http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:47:57 +0200 Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:47:57 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-communities-forced-to-find-creative-ways-to-reduce-debt-a-906478.html#ref=rss Outwardly, at least, Germany is thriving. But some 130 billion euros in combined debt are forcing communities to find creative ways to cut costs. The city of Goslar, for example, hopes that killing the lights at night will bring a brighter future. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:40:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-communities-forced-to-find-creative-ways-to-reduce-debt-a-906478.html Outwardly, at least, Germany is thriving. But some 130 billion euros in combined debt are forcing communities to find creative ways to cut costs. The city of Goslar, for example, hopes that killing the lights at night will bring a brighter future.]]> 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/germany/italians-flock-to-berlin-to-join-flourishing-start-up-scene-a-903908.html#ref=rss With the economy at home in the doldrums, entrepreneurs from Italy have been flocking to Berlin recently. The job opportunities are plentiful and there is a growing Italian community within Germany's vibrant high-tech start-up scene. Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:46:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/italians-flock-to-berlin-to-join-flourishing-start-up-scene-a-903908.html With the economy at home in the doldrums, entrepreneurs from Italy have been flocking to Berlin recently. The job opportunities are plentiful and there is a growing Italian community within Germany's vibrant high-tech start-up scene.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/obama-visit-to-berlin-comes-as-trans-atlantic-ties-are-changing-a-904791.html#ref=rss Barack Obama's upcoming visit to Berlin has many fondly reminiscing of John F. Kennedy's momentous trip there 50 years ago. Though Germans still revere both presidents, the trans-Atlantic relationship has changed considerably since then. To Europe's detriment. Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:11:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/obama-visit-to-berlin-comes-as-trans-atlantic-ties-are-changing-a-904791.html Barack Obama's upcoming visit to Berlin has many fondly reminiscing of John F. Kennedy's momentous trip there 50 years ago. Though Germans still revere both presidents, the trans-Atlantic relationship has changed considerably since then. To Europe's detriment.]]> 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/business/overhaul-of-kiel-canal-threatens-future-of-port-of-hamburg-a-903880.html#ref=rss The Kiel Canal has long kept the Port of Hamburg alive, providing Germany's biggest port with a direct link to countries further east. Now, though, a massive overhaul of the waterway could prompt shipowners to switch to rival terminals. Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:35:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/overhaul-of-kiel-canal-threatens-future-of-port-of-hamburg-a-903880.html The Kiel Canal has long kept the Port of Hamburg alive, providing Germany's biggest port with a direct link to countries further east. Now, though, a massive overhaul of the waterway could prompt shipowners to switch to rival terminals.]]> 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/world/biggest-container-ship-in-world-inaugurated-in-hamburg-a-902846.html#ref=rss The world's largest container ship was to be christened in the German port city of Hamburg on Thursday, and now shares the title with an identical twin vessel. But with fierce competition for new records, they won't be the biggest for long. Thu, 30 May 2013 16:12:29 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/biggest-container-ship-in-world-inaugurated-in-hamburg-a-902846.html The world's largest container ship was to be christened in the German port city of Hamburg on Thursday, and now shares the title with an identical twin vessel. But with fierce competition for new records, they won't be the biggest for long. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-to-pay-772-million-euros-in-reparations-to-holocaust-survivors-a-902528.html#ref=rss The German government has committed to pay nearly 800 million euros for the care of elderly Holocaust survivors as a result of negotiations in Israel between Berlin and a fund for Jewish victims of Nazi aggression. Nearly 60,000 people will benefit from the aid money. Wed, 29 May 2013 12:54:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-to-pay-772-million-euros-in-reparations-to-holocaust-survivors-a-902528.html The German government has committed to pay nearly 800 million euros for the care of elderly Holocaust survivors as a result of negotiations in Israel between Berlin and a fund for Jewish victims of Nazi aggression. Nearly 60,000 people will benefit from the aid money.]]> 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/business/german-exporters-less-optimistic-as-economic-worries-deepen-a-901556.html#ref=rss 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. Thu, 23 May 2013 17:52:27 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/german-exporters-less-optimistic-as-economic-worries-deepen-a-901556.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/amazon-and-other-us-corporations-flout-german-labor-laws-a-900615.html#ref=rss 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. Mon, 20 May 2013 17:14:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/amazon-and-other-us-corporations-flout-german-labor-laws-a-900615.html 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. ]]> 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/international/europe/bavarian-companies-set-sights-on-workers-from-spain-to-fill-jobs-a-900034.html#ref=rss 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. Wed, 15 May 2013 15:53:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/bavarian-companies-set-sights-on-workers-from-spain-to-fill-jobs-a-900034.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/report-cites-rise-in-low-wage-workers-dependent-on-welfare-benefits-a-898693.html#ref=rss 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. Wed, 08 May 2013 13:10:04 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/report-cites-rise-in-low-wage-workers-dependent-on-welfare-benefits-a-898693.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/britain-increasingly-regarding-germany-as-an-economic-role-model-a-898399.html#ref=rss 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. Mon, 06 May 2013 18:13:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/britain-increasingly-regarding-germany-as-an-economic-role-model-a-898399.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/critics-propose-economy-with-less-growth-and-environmental-damage-a-897550.html#ref=rss 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. Thu, 02 May 2013 16:23:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/critics-propose-economy-with-less-growth-and-environmental-damage-a-897550.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-social-affairs-commissioner-wages-in-germany-must-increase-a-897120.html#ref=rss 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. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:37:28 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-social-affairs-commissioner-wages-in-germany-must-increase-a-897120.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/lack-of-skilled-labor-could-pose-future-threat-to-german-economy-a-894116.html#ref=rss 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. Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:10:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/lack-of-skilled-labor-could-pose-future-threat-to-german-economy-a-894116.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/chancellor-merkel-rejects-findings-of-ecb-wealth-report-a-895365.html#ref=rss 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. Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:46:09 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/chancellor-merkel-rejects-findings-of-ecb-wealth-report-a-895365.html 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. ]]>