http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Thu, 23 May 2013 17:32:19 +0200 Thu, 23 May 2013 17:32:19 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-leaders-to-sidestep-lisbon-treaty-article-on-commission-reduction-a-900993.html#ref=rss The Lisbon Treaty clearly intends for the size of the European Commission to be reduced below its present size of 27 members. But EU leaders have reached unanimous agreement to sidestep the provision -- and even plan to add a seat to the table for the Croatians. Tue, 21 May 2013 13:27:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-leaders-to-sidestep-lisbon-treaty-article-on-commission-reduction-a-900993.html The Lisbon Treaty clearly intends for the size of the European Commission to be reduced below its present size of 27 members. But EU leaders have reached unanimous agreement to sidestep the provision -- and even plan to add a seat to the table for the Croatians.]]> 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/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/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/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/german-press-review-on-50th-anniversary-of-german-french-elysee-treaty-a-879199.html#ref=rss Tuesday's celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the German-French friendship treaty masked deep differences between the nations. But those differences have always existed, and the countries seem committed to keep on tackling them with compromises that are crucial for Europe, write German commentators. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:08:47 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-review-on-50th-anniversary-of-german-french-elysee-treaty-a-879199.html Tuesday's celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the German-French friendship treaty masked deep differences between the nations. But those differences have always existed, and the countries seem committed to keep on tackling them with compromises that are crucial for Europe, write German commentators. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/differences-of-opinion-marks-franco-german-relations-a-879096.html#ref=rss Though France and Germany are coming together this week to celebrate 50 years of postwar friendship, the two countries are growing further apart. Both countries are less interested in finding common ground on important issues and that attitude is preventing them from solving problems facing Europe. Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:57:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/differences-of-opinion-marks-franco-german-relations-a-879096.html Though France and Germany are coming together this week to celebrate 50 years of postwar friendship, the two countries are growing further apart. Both countries are less interested in finding common ground on important issues and that attitude is preventing them from solving problems facing Europe.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-elysee-treaty-has-been-a-cornerstone-of-european-stability-a-879002.html#ref=rss Fifty years ago, German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and French President Charles de Gaulle embraced after signing the Franco-German Friendship Treaty. Since then, the partnership between the two countries has become one of the cornerstones of European stability. Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:17:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-elysee-treaty-has-been-a-cornerstone-of-european-stability-a-879002.html Fifty years ago, German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and French President Charles de Gaulle embraced after signing the Franco-German Friendship Treaty. Since then, the partnership between the two countries has become one of the cornerstones of European stability.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/neighboring-towns-in-france-and-germany-show-dividing-lines-a-878952.html#ref=rss German Chancelor Angela Merkel and French President François Hollande are celebrating 50 years of Franco-German relations in Berlin this week. But along the German-French border, thoughts of enmity or reconciliation are a thing of the past. Residents of two towns along the Rhine have different concerns. Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:26:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/neighboring-towns-in-france-and-germany-show-dividing-lines-a-878952.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/jacques-delors-and-joschka-fischer-discuss-50-years-of-the-elysee-treaty-a-878755.html#ref=rss In a SPIEGEL interview, French politician Jacques Delors and former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer discuss tight, but sometimes complicated, relations between their countries on the 50th anniversary of the Franco-German friendship treaty. Mon, 21 Jan 2013 17:40:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/jacques-delors-and-joschka-fischer-discuss-50-years-of-the-elysee-treaty-a-878755.html In a SPIEGEL interview, French politician Jacques Delors and former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer discuss tight, but sometimes complicated, relations between their countries on the 50th anniversary of the Franco-German friendship treaty. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/new-survey-shows-german-french-relations-strained-by-crisis-a-877653.html#ref=rss The relationship between Germany and France has suffered as a result of the economic crisis, according to a new survey undertaken on the eve of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Elysée Treaty. Germans are seen as arrogant and the French as economically unimportant. Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:06:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/new-survey-shows-german-french-relations-strained-by-crisis-a-877653.html The relationship between Germany and France has suffered as a result of the economic crisis, according to a new survey undertaken on the eve of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Elysée Treaty. Germans are seen as arrogant and the French as economically unimportant.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-german-agreement-on-bank-oversight-boosts-hopes-for-eu-deal-a-872428.html#ref=rss Europe has moved closer to implementing common European banking supervision thanks to a compromise between Germany and France, a media report said on Wednesday. The deal calls for the European Central Bank to only monitor the Continent's largest institutions. Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:25:52 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-german-agreement-on-bank-oversight-boosts-hopes-for-eu-deal-a-872428.html Europe has moved closer to implementing common European banking supervision thanks to a compromise between Germany and France, a media report said on Wednesday. The deal calls for the European Central Bank to only monitor the Continent's largest institutions.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/crisis-of-confidence-develops-between-merkel-and-hollande-a-862644.html#ref=rss The most recent European Union summit exposed deep differences between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President François Hollande. Berlin wants Brussels to be bestowed with greater power over national budgets and Paris is calling for an end to austerity. The dispute threatens to intensify the euro crisis. Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:47:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/crisis-of-confidence-develops-between-merkel-and-hollande-a-862644.html The most recent European Union summit exposed deep differences between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President François Hollande. Berlin wants Brussels to be bestowed with greater power over national budgets and Paris is calling for an end to austerity. The dispute threatens to intensify the euro crisis.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/philosopher-andre-glucksmann-a-dark-vision-of-the-future-of-europe-a-851266.html#ref=rss French philosopher André Glucksmann finds the situation in Europe "extremely unsettling." In a SPIEGEL interview, he discusses the failure of European intellectuals, how divisions could lead to an EU breakup or even hostilities, and why pursuing a United States of Europe is "the wrong goal." Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:43:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/philosopher-andre-glucksmann-a-dark-vision-of-the-future-of-europe-a-851266.html French philosopher André Glucksmann finds the situation in Europe "extremely unsettling." In a SPIEGEL interview, he discusses the failure of European intellectuals, how divisions could lead to an EU breakup or even hostilities, and why pursuing a United States of Europe is "the wrong goal."]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-intellectuals-put-the-franco-german-axis-on-the-couch-a-850197.html#ref=rss Together, Germany and France have long been viewed as the motor of European integration. In the midst of the economic crisis, however, old suspicions and rivalries between Europe's two key nations are being reawakened. Once again, the German approach has France's intellectuals mystified -- and the tone is getting sharper. Thu, 16 Aug 2012 12:57:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-intellectuals-put-the-franco-german-axis-on-the-couch-a-850197.html Together, Germany and France have long been viewed as the motor of European integration. In the midst of the economic crisis, however, old suspicions and rivalries between Europe's two key nations are being reawakened. Once again, the German approach has France's intellectuals mystified -- and the tone is getting sharper.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/review-of-german-press-commentaries-on-outcome-of-eu-summit-a-842106.html#ref=rss Angela Merkel is being portrayed as the loser of last week's EU summit, and she only has herself to blame after her uncompromising talk beforehand, write German commentators. The deal amounts to 'institutionalized irresponsibility," says one. Others call it an inevitable move to shore up Spain and Italy. Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:21:09 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/review-of-german-press-commentaries-on-outcome-of-eu-summit-a-842106.html Angela Merkel is being portrayed as the loser of last week's EU summit, and she only has herself to blame after her uncompromising talk beforehand, write German commentators. The deal amounts to 'institutionalized irresponsibility," says one. Others call it an inevitable move to shore up Spain and Italy. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-president-fran-ois-hollande-to-call-for-euro-bonds-at-eu-summit-a-834180.html#ref=rss French President François Hollande will put German Chancellor Angela Merkel under pressure at Wednesday's EU summit to agree to euro bonds, which she has so far strictly opposed. Italy and Britain are expected to back Hollande in a further sign that Merkel is increasingly isolated in Europe with her austerity plan for saving the euro. Mon, 21 May 2012 12:29:09 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-president-fran-ois-hollande-to-call-for-euro-bonds-at-eu-summit-a-834180.html French President François Hollande will put German Chancellor Angela Merkel under pressure at Wednesday's EU summit to agree to euro bonds, which she has so far strictly opposed. Italy and Britain are expected to back Hollande in a further sign that Merkel is increasingly isolated in Europe with her austerity plan for saving the euro.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/why-the-french-economy-works-surprisingly-well-a-832732.html#ref=rss According to German calculations, the new French president's call for an even lower retirement age and more public workers should not add up to economic growth. But despite violating established economic principles, the French economy works surprisingly well. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:53:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/why-the-french-economy-works-surprisingly-well-a-832732.html According to German calculations, the new French president's call for an even lower retirement age and more public workers should not add up to economic growth. But despite violating established economic principles, the French economy works surprisingly well. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/hollande-and-merkel-meet-in-berlin-following-inauguration-in-paris-a-833437.html#ref=rss Just hours after his rain-soaked inauguration, new French President François Hollande flew to Berlin to meet with the German chancellor. The pair did all they could to exude amiability, but with Hollande now intent on fulfilling his myriad campaign promises, it remains to be seen how long the congeniality will last. Wed, 16 May 2012 09:22:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/hollande-and-merkel-meet-in-berlin-following-inauguration-in-paris-a-833437.html Just hours after his rain-soaked inauguration, new French President François Hollande flew to Berlin to meet with the German chancellor. The pair did all they could to exude amiability, but with Hollande now intent on fulfilling his myriad campaign promises, it remains to be seen how long the congeniality will last.]]>