Sunday, May 26, 2013
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Made in Germany

From the West Germany economic miracle of the 1950s to Daimler, Siemens and BASF, Germany has chugged its way into the new century on the back of its export economy. A beneficiary of free trade within Europe, Germany has the continent's largest economy and the fourth largest in the world.

Stagnation Stress: German Exporters Expect Bleak Future

Stagnation Stress German Exporters Expect Bleak Future

SPIEGEL ONLINE - May 23, 2013

Companies in Germany that rely on exports are becoming increasingly concerned about the future of the country's economy, according to a new industry survey. The downturn in optimism is yet another indication that Europe may be in for a period of extended stagnation. more... Forum ]

Cowboys on the Rhine: US Firms Flout German Labor Practices

Cowboys on the Rhine US Firms Flout German Labor Practices

SPIEGEL ONLINE - May 20, 2013

Last week workers walked out in protest at Amazon's two largest distribution centers in Germany. The online retail giant is one of several US companies to butt heads with employees in the country over corporate practices that chafe against German labor laws. By Janko Tietz more... Forum ]

World from Berlin: 'Austerity Is Making European Economy Sicker'

World from Berlin 'Austerity Is Making European Economy Sicker'

SPIEGEL ONLINE - May 16, 2013

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. more... Forum ]

Coming to Germany: Spanish Workers Look for a Future in Bavaria

Coming to Germany Spanish Workers Look for a Future in Bavaria

SPIEGEL ONLINE - May 15, 2013

Youth unemployment in Spain is enormously high, yet some companies in Germany can't find the skilled labor they need. Now, a program in Bavaria is trying to kill two birds with one stone. It has been overwhelmed with applications and the first Spanish newcomers have begun arriving. By Andrew Bowen in Munich, Germany more... Forum ]

Germany's Working Poor: More Low-Wage Earners Dependent on Welfare

Germany's Working Poor More Low-Wage Earners Dependent on Welfare

SPIEGEL ONLINE - May 08, 2013

Germany's low unemployment rate is the envy of much of Europe. Yet it masks the difficulties many working Germans have in making ends meet and their reliance on welfare benefits. The issue could become important as the election campaign heats up. more... Forum ]

Subject of Envy: Britain Discovers Germany as a Model

Subject of Envy Britain Discovers Germany as a Model

SPIEGEL ONLINE - May 06, 2013

Britain, which has yet to recover from the 2008 financial crash, is peering enviously at Germany's economic structure with its focus on engineering, its medium-sized firms, apprenticeships, regional banks and long-term business approach. The opposition Labour Party, but also the Conservative-led government, are starting to embrace German ideas. By Carsten Volkery in London more...

Less Is More: Rogue Economists Champion Prosperity without Growth

Less Is More Rogue Economists Champion Prosperity without Growth

SPIEGEL ONLINE - May 02, 2013

For years, economists have posited that prosperity requires growth, with environmental damage as the regrettable but unavoidable consequence. A growing number of critics are now challenging this equation, though, calling for a radical revamping of the economic system. By Nils Klawitter more... Forum ]

EU Social Affairs Commissioner: 'Wages in Germany Must Increase'

EU Social Affairs Commissioner 'Wages in Germany Must Increase'

SPIEGEL ONLINE - April 29, 2013

Wages in Germany must increase and the government should establish a nationwide minimum wage, says EU Social Affairs Commissioner László Andor. In an interview with a German daily, he calls for a radical change in policy in the euro crisis and argues for a shift away from the country's export model. more... Forum ]

Help Wanted: Will Dearth of Experts Starve German Economy?

Help Wanted Will Dearth of Experts Starve German Economy?

SPIEGEL ONLINE - April 19, 2013

The success of Germany's economy has long been driven by small and mid-sized companies dependent on skilled labor. But a developing shortage of experts represents a threat to the country's economic future. With babies in short supply, immigration could be the answer. By Charles Hawley more... Forum ]

Wealth Report Criticism: Merkel Says Germans Richer than Statistics Suggest

Wealth Report Criticism Merkel Says Germans Richer than Statistics Suggest

SPIEGEL ONLINE - April 19, 2013

Germans are more prosperous than a recent ECB survey indicates, Chancellor Angela Merkel insists. With a number of caveats distorting its results, the controversial report did not factor in the country's generous social policy, she says. more...

 
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