http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Fri, 24 May 2013 10:42:25 +0200 Fri, 24 May 2013 10:42:25 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-press-reacts-to-g-20-summit-a-839949.html#ref=rss The closing group photos from the G-20 meeting in Mexico show the world's top leaders smiling in a show of unity. But German observers say the happy family shots belie the serious problems the world economy faces -- and the mudslinging that went on during the summit. Wed, 20 Jun 2012 13:41:02 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-press-reacts-to-g-20-summit-a-839949.html The closing group photos from the G-20 meeting in Mexico show the world's top leaders smiling in a show of unity. But German observers say the happy family shots belie the serious problems the world economy faces -- and the mudslinging that went on during the summit.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/high-expectations-on-europe-after-g-20-summit-a-839891.html#ref=rss World leaders emerged from the G-20 meeting in Mexico satisfied that Europe is making progress on efforts to save the common currency from collapse. But now the euro zone must come up with a concrete plan. Expectations are high for the EU summit at the end of June. Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:34:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/high-expectations-on-europe-after-g-20-summit-a-839891.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-leaders-tired-of-criticism-at-the-g-20-summit-a-839724.html#ref=rss The state of the euro zone is the dominant theme at the G-20 summit in Mexico this week. But European Commission President Barroso has had enough. He erupted in frustration on Monday and insisted that Europe is doing all it can. Not all of the gathered leaders would agree. Tue, 19 Jun 2012 13:34:36 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-leaders-tired-of-criticism-at-the-g-20-summit-a-839724.html The state of the euro zone is the dominant theme at the G-20 summit in Mexico this week. But European Commission President Barroso has had enough. He erupted in frustration on Monday and insisted that Europe is doing all it can. Not all of the gathered leaders would agree.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/g-20-pressure-mounting-on-merkel-for-quick-solution-to-the-euro-crisis-a-839481.html#ref=rss The euro is in trouble and only Germany can fix it. That appears to be the consensus as Chancellor Merkel attends this week's G-20 summit in Mexico. So far, she has stubbornly opposed most crisis solution proposals coming from Brussels. But the risks are now so great that she may soon have to backpedal. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:16:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/g-20-pressure-mounting-on-merkel-for-quick-solution-to-the-euro-crisis-a-839481.html By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/europe-plays-down-crisis-leaders-buy-time-at-g-20-summit-in-mexico-a-817818.html#ref=rss At this weekend's meeting of finance ministers and central bankers of the world's 20 most important economies, the Europeans sought to convey the message that everything is under control in the euro crisis. If so, the rest of the world is asking, why don't they do more to help themselves? Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:47:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/europe-plays-down-crisis-leaders-buy-time-at-g-20-summit-in-mexico-a-817818.html At this weekend's meeting of finance ministers and central bankers of the world's 20 most important economies, the Europeans sought to convey the message that everything is under control in the euro crisis. If so, the rest of the world is asking, why don't they do more to help themselves?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/imf-babysitter-for-berlusconi-italy-becomes-next-euro-battleground-a-795900.html#ref=rss Greece is a problem for the European common currency. But Italy could be a catastrophe. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is losing support at home and on Thursday evening, he agreed to have his austerity efforts monitored by the IMF. Concern is rising that Italy could be the next euro battleground. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:31:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/imf-babysitter-for-berlusconi-italy-becomes-next-euro-battleground-a-795900.html Greece is a problem for the European common currency. But Italy could be a catastrophe. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is losing support at home and on Thursday evening, he agreed to have his austerity efforts monitored by the IMF. Concern is rising that Italy could be the next euro battleground.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/in-the-shadow-of-the-g-20-stars-euro-chaos-marginalizes-obama-s-role-in-cannes-a-795517.html#ref=rss A new experience awaits US President Obama at the G-20 summit in Cannes this week. Thanks to the euro crisis, he's likely to remain only a peripheral figure in the meetings. Still, with the presidential campaign in full swing back home, he will be unable to deny himself the right to give at least a little bit of sage advice. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:17:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/in-the-shadow-of-the-g-20-stars-euro-chaos-marginalizes-obama-s-role-in-cannes-a-795517.html A new experience awaits US President Obama at the G-20 summit in Cannes this week. Thanks to the euro crisis, he's likely to remain only a peripheral figure in the meetings. Still, with the presidential campaign in full swing back home, he will be unable to deny himself the right to give at least a little bit of sage advice. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/road-to-the-g-20-europe-may-act-alone-on-financial-transaction-tax-a-794954.html#ref=rss German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble said on Monday that the EU should launch a financial transactions tax on its own if the G-20 summit this week can't agree on such a levy. A draft communiqué obtained by SPIEGEL shows the G-20 plans far-reaching reforms of the global financial sector. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:32:53 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/road-to-the-g-20-europe-may-act-alone-on-financial-transaction-tax-a-794954.html German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble said on Monday that the EU should launch a financial transactions tax on its own if the G-20 summit this week can't agree on such a levy. A draft communiqué obtained by SPIEGEL shows the G-20 plans far-reaching reforms of the global financial sector. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-german-self-righteousness-on-trade-has-been-shot-down-a-757716.html#ref=rss The G-20 has come up with a plan to monitor global imbalances and recommend corrective measures, which is aimed at countries with huge trade surpluses such as China and Germany. But German commentators warn that it has no teeth. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:10:04 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-german-self-righteousness-on-trade-has-been-shot-down-a-757716.html The G-20 has come up with a plan to monitor global imbalances and recommend corrective measures, which is aimed at countries with huge trade surpluses such as China and Germany. But German commentators warn that it has no teeth.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/merkel-s-summit-success-g-20-offers-slight-tweak-to-global-finances-a-728765.html#ref=rss Germany succesfully managed to thwart US demands for rigid rules on trade imbalances. The G-20 also reached agreement on limiting banking risk and reforming the International Monetary Fund. But Chancellor Angela Merkel's victory was overshadowed by rumors of an impending cabinet shake-up in Berlin. Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:19:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/merkel-s-summit-success-g-20-offers-slight-tweak-to-global-finances-a-728765.html Germany succesfully managed to thwart US demands for rigid rules on trade imbalances. The G-20 also reached agreement on limiting banking risk and reforming the International Monetary Fund. But Chancellor Angela Merkel's victory was overshadowed by rumors of an impending cabinet shake-up in Berlin.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-g-20-solidarity-is-crumbling-a-728542.html#ref=rss With significant squabbling in the run-up to the G-20 summit in Seoul this week, particularly between Germany, China and the US, observers expect few results of substance. German commentators argue that there is a lesson to be learned for Berlin. Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:09:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-g-20-solidarity-is-crumbling-a-728542.html With significant squabbling in the run-up to the G-20 summit in Seoul this week, particularly between Germany, China and the US, observers expect few results of substance. German commentators argue that there is a lesson to be learned for Berlin.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/adrift-in-seoul-bickering-likely-to-lame-g-20-summit-a-728527.html#ref=rss The days of close cooperation among the world's big 20 economic powers may have ended. With the economic recovery, displays of envy and egotism have reared up at this year's G-20 summit in Seoul. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is on a confrontation course with Washington over trade policy. Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:33:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/adrift-in-seoul-bickering-likely-to-lame-g-20-summit-a-728527.html The days of close cooperation among the world's big 20 economic powers may have ended. With the economic recovery, displays of envy and egotism have reared up at this year's G-20 summit in Seoul. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is on a confrontation course with Washington over trade policy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-prepares-for-g-20-our-export-success-shows-how-competitive-german-products-are-a-728324.html#ref=rss In interviews given in the run-up to this week's G-20 summit in South Korea, Germany leaders, including Chancellor Angela Merkel, are defending their country's trade surpluses and warning against currency wars. Her words are unlikely to find a warm welcome in Washington. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:25:18 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-prepares-for-g-20-our-export-success-shows-how-competitive-german-products-are-a-728324.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-distorted-global-economy-us-to-bully-germany-on-trade-surplus-at-the-g-20-a-727970.html#ref=rss The US thinks it knows who is to blame for its struggling economy: Germany and other countries with a trade surplus. Washington wants to see new rules that would punish such imbalances, but Germany says it shouldn't be blamed for having more competitive companies than the US. Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:40:09 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-distorted-global-economy-us-to-bully-germany-on-trade-surplus-at-the-g-20-a-727970.html The US thinks it knows who is to blame for its struggling economy: Germany and other countries with a trade surplus. Washington wants to see new rules that would punish such imbalances, but Germany says it shouldn't be blamed for having more competitive companies than the US.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-g-20-agreement-contains-more-empty-words-than-substance-a-703549.html#ref=rss Chancellor Angela Merkel hailed the outcome of the G-20 summit in Toronto as an unexpected success, but just how meaningful is the rich countries' pledge to cut their deficits? German commentators are skeptical about the significance of the meeting's outcome but defend the G-20 format. Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:39:11 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-g-20-agreement-contains-more-empty-words-than-substance-a-703549.html Chancellor Angela Merkel hailed the outcome of the G-20 summit in Toronto as an unexpected success, but just how meaningful is the rich countries' pledge to cut their deficits? German commentators are skeptical about the significance of the meeting's outcome but defend the G-20 format.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-european-press-on-the-g-20-another-dead-end-summit-a-703570.html#ref=rss Marked by the EU-US divide over the best way out of the crisis, the world leaders at the G-20 summit in Toronto spurned Europe's proposals to tax banks and regulate markets. The only consensus reached was on deficit reduction, an objective championed by all 27 EU member states. European papers are scathing in their editorials on the G-20 gathering. Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:00:17 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-european-press-on-the-g-20-another-dead-end-summit-a-703570.html Marked by the EU-US divide over the best way out of the crisis, the world leaders at the G-20 summit in Toronto spurned Europe's proposals to tax banks and regulate markets. The only consensus reached was on deficit reduction, an objective championed by all 27 EU member states. European papers are scathing in their editorials on the G-20 gathering.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/g-20-differences-half-hearted-promises-and-mutual-blame-a-703235.html#ref=rss The G-20 summit in Toronto ended with yet more vague promises. The rich nations pledged to slash their budget deficits, without making any real commitments. The result is a setback for President Obama, who failed to find support for new stimulus programs in Europe. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:06:16 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/g-20-differences-half-hearted-promises-and-mutual-blame-a-703235.html The G-20 summit in Toronto ended with yet more vague promises. The rich nations pledged to slash their budget deficits, without making any real commitments. The result is a setback for President Obama, who failed to find support for new stimulus programs in Europe.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-trans-atlantic-tiff-brewing-ahead-of-g-20-summit-a-702854.html#ref=rss The G-20 talks in Canada this weekend are to focus on shoring up the global economy but German commentators are not expecting much in the way of agreement. Ahead of the summit Germany and the US have been trading barbs about whether the best strategy is to save or spend. Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:56:20 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-trans-atlantic-tiff-brewing-ahead-of-g-20-summit-a-702854.html The G-20 talks in Canada this weekend are to focus on shoring up the global economy but German commentators are not expecting much in the way of agreement. Ahead of the summit Germany and the US have been trading barbs about whether the best strategy is to save or spend.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/the-g-20-debate-germany-warns-us-not-to-become-addicted-to-borrowing-a-702849.html#ref=rss The US has heavily criticized German austerity measures in recent days. Now, Germany's finance minister has fired back, warning against becoming addicted to deficit spending and noting that history has made the country extremely wary of national debt and inflation. Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:23:20 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/the-g-20-debate-germany-warns-us-not-to-become-addicted-to-borrowing-a-702849.html The US has heavily criticized German austerity measures in recent days. Now, Germany's finance minister has fired back, warning against becoming addicted to deficit spending and noting that history has made the country extremely wary of national debt and inflation.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/g-20-summit-five-ways-to-tame-the-financial-market-monster-a-702200.html#ref=rss The G-20 summit in Canada might offer the last chance to regulate the out-of-control financial markets. But it seems more than likely that the leading industrialized nations will once again fail to reach an agreement, even though it is already clear which five reforms are urgently needed to avert future crises. Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:18:41 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/g-20-summit-five-ways-to-tame-the-financial-market-monster-a-702200.html The G-20 summit in Canada might offer the last chance to regulate the out-of-control financial markets. But it seems more than likely that the leading industrialized nations will once again fail to reach an agreement, even though it is already clear which five reforms are urgently needed to avert future crises.]]>