http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Sat, 25 May 2013 07:59:16 +0200 Sat, 25 May 2013 07:59:16 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/human-trafficking-thrives-on-sinai-peninsula-a-891585.html#ref=rss The Sinai Peninsula has become a prison and grave for thousands of African refugees. They are kidnapped, imprisoned and tortured to death even after their families have paid hefty ransoms. But Egypt refuses to act. Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:11:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/human-trafficking-thrives-on-sinai-peninsula-a-891585.html The Sinai Peninsula has become a prison and grave for thousands of African refugees. They are kidnapped, imprisoned and tortured to death even after their families have paid hefty ransoms. But Egypt refuses to act. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/interview-with-plaintiff-of-racial-profiling-case-in-germany-a-864932.html#ref=rss He was born in Germany, and he is black. A 26-year-old student who won a landmark court case against police for racial profiling this week speaks with SPIEGEL ONLINE about his moment of civil disobedience and whether he thinks the legal victory will change things for others like him. Fri, 02 Nov 2012 14:12:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/interview-with-plaintiff-of-racial-profiling-case-in-germany-a-864932.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/racial-profiling-german-court-forbids-police-checks-based-on-skin-color-a-864455.html#ref=rss Skin color alone is insufficient grounds for a police spot check, a German court has ruled. Human rights activists have welcomed the decision, which overturns a previous ruling in the case, but police representatives are critical, stating it doesn't adequately address the challenges faced by law enforcement. Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:06:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/racial-profiling-german-court-forbids-police-checks-based-on-skin-color-a-864455.html http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/14-tote-bei-truck-unglueck-in-texas-a-846001.html#ref=rss Der weiße Pick-Up-Truck war völlig überladen: 23 Menschen saßen im Auto und auf der Ladefläche. Dann platzte ein Reifen, der Wagen kam auf einer Straße in Texas vom Weg ab und prallte gegen zwei Bäume. Die Polizei vermutet unter den Todesopfern illegale Einwanderer. Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:33:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/14-tote-bei-truck-unglueck-in-texas-a-846001.html Der weiße Pick-Up-Truck war völlig überladen: 23 Menschen saßen im Auto und auf der Ladefläche. Dann platzte ein Reifen, der Wagen kam auf einer Straße in Texas vom Weg ab und prallte gegen zwei Bäume. Die Polizei vermutet unter den Todesopfern illegale Einwanderer. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/thousands-of-illegal-immigrants-enter-europe-through-greece-a-834415.html#ref=rss Many of the illegal immigrants in the EU arrive via Greece, which is overwhelmed by the flood of incomers. The would-be migrants are ruthlessly exploited by people smugglers, and many of them die in the attempt to get to Europe. SPIEGEL heard the stories of a group of young Bangladeshi men who made it to Athens -- and discovered the reality behind the dream. Thu, 24 May 2012 14:37:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/thousands-of-illegal-immigrants-enter-europe-through-greece-a-834415.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-and-french-proposal-for-border-controls-endangers-european-unity-a-828815.html#ref=rss Germany and France's joint proposal to allow Schengen-zone countries to temporarily reintroduce border controls as a means of last resort might sound harmless. But doing so would damage one of the strongest symbols of European unity and perhaps even contribute to the EU's demise. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:39:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-and-french-proposal-for-border-controls-endangers-european-unity-a-828815.html Germany and France's joint proposal to allow Schengen-zone countries to temporarily reintroduce border controls as a means of last resort might sound harmless. But doing so would damage one of the strongest symbols of European unity and perhaps even contribute to the EU's demise.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-press-review-on-court-ruling-allowing-police-checks-based-on-skin-color-a-824601.html#ref=rss Earlier this week, a German court ruled that federal police are allowed to conduct spot checks on certain train lines based on skin color to prevent illegal immigration. German editorialists question whether such measures are appropriate in a country that has become increasingly diverse. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:56:36 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-press-review-on-court-ruling-allowing-police-checks-based-on-skin-color-a-824601.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/death-in-the-mediterranean-did-european-soldiers-fail-to-help-refugees-in-distress-a-764663.html#ref=rss Over 60 African refugees, including women and children, recently died trying to reach Europe when their boat ran adrift for two weeks in the Mediterranean. Western military personnel allegedly saw the boat and did nothing to help. Now the United Nations is investigating the case. SPIEGEL talked to survivors and reconstructed the course of events. Wed, 25 May 2011 16:15:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/death-in-the-mediterranean-did-european-soldiers-fail-to-help-refugees-in-distress-a-764663.html Over 60 African refugees, including women and children, recently died trying to reach Europe when their boat ran adrift for two weeks in the Mediterranean. Western military personnel allegedly saw the boat and did nothing to help. Now the United Nations is investigating the case. SPIEGEL talked to survivors and reconstructed the course of events.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/spiral-of-mistrust-danish-threat-to-schengen-agreement-under-fire-a-762791.html#ref=rss The tiny country of Denmark is threatening one of the European Union's core principles -- freedom of movement -- out of self-interest. But other member countries are outraged and expect the European Commission will staunchly reject their plans to reintroduce border controls. Mon, 16 May 2011 15:42:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/spiral-of-mistrust-danish-threat-to-schengen-agreement-under-fire-a-762791.html The tiny country of Denmark is threatening one of the European Union's core principles -- freedom of movement -- out of self-interest. But other member countries are outraged and expect the European Commission will staunchly reject their plans to reintroduce border controls.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-boost-for-sarkozy-and-berlusconi-support-broadens-for-border-free-travel-changes-a-759499.html#ref=rss Several European countries have voiced cautious support for adjustments to Europe's Schengen border-free travel agreement. Given the ongoing influx of economic refugees from North Africa, the reintroduction of border checks should be allowed, say many. But travel freedoms, warned Germany, should not be questioned. Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:16:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-boost-for-sarkozy-and-berlusconi-support-broadens-for-border-free-travel-changes-a-759499.html Several European countries have voiced cautious support for adjustments to Europe's Schengen border-free travel agreement. Given the ongoing influx of economic refugees from North Africa, the reintroduction of border checks should be allowed, say many. But travel freedoms, warned Germany, should not be questioned.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-world-from-berlin-instead-of-sealing-itself-off-europe-should-help-a-759269.html#ref=rss French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi have put aside their differences to call on the European Union to reform the Schengen zone of border-free travel. German commentators dismiss the move as a populist stunt. Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:58:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-world-from-berlin-instead-of-sealing-itself-off-europe-should-help-a-759269.html French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi have put aside their differences to call on the European Union to reform the Schengen zone of border-free travel. German commentators dismiss the move as a populist stunt.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/is-this-your-democracy-refugee-influx-exposes-limitations-of-european-solidarity-a-757666.html#ref=rss The influx of economic refugees from Tunisia has exposed deep rifts in the European Union. Italy wants help in dealing with the thousands of immigrants who have arrived since the beginning of the year, but the rest of the bloc refuses to provide it. It is just one more example of an EU struggling to stay united. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:41:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/is-this-your-democracy-refugee-influx-exposes-limitations-of-european-solidarity-a-757666.html The influx of economic refugees from Tunisia has exposed deep rifts in the European Union. Italy wants help in dealing with the thousands of immigrants who have arrived since the beginning of the year, but the rest of the bloc refuses to provide it. It is just one more example of an EU struggling to stay united.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-limits-of-european-solidarity-african-refugees-stuck-in-limbo-on-the-french-italian-border-a-757089.html#ref=rss The coastal Italian town of Ventimiglia has long attracted vacationers to its gorgeous beaches and charming streets. But now that France has tightened its controls, the border town is quickly swelling with hundreds of North African refugees trying to make their way into France. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:57:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-limits-of-european-solidarity-african-refugees-stuck-in-limbo-on-the-french-italian-border-a-757089.html The coastal Italian town of Ventimiglia has long attracted vacationers to its gorgeous beaches and charming streets. But now that France has tightened its controls, the border town is quickly swelling with hundreds of North African refugees trying to make their way into France.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-world-from-berlin-north-africa-needs-a-marshall-plan-a-756596.html#ref=rss What to do with the thousands of North African refugees arriving in Italy and Malta? The issue has hopelessly divided the European Union's member states. In Germany and France politicians are calling for greater border controls to keep out the latest wave of migrants. Most editorialists agree that new rules are required for sharing the burden. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:12:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-world-from-berlin-north-africa-needs-a-marshall-plan-a-756596.html What to do with the thousands of North African refugees arriving in Italy and Malta? The issue has hopelessly divided the European Union's member states. In Germany and France politicians are calling for greater border controls to keep out the latest wave of migrants. Most editorialists agree that new rules are required for sharing the burden. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-italy-using-dirty-trick-to-force-eu-to-help-with-refugees-a-756254.html#ref=rss Italy has angered its EU neighbors by planning to issue visas to thousands of North African refugees in a move that would allow them to travel freely around large parts of Europe. German commentators say the plan amounts to blackmail, but that northern European nations have a duty to help Italy deal with the problem. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:52:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-italy-using-dirty-trick-to-force-eu-to-help-with-refugees-a-756254.html Italy has angered its EU neighbors by planning to issue visas to thousands of North African refugees in a move that would allow them to travel freely around large parts of Europe. German commentators say the plan amounts to blackmail, but that northern European nations have a duty to help Italy deal with the problem. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/mass-immigration-from-tunisia-italy-seeks-to-pass-problem-on-to-eu-partners-a-755858.html#ref=rss Europe is celebrating the emergence of new democracies in North Africa, but the recent upheaval has caused a massive wave of immigration, with thousands landing on the Italian island of Lampedusa in recent months. The government in Rome wants to move the immigrants on to other EU member states. Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:14:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/mass-immigration-from-tunisia-italy-seeks-to-pass-problem-on-to-eu-partners-a-755858.html Europe is celebrating the emergence of new democracies in North Africa, but the recent upheaval has caused a massive wave of immigration, with thousands landing on the Italian island of Lampedusa in recent months. The government in Rome wants to move the immigrants on to other EU member states.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/north-africans-fleeing-for-europe-first-boatload-from-libya-arrives-on-italian-soil-a-753805.html#ref=rss Migrants from Africa, including the first refugees from Libya, once again besieged the Italian island of Lampedusa over the weekend. The tiny European outpost is struggling to come to terms with the onslaught and Rome is planning to ship many of them to tent cities on the mainland. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:36:55 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/north-africans-fleeing-for-europe-first-boatload-from-libya-arrives-on-italian-soil-a-753805.html Migrants from Africa, including the first refugees from Libya, once again besieged the Italian island of Lampedusa over the weekend. The tiny European outpost is struggling to come to terms with the onslaught and Rome is planning to ship many of them to tent cities on the mainland.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/libyan-crisis-italy-warns-of-a-new-wave-of-immigrants-to-europe-a-747459.html#ref=rss Moammar Gadhafi, in recent years, has enjoyed a cynical role as Europe's border guard against African immigrants. Italian ministers now warn that if his Libyan government collapses, people will flow across the Mediterranean. Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:29:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/libyan-crisis-italy-warns-of-a-new-wave-of-immigrants-to-europe-a-747459.html Moammar Gadhafi, in recent years, has enjoyed a cynical role as Europe's border guard against African immigrants. Italian ministers now warn that if his Libyan government collapses, people will flow across the Mediterranean.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-situation-is-escalating-europe-s-frontex-border-guard-stretched-to-limit-a-746793.html#ref=rss Frontex, the European Union's border protection agency, is demanding more money and equipment to seal off Europe's borders to refugees. Agency director Ilkka Laitinen believes the refugee numbers could continue to rise as political unrest escalates in North Africa and the Middle East. Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:59:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-situation-is-escalating-europe-s-frontex-border-guard-stretched-to-limit-a-746793.html Frontex, the European Union's border protection agency, is demanding more money and equipment to seal off Europe's borders to refugees. Agency director Ilkka Laitinen believes the refugee numbers could continue to rise as political unrest escalates in North Africa and the Middle East.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/flight-to-europe-lacking-faith-in-future-tunisians-take-to-the-boats-a-746729.html#ref=rss They were the ones who triggered the revolution: the poor and disenfranchised of Tunisia. But despite their hard-won freedom, many don't see any prospects for a quick improvement in their lives, and are seeking their fortunes across the sea in Europe. An uncertain future awaits them there. Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:51:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/flight-to-europe-lacking-faith-in-future-tunisians-take-to-the-boats-a-746729.html They were the ones who triggered the revolution: the poor and disenfranchised of Tunisia. But despite their hard-won freedom, many don't see any prospects for a quick improvement in their lives, and are seeking their fortunes across the sea in Europe. An uncertain future awaits them there. ]]>