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 23:06:19 +0200 Sat, 25 May 2013 23:06:19 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/food-distribution-at-european-red-cross-at-greatest-level-since-war-a-888182.html#ref=rss Needy families and individuals in the European Union are becoming increasingly reliant on charity organizations like the Red Cross for basic needs like food, water and shelter. While Germany is relatively unaffected, unemployment and austerity in countries like Spain are making the problem even more severe. Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:05:42 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/food-distribution-at-european-red-cross-at-greatest-level-since-war-a-888182.html Needy families and individuals in the European Union are becoming increasingly reliant on charity organizations like the Red Cross for basic needs like food, water and shelter. While Germany is relatively unaffected, unemployment and austerity in countries like Spain are making the problem even more severe.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-cities-struggle-to-accommodate-rise-in-homeless-a-885484.html#ref=rss With frigid temperatures outside, German homeless and emergency shelters are usually full this time of year. But a rising number of homeless people, many from other EU states, are exceeding their capacities and triggering competition for limited cots and resources. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:05:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-cities-struggle-to-accommodate-rise-in-homeless-a-885484.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/western-europe-fearful-of-roma-immigrants-from-romania-and-bulgaria-a-884760.html#ref=rss British, French and German politicians are all sounding the alarm. In 2014, Romanian and Bulgarian citizens will be given free movement within Europe's labor market. They are concerned about a wave of immigration, yet most of those who want to head west likely already have. Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:53:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/western-europe-fearful-of-roma-immigrants-from-romania-and-bulgaria-a-884760.html British, French and German politicians are all sounding the alarm. In 2014, Romanian and Bulgarian citizens will be given free movement within Europe's labor market. They are concerned about a wave of immigration, yet most of those who want to head west likely already have.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-interior-minister-urges-bulgaria-and-romania-to-integrate-roma-a-884236.html#ref=rss With the tide of Bulgarians and Romanians flooding Germany showing no signs of abating, officials in Berlin have called on the two countries to stem the exodus by boosting efforts to integrate Roma into their own societies. Poverty migration, they argue, must be combatted at the source. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:49:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-interior-minister-urges-bulgaria-and-romania-to-integrate-roma-a-884236.html With the tide of Bulgarians and Romanians flooding Germany showing no signs of abating, officials in Berlin have called on the two countries to stem the exodus by boosting efforts to integrate Roma into their own societies. Poverty migration, they argue, must be combatted at the source.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-cities-worried-about-high-immigration-from-romania-and-bulgaria-a-881409.html#ref=rss Immigration to Germany from southeastern Europe has dramatically increased in recent years and the country's municipalities are struggling to absorb the influx. Now, German cities are taking a close look at the problem and may ask for help from Berlin or even the European Union. Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:42:44 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-cities-worried-about-high-immigration-from-romania-and-bulgaria-a-881409.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-commentators-look-at-romanian-election-results-with-concern-a-872247.html#ref=rss Newly re-elected Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has vowed to lower taxes and push through constitutional changes. The first is bad news for the economy and the second could be disastrous for democracy, say German commentators. The vote could have implications for Europe and NATO. Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:11:10 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-commentators-look-at-romanian-election-results-with-concern-a-872247.html Newly re-elected Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has vowed to lower taxes and push through constitutional changes. The first is bad news for the economy and the second could be disastrous for democracy, say German commentators. The vote could have implications for Europe and NATO.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/reelection-of-victor-ponta-means-more-political-infighting-in-romania-a-872004.html#ref=rss For months, Europe has been observing the political stalemate in Romania with concern. Sunday's parliamentary election was hardly the relief EU leaders were waiting for. With Prime Minister Victor Ponta emerging victorious, his bitter battle with the president will likely continue. Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:01:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/reelection-of-victor-ponta-means-more-political-infighting-in-romania-a-872004.html For months, Europe has been observing the political stalemate in Romania with concern. Sunday's parliamentary election was hardly the relief EU leaders were waiting for. With Prime Minister Victor Ponta emerging victorious, his bitter battle with the president will likely continue.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/filmmaker-confronts-leaders-over-forgotten-holocaust-in-romania-a-867058.html#ref=rss In a new documentary film, director Florin Iepan confronts Romania's leaders over their ongoing silence about the country's role in the Holocaust. But in a place where war criminals are still lauded as national heroes, his aim of getting them to acknowledge the past remains a daunting task. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:21:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/filmmaker-confronts-leaders-over-forgotten-holocaust-in-romania-a-867058.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/basescu-remains-president-as-romanian-court-strikes-down-referendum-a-851317.html#ref=rss Romania's Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down a nationwide referendum called to impeach the country's president, ruling the turnout had not been sufficient. But recent moves by Prime Minister Ponta indicate that the embarrassing political battle will continue. Tue, 21 Aug 2012 18:09:43 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/basescu-remains-president-as-romanian-court-strikes-down-referendum-a-851317.html Romania's Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down a nationwide referendum called to impeach the country's president, ruling the turnout had not been sufficient. But recent moves by Prime Minister Ponta indicate that the embarrassing political battle will continue.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-editorials-say-referendum-damages-credibility-of-romania-a-847392.html#ref=rss Some had hoped that Romania's referendum on Sunday would begin to heal its deep political divide. But those hopes have been dashed. Neither the president nor the prime minister seem willing to relent, which could be disastrous for the country, German commentators write on Tuesday. Tue, 31 Jul 2012 14:48:53 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-editorials-say-referendum-damages-credibility-of-romania-a-847392.html Some had hoped that Romania's referendum on Sunday would begin to heal its deep political divide. But those hopes have been dashed. Neither the president nor the prime minister seem willing to relent, which could be disastrous for the country, German commentators write on Tuesday.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/basescu-survives-referendum-in-romania-a-847178.html#ref=rss Suspended Romanian President Traian Basescu narrowly avoided impeachment in Sunday's referendum. But the vote is unlikely to put an end to his power struggle with Prime Minister Victor Ponta. The two see their dispute as nothing less than a battle for survival. Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:45:53 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/basescu-survives-referendum-in-romania-a-847178.html Suspended Romanian President Traian Basescu narrowly avoided impeachment in Sunday's referendum. But the vote is unlikely to put an end to his power struggle with Prime Minister Victor Ponta. The two see their dispute as nothing less than a battle for survival.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-romanian-prime-minister-ponta-on-democracy-and-europe-a-845850.html#ref=rss The European Union has been deeply critical of Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta's leadership. In an interview with SPIEGEL he speaks of his relationship to the Romanian judiciary, how Europe has misunderstood him and his dream of battling those who would tread on human rights. Mon, 23 Jul 2012 11:07:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-romanian-prime-minister-ponta-on-democracy-and-europe-a-845850.html The European Union has been deeply critical of Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta's leadership. In an interview with SPIEGEL he speaks of his relationship to the Romanian judiciary, how Europe has misunderstood him and his dream of battling those who would tread on human rights. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/romanian-leader-yields-to-eu-pressure-on-judicial-independence-a-845154.html#ref=rss The EU issued a scathing report on Wednesday, outlining the bloc's concerns about respect for the rule of law in Romania. The country's prime minister has pledged to make "any personal and political sacrifice" to ensure Romania's standing abroad. But the EU is still keeping an eye on Bucharest. Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:10:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/romanian-leader-yields-to-eu-pressure-on-judicial-independence-a-845154.html The EU issued a scathing report on Wednesday, outlining the bloc's concerns about respect for the rule of law in Romania. The country's prime minister has pledged to make "any personal and political sacrifice" to ensure Romania's standing abroad. But the EU is still keeping an eye on Bucharest.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/basescu-and-ponta-battle-for-political-power-in-romania-a-844884.html#ref=rss Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has been heavily criticized for his political assault on both suspended President Traian Basescu and his country's constitution. But Basescu is no angel either. The cesspool of power and corruption in Romania is a threat to the rule of law. Tue, 17 Jul 2012 17:11:39 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/basescu-and-ponta-battle-for-political-power-in-romania-a-844884.html Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has been heavily criticized for his political assault on both suspended President Traian Basescu and his country's constitution. But Basescu is no angel either. The cesspool of power and corruption in Romania is a threat to the rule of law.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/democracy-the-loser-in-romanian-power-struggle-a-843449.html#ref=rss No longer is the government in Romania characterized merely by mistakes, excesses and professional incompetence. Prime Minister Victor Ponta has launched a brutal attack on the country's institutions, democratic principles and the rule of law. Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:22:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/democracy-the-loser-in-romanian-power-struggle-a-843449.html No longer is the government in Romania characterized merely by mistakes, excesses and professional incompetence. Prime Minister Victor Ponta has launched a brutal attack on the country's institutions, democratic principles and the rule of law.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-concerned-over-romanian-parliament-impeachment-of-president-basescu-a-843382.html#ref=rss Romania's parliament voted to suspend President Traian Basescu on Friday pending an impeachment referendum later this month. But observers say the country's new prime minister is seriously overstepping his bounds. The rule of law is in grave danger, say German commentators. Mon, 09 Jul 2012 13:54:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-concerned-over-romanian-parliament-impeachment-of-president-basescu-a-843382.html Romania's parliament voted to suspend President Traian Basescu on Friday pending an impeachment referendum later this month. But observers say the country's new prime minister is seriously overstepping his bounds. The rule of law is in grave danger, say German commentators.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/bulgarian-and-romanian-immigrants-overwhelm-german-system-a-832027.html#ref=rss Worlds are colliding as a flood of impoverished Bulgarians and Romanians stream into Germany, overwhelming authorities. But efforts to help integrate the new residents have been sluggish and many of the immigrants find themselves awash in a system they don't understand. Wed, 09 May 2012 13:11:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/bulgarian-and-romanian-immigrants-overwhelm-german-system-a-832027.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/village-in-romania-makes-exodus-to-troubled-berlin-neighborhood-a-825933.html#ref=rss The Berlin district of Neukölln is considered one of Germany's poorest and most troubled neighborhoods. But for hundreds of residents of a small village in Romania, it has become a welcome new home, a source of generous state benefits and a symbol of hope for those left behind. Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:21:28 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/village-in-romania-makes-exodus-to-troubled-berlin-neighborhood-a-825933.html The Berlin district of Neukölln is considered one of Germany's poorest and most troubled neighborhoods. But for hundreds of residents of a small village in Romania, it has become a welcome new home, a source of generous state benefits and a symbol of hope for those left behind.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eastern-europe-s-scapegoats-governments-turn-blind-eye-to-violence-against-roma-a-788868.html#ref=rss It is a tragedy taking place in the heart of Europe. In many countries, Roma are being bullied by right-wing extremists, and racism against them is considered  acceptable in mainstream society. There is no sign of a strategy to solve the problem. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:09:36 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eastern-europe-s-scapegoats-governments-turn-blind-eye-to-violence-against-roma-a-788868.html It is a tragedy taking place in the heart of Europe. In many countries, Roma are being bullied by right-wing extremists, and racism against them is considered  acceptable in mainstream society. There is no sign of a strategy to solve the problem. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/transylvanian-gold-rush-ancient-mining-site-in-romania-may-fall-victim-to-mining-a-783197.html#ref=rss The area around the Transylvanian village of Rosia Montana in Romania has been mined for some 2,000 years. But it still contains the largest gold and silver reserves in Europe. Despite widespread opposition, the site may soon succumb to open-pit gold mines. Mon, 29 Aug 2011 17:54:56 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/transylvanian-gold-rush-ancient-mining-site-in-romania-may-fall-victim-to-mining-a-783197.html The area around the Transylvanian village of Rosia Montana in Romania has been mined for some 2,000 years. But it still contains the largest gold and silver reserves in Europe. Despite widespread opposition, the site may soon succumb to open-pit gold mines.]]>