http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Mon, 01 Apr 2019 23:15:58 +0200 Mon, 01 Apr 2019 23:15:58 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/end-of-greek-aid-package-as-country-faces-demographic-crisis-a-1222554.html#ref=rss On August 20, the third aid package for Greece will end, marking the end -- for now -- of the country's debt crisis. But the country's slow economic growth and grim demographic outlook mean that even without the onerous rules attached to its repayments, it faces an uphill battle. Tue, 14 Aug 2018 12:29:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/end-of-greek-aid-package-as-country-faces-demographic-crisis-a-1222554.html On August 20, the third aid package for Greece will end, marking the end -- for now -- of the country's debt crisis. But the country's slow economic growth and grim demographic outlook mean that even without the onerous rules attached to its repayments, it faces an uphill battle. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/greek-prime-minister-tsipras-faces-voter-anger-a-1119045.html#ref=rss When he got elected nearly two years ago, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras promised to stand up to the EU's austerity demands and restore his country's dignity. His failure to deliver risks plunging the country into a new political crisis. Tue, 01 Nov 2016 10:30:34 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/greek-prime-minister-tsipras-faces-voter-anger-a-1119045.html When he got elected nearly two years ago, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras promised to stand up to the EU's austerity demands and restore his country's dignity. His failure to deliver risks plunging the country into a new political crisis. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/op-ed-yanis-varoufakis-imf-eu-quarrel-over-greece-s-debt-a-1085203.html#ref=rss Greece hasn't been saved just yet, and the conflict between the International Monetary Fund and Europe is once again intensifying. Greece's former minister of finance <i>Yanis Varoufakis</i> expects a showdown between the IMF and Germany. Sun, 03 Apr 2016 12:42:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/op-ed-yanis-varoufakis-imf-eu-quarrel-over-greece-s-debt-a-1085203.html Greece hasn't been saved just yet, and the conflict between the International Monetary Fund and Europe is once again intensifying. Greece's former minister of finance Yanis Varoufakis expects a showdown between the IMF and Germany.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/austerity-measures-greek-reform-minister-tackles-administrative-waste-a-920072.html#ref=rss Kyriakos Mitsotakis has only been minister for administrative reform for a few weeks. But he is already under heavy pressure from the troika to reduce Greek spending. To show he means business, the ambitious son of an old political family will soon cut thousands of jobs. Tue, 03 Sep 2013 15:34:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/austerity-measures-greek-reform-minister-tackles-administrative-waste-a-920072.html Kyriakos Mitsotakis has only been minister for administrative reform for a few weeks. But he is already under heavy pressure from the troika to reduce Greek spending. To show he means business, the ambitious son of an old political family will soon cut thousands of jobs.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/southern-europe-sees-way-of-life-under-threat-a-908109.html#ref=rss In the wake of the euro crisis, Southern Europeans have increasingly traded their traditions of leisure for more work and more consumption -- often at Germany's prodding. As backlash sets in, this logic must be questioned. Fri, 28 Jun 2013 12:28:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/southern-europe-sees-way-of-life-under-threat-a-908109.html In the wake of the euro crisis, Southern Europeans have increasingly traded their traditions of leisure for more work and more consumption -- often at Germany's prodding. As backlash sets in, this logic must be questioned.]]> 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. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/spreading-like-wildfire-a-chronicle-of-the-euro-crisis-a-769463.html#ref=rss When the euro crisis started in Greece in October 2009, nobody had any idea how quickly or broadly it would spread -- or how difficult it would be to solve. Below, some key dates in this still-unfolding saga. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:20:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/spreading-like-wildfire-a-chronicle-of-the-euro-crisis-a-769463.html When the euro crisis started in Greece in October 2009, nobody had any idea how quickly or broadly it would spread -- or how difficult it would be to solve. Below, some key dates in this still-unfolding saga.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/desperate-bid-to-cut-deficit-greek-privatization-plan-faces-massive-domestic-resistance-a-767199.html#ref=rss Greece is scrimping and saving, but still failing to get its debt crisis under control. The government plans to raise 50 billion euros through a privatization program, but faces massive resistance from Greeks worried about selling off the nation's assets. Experts also doubt whether the strategy will work. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:17:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/desperate-bid-to-cut-deficit-greek-privatization-plan-faces-massive-domestic-resistance-a-767199.html Greece is scrimping and saving, but still failing to get its debt crisis under control. The government plans to raise 50 billion euros through a privatization program, but faces massive resistance from Greeks worried about selling off the nation's assets. Experts also doubt whether the strategy will work. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-manila-model-plan-would-place-burden-for-euro-rescue-on-creditors-a-741268.html#ref=rss Despite public denials, euro zone governments are currently working on a proposal to relieve Greek bond debt. The proposal has a number of advantages for all countries involved, but it also entails risks that may be insurmountable. Some believe regulatory pressure will be required to force banks to take voluntary losses on their loans to Athens. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:01:46 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-manila-model-plan-would-place-burden-for-euro-rescue-on-creditors-a-741268.html Despite public denials, euro zone governments are currently working on a proposal to relieve Greek bond debt. The proposal has a number of advantages for all countries involved, but it also entails risks that may be insurmountable. Some believe regulatory pressure will be required to force banks to take voluntary losses on their loans to Athens. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/spiegel-interview-with-economist-nouriel-roubini-europe-needs-growth-to-prevent-a-collapse-of-the-euro-a-738711.html#ref=rss Europe, says star economist Nouriel Roubini, needs to take immediate action to shore up the euro. In an interview with SPIEGEL, Roubini said Germany must provide more money to defend the common currency and allow the European Central Bank to loosen monetary policy. Otherwise, disaster could be looming. Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:30:29 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/spiegel-interview-with-economist-nouriel-roubini-europe-needs-growth-to-prevent-a-collapse-of-the-euro-a-738711.html Europe, says star economist Nouriel Roubini, needs to take immediate action to shore up the euro. In an interview with SPIEGEL, Roubini said Germany must provide more money to defend the common currency and allow the European Central Bank to loosen monetary policy. Otherwise, disaster could be looming.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/the-threat-of-insolvency-bond-leader-pimco-sees-euro-zone-in-danger-a-735657.html#ref=rss European leaders proudly announced agreement last week in efforts to save the euro. But Pimco, the world's leading investor in sovereign bonds, says that the measures are not enough. Some countries may have to temporarily leave the common currency union. Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:01:18 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/the-threat-of-insolvency-bond-leader-pimco-sees-euro-zone-in-danger-a-735657.html European leaders proudly announced agreement last week in efforts to save the euro. But Pimco, the world's leading investor in sovereign bonds, says that the measures are not enough. Some countries may have to temporarily leave the common currency union.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/berlin-s-lack-of-vision-europe-turns-against-germany-a-735604.html#ref=rss Germany's controversial approach to fighting the euro crisis has split the European Union. Some countries are complaining about Berlin's rigid course, while others accuse Chancellor Merkel of betraying the European project. The only thing they can agree on is that the EU needs Germany as a motor if it is to survive. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:58:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/berlin-s-lack-of-vision-europe-turns-against-germany-a-735604.html Germany's controversial approach to fighting the euro crisis has split the European Union. Some countries are complaining about Berlin's rigid course, while others accuse Chancellor Merkel of betraying the European project. The only thing they can agree on is that the EU needs Germany as a motor if it is to survive. By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/saving-the-common-currency-german-obstructionism-heightens-euro-fears-a-735023.html#ref=rss All eyes are on Brussels this Thursday as European leaders gather to discuss ways to solve the ongoing euro crisis. So far, though, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has proven unwilling to consider measures that may require additional German funds. Others in the EU are getting anxious. Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:49:35 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/saving-the-common-currency-german-obstructionism-heightens-euro-fears-a-735023.html All eyes are on Brussels this Thursday as European leaders gather to discuss ways to solve the ongoing euro crisis. So far, though, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has proven unwilling to consider measures that may require additional German funds. Others in the EU are getting anxious.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/tackling-the-debt-crisis-protests-in-europe-ahead-of-euro-summit-a-734811.html#ref=rss Greece was hit by violent protests and a general strike on Wednesday and workers also demonstrated in other EU nations ahead of a summit on the euro. Merkel, under fire for her handling of the crisis, repeated her tough stance as Luxembourg's foreign minister accused Berlin and Paris of "arrogance." Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:38:34 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/tackling-the-debt-crisis-protests-in-europe-ahead-of-euro-summit-a-734811.html Greece was hit by violent protests and a general strike on Wednesday and workers also demonstrated in other EU nations ahead of a summit on the euro. Merkel, under fire for her handling of the crisis, repeated her tough stance as Luxembourg's foreign minister accused Berlin and Paris of "arrogance."]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-battle-over-the-euro-bond-juncker-calls-german-thinking-simple-a-733571.html#ref=rss Germany has resisted calls for a joint Euro-Bond to help the euro zone's weaker members, but the chairman of the euro zone finance ministers says they need to study his proposal. Merkel's spokesman says they have. Wed, 08 Dec 2010 16:39:12 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-battle-over-the-euro-bond-juncker-calls-german-thinking-simple-a-733571.html Germany has resisted calls for a joint Euro-Bond to help the euro zone's weaker members, but the chairman of the euro zone finance ministers says they need to study his proposal. Merkel's spokesman says they have.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/common-currency-in-trouble-what-europe-should-do-about-the-euro-crisis-a-733388.html#ref=rss Euro-zone members will have to take radical measures to tackle its current currency crisis. Europe needs a far-reaching debt restructuring mechanism -- but strangely, politicians have shown a preference for issuing yet more mountains of debt. Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:25:51 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/common-currency-in-trouble-what-europe-should-do-about-the-euro-crisis-a-733388.html Euro-zone members will have to take radical measures to tackle its current currency crisis. Europe needs a far-reaching debt restructuring mechanism -- but strangely, politicians have shown a preference for issuing yet more mountains of debt.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/masterplan-fails-to-calm-markets-europe-s-new-debt-mechanism-has-come-too-late-for-euro-crisis-a-732024.html#ref=rss Europe is celebrating its new masterplan to shore up the euro -- a debt rescheduling mechansim that forces private sector creditors to write down government debt in some cases. Analysts say the system is overdue but won't solve the current crisis. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:29:05 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/masterplan-fails-to-calm-markets-europe-s-new-debt-mechanism-has-come-too-late-for-euro-crisis-a-732024.html Europe is celebrating its new masterplan to shore up the euro -- a debt rescheduling mechansim that forces private sector creditors to write down government debt in some cases. Analysts say the system is overdue but won't solve the current crisis.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/fears-of-euro-crisis-contagion-portuguese-central-bank-warns-of-risks-to-banking-sector-a-731942.html#ref=rss Portugal's central bank fanned concerns about the country's financial stability on Tuesday by warning that austerity measures put in place were likely to hit banks' bottom lines. The institution also believes that bank borrowing from the European Central Bank is unsustainable. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:12:57 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/fears-of-euro-crisis-contagion-portuguese-central-bank-warns-of-risks-to-banking-sector-a-731942.html Portugal's central bank fanned concerns about the country's financial stability on Tuesday by warning that austerity measures put in place were likely to hit banks' bottom lines. The institution also believes that bank borrowing from the European Central Bank is unsustainable.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/fears-of-a-euro-demise-the-disastrous-consequences-of-a-return-to-the-deutsche-mark-a-731798.html#ref=rss Europe is discussing the horror scenario of a break-up of the euro zone. At present, that still seems unlikely, but experts are alarmed. A comeback of national currencies would be fatal -- especially for Germany. Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:32:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/fears-of-a-euro-demise-the-disastrous-consequences-of-a-return-to-the-deutsche-mark-a-731798.html Europe is discussing the horror scenario of a break-up of the euro zone. At present, that still seems unlikely, but experts are alarmed. A comeback of national currencies would be fatal -- especially for Germany.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/bracing-for-bailouts-which-eu-problem-child-will-be-next-a-731335.html#ref=rss First came Greece, then there was Ireland. The EU is gaining experience in helping out their member states' failed economies. But how long can that last? SPIEGEL ONLINE takes a country-by-country look at the nations on the brink. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:39:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/bracing-for-bailouts-which-eu-problem-child-will-be-next-a-731335.html First came Greece, then there was Ireland. The EU is gaining experience in helping out their member states' failed economies. But how long can that last? SPIEGEL ONLINE takes a country-by-country look at the nations on the brink.]]>