegert-bei-waffenlieferungen-an-syriens-opposition-a-889134.html#ref=rss Die Frage, ob der Westen Waffen an die syrische Opposition liefern soll, entzweit Europa. Die Briten sind dafür, nun prescht Frankreichs Präsident Hollande ebenfalls vor. Die Deutschen wollen sich offiziell noch nicht festlegen - doch in der Koalition formiert sich der Widerstand. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:52:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/merkel-zoegert-bei-waffenlieferungen-an-syriens-opposition-a-889134.html Die Frage, ob der Westen Waffen an die syrische Opposition liefern soll, entzweit Europa. Die Briten sind dafür, nun prescht Frankreichs Präsident Hollande ebenfalls vor. Die Deutschen wollen sich offiziell noch nicht festlegen - doch in der Koalition formiert sich der Widerstand.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/syrien-europa-streitet-ueber-waffen-fuer-rebellen-a-889077.html#ref=rss Die Lage in Syrien ist dramatisch, aber wie kann Europa helfen? Mit Waffen für die Rebellen, meinen Frankreich und Großbritannien. Doch viele EU-Partner warnen vor einem Ende des Embargos. Auch Kanzlerin Merkel zögert - scheint aber bereit, ihr Nein zu überdenken. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:42:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/syrien-europa-streitet-ueber-waffen-fuer-rebellen-a-889077.html Die Lage in Syrien ist dramatisch, aber wie kann Europa helfen? Mit Waffen für die Rebellen, meinen Frankreich und Großbritannien. Doch viele EU-Partner warnen vor einem Ende des Embargos. Auch Kanzlerin Merkel zögert - scheint aber bereit, ihr Nein zu überdenken.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/frankreich-will-im-alleingang-waffen-an-syrische-rebellen-liefern-a-889026.html#ref=rss Frankreichs Präsident Hollande glaubt nicht mehr an eine politische Lösung der Syrien-Krise. Er will das Waffenembargo aufheben und die syrischen Rebellen für den Kampf gegen die Truppen rüsten. Die EU-Partner zögern - Hollande erwägt einen Alleingang. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 07:22:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/frankreich-will-im-alleingang-waffen-an-syrische-rebellen-liefern-a-889026.html Frankreichs Präsident Hollande glaubt nicht mehr an eine politische Lösung der Syrien-Krise. Er will das Waffenembargo aufheben und die syrischen Rebellen für den Kampf gegen die Truppen rüsten. Die EU-Partner zögern - Hollande erwägt einen Alleingang.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/eu-gipfel-hollande-draengt-auf-waffenhilfe-fuer-syrische-rebellen-a-889021.html#ref=rss Frankreichs Präsident Hollande verliert die Geduld. Beim EU-Gipfel fordert er mit klaren Worten Waffenlieferungen für die Gegner des syrischen Präsidenten Assad. Kanzlerin Merkel mahnt dagegen zur Vorsicht. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 01:29:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/eu-gipfel-hollande-draengt-auf-waffenhilfe-fuer-syrische-rebellen-a-889021.html Frankreichs Präsident Hollande verliert die Geduld. Beim EU-Gipfel fordert er mit klaren Worten Waffenlieferungen für die Gegner des syrischen Präsidenten Assad. Kanzlerin Merkel mahnt dagegen zur Vorsicht.]]>