http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:36:19 +0200 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:36:19 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/press-review-on-blocking-romania-and-bulgaria-from-schengen-area-a-887668.html#ref=rss Germany and a handful of EU countries have blocked Bulgaria and Romania from joining the Schengen Area of border-free travel. Editorialists at the Germany's left-leaning dailies are calling the move an election-year ploy on the part of conservatives in Berlin. Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:10:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/press-review-on-blocking-romania-and-bulgaria-from-schengen-area-a-887668.html Germany and a handful of EU countries have blocked Bulgaria and Romania from joining the Schengen Area of border-free travel. Editorialists at the Germany's left-leaning dailies are calling the move an election-year ploy on the part of conservatives in Berlin. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interior-minister-friedrich-says-no-schengen-for-bulgaria-and-romania-a-886704.html#ref=rss Germany remains opposed to allowing Romania and Bulgaria membership in Europe's Schengen Area of border-free travel. Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich told SPIEGEL that more progress must be made in the fight against corruption. Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:58:16 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interior-minister-friedrich-says-no-schengen-for-bulgaria-and-romania-a-886704.html Germany remains opposed to allowing Romania and Bulgaria membership in Europe's Schengen Area of border-free travel. Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich told SPIEGEL that more progress must be made in the fight against corruption.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-seeks-to-halt-influx-of-balkans-asylum-seekers-a-863345.html#ref=rss With a massive surge in asylum applications from people of the Roma minority from Serbia and Macedonia, Germany's interior minister is calling for new rules to expedite processing these cases. Although many come to the EU for better economic opportunities, they also face racial discrimination at home, advocacy groups say. Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:44:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-seeks-to-halt-influx-of-balkans-asylum-seekers-a-863345.html With a massive surge in asylum applications from people of the Roma minority from Serbia and Macedonia, Germany's interior minister is calling for new rules to expedite processing these cases. Although many come to the EU for better economic opportunities, they also face racial discrimination at home, advocacy groups say. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/poland-and-russia-test-visa-free-travel-a-847828.html#ref=rss Russia and Poland moved last week to open the border between Kaliningrad and neighboring Polish communities for visa-free travel. The move creates new freedom for people living in the exclave, which is surrounded by EU countries and is located some 350 kilomoters from Russia proper. Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:56:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/poland-and-russia-test-visa-free-travel-a-847828.html Russia and Poland moved last week to open the border between Kaliningrad and neighboring Polish communities for visa-free travel. The move creates new freedom for people living in the exclave, which is surrounded by EU countries and is located some 350 kilomoters from Russia proper.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/cuban-sails-baltic-sea-for-two-months-after-denied-russian-visa-a-845076.html#ref=rss The rigmarole of entering foreign countries can often be annoying. But for Cuban architect Luis Cespedes, it was nightmare. He spent two months at sea sailing between Russia and Finland after he was denied entry to both countries. Wed, 18 Jul 2012 18:15:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/cuban-sails-baltic-sea-for-two-months-after-denied-russian-visa-a-845076.html The rigmarole of entering foreign countries can often be annoying. But for Cuban architect Luis Cespedes, it was nightmare. He spent two months at sea sailing between Russia and Finland after he was denied entry to both countries. ]]> 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/europe/luxembourg-minister-blasts-french-german-border-control-plan-a-829204.html#ref=rss In an interview with SPIEGEL, Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn attacks a Franco-German plan to allow Schengen-zone countries to temporarily re-introduce border controls. The move is a populist ploy by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to secure his re-election, says Asselborn. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:32:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/luxembourg-minister-blasts-french-german-border-control-plan-a-829204.html In an interview with SPIEGEL, Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn attacks a Franco-German plan to allow Schengen-zone countries to temporarily re-introduce border controls. The move is a populist ploy by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to secure his re-election, says Asselborn.]]> 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/europe/germany-and-france-seek-to-weaken-europe-s-border-free-travel-regime-a-828676.html#ref=rss Germany and France want to weaken Europe's border-free travel agreement, according to a Friday newspaper report. Berlin and Paris would like to be able to temporarily reintroduce border controls due to concerns about illegal immigration. The move is not, a Berlin official assures, to be seen as re-election campaign help for Sarkozy. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:16:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/germany-and-france-seek-to-weaken-europe-s-border-free-travel-regime-a-828676.html Germany and France want to weaken Europe's border-free travel agreement, according to a Friday newspaper report. Berlin and Paris would like to be able to temporarily reintroduce border controls due to concerns about illegal immigration. The move is not, a Berlin official assures, to be seen as re-election campaign help for Sarkozy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cross-border-pilfering-slow-progress-in-battle-against-polish-car-thieves-a-806979.html#ref=rss The Polish ambassador to Germany suggested this week that German officials weren't doing enough to fight rampant cross-border vehicle theft. It is a claim that some experts in Germany agree with. But officials on the front line urge patience, saying they are making progress. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:50:53 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cross-border-pilfering-slow-progress-in-battle-against-polish-car-thieves-a-806979.html The Polish ambassador to Germany suggested this week that German officials weren't doing enough to fight rampant cross-border vehicle theft. It is a claim that some experts in Germany agree with. But officials on the front line urge patience, saying they are making progress.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/phoenix-europe-how-the-eu-can-emerge-from-the-ashes-a-797626.html#ref=rss The old European Union didn't work, that much has been made clear by the ongoing debt crisis. But many in Europe think there is now a clear path to a new, more integrated -- and smaller -- bloc. What must happen first? Greater democracy and less nation-state sovereignty. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:21:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/phoenix-europe-how-the-eu-can-emerge-from-the-ashes-a-797626.html The old European Union didn't work, that much has been made clear by the ongoing debt crisis. But many in Europe think there is now a clear path to a new, more integrated -- and smaller -- bloc. What must happen first? Greater democracy and less nation-state sovereignty. By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/border-barbs-danish-populists-have-harsh-words-for-german-critics-a-773731.html#ref=rss European Union members have heavily criticized Denmark's recent decision to reinstate border controls, with Germany leading the pack. One politician even suggested a boycott of the nation. But the right-wing populist party behind the controversial measures refuses to back down, and its anti-German rhetoric has grown increasingly acerbic. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:36:21 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/border-barbs-danish-populists-have-harsh-words-for-german-critics-a-773731.html European Union members have heavily criticized Denmark's recent decision to reinstate border controls, with Germany leading the pack. One politician even suggested a boycott of the nation. But the right-wing populist party behind the controversial measures refuses to back down, and its anti-German rhetoric has grown increasingly acerbic.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-danger-of-backsliding-politicians-like-to-use-the-eu-as-a-scapegoat-a-773585.html#ref=rss In a SPIEGEL interview, Werner Hoyer, a senior German Foreign Ministry official, discusses the European Union's current unpopularity, German stereotypes of "lazy" southern Europeans and his concerns about Denmark's reintroduction of border controls. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:45:56 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-danger-of-backsliding-politicians-like-to-use-the-eu-as-a-scapegoat-a-773585.html In a SPIEGEL interview, Werner Hoyer, a senior German Foreign Ministry official, discusses the European Union's current unpopularity, German stereotypes of "lazy" southern Europeans and his concerns about Denmark's reintroduction of border controls.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-world-from-berlin-other-nations-will-follow-denmark-s-example-a-772713.html#ref=rss Denmark's tightened border controls have rattled Europe. Some politicians say they not only shake the foundations of the European Union, but could also embolden right-wing populists in other countries. While some German commentators believe Copenhagen's decision is only symbolic, many say it can't be tolerated. Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:27:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-world-from-berlin-other-nations-will-follow-denmark-s-example-a-772713.html Denmark's tightened border controls have rattled Europe. Some politicians say they not only shake the foundations of the European Union, but could also embolden right-wing populists in other countries. While some German commentators believe Copenhagen's decision is only symbolic, many say it can't be tolerated. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-saboteurs-among-us-danish-border-controls-shake-eu-foundations-a-772517.html#ref=rss With the reintroduction of border controls, the Danes are calling into question one of the EU's greatest achievements. Unfortunately, there has been little protest in Brussels and other European capitals. There is growing fatigue regarding European integration -- and that is a bitterly disappointing trend. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:30:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-saboteurs-among-us-danish-border-controls-shake-eu-foundations-a-772517.html With the reintroduction of border controls, the Danes are calling into question one of the EU's greatest achievements. Unfortunately, there has been little protest in Brussels and other European capitals. There is growing fatigue regarding European integration -- and that is a bitterly disappointing trend. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/attack-on-border-free-travel-boycott-call-enrages-danish-politicians-a-772521.html#ref=rss A suggestion by a German politician that vacationers boycott Denmark now that the country has introduced tougher border controls has angered leaders in Copenhagen. But the European Union is also concerned that the new customs regime is bad for Europe. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:11:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/attack-on-border-free-travel-boycott-call-enrages-danish-politicians-a-772521.html A suggestion by a German politician that vacationers boycott Denmark now that the country has introduced tougher border controls has angered leaders in Copenhagen. But the European Union is also concerned that the new customs regime is bad for Europe.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/corrosion-of-the-freedom-to-travel-denmark-to-reintroduce-border-controls-on-tuesday-a-771888.html#ref=rss The Danish parliament in Copenhagen moved on Friday to reintroduce limited border controls in the country by deploying additional customs agents starting Tuesday. In Germany and Brussels, politicians believe the country could be violating the terms of the Schengen Agreement on passport-free European travel. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:42:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/corrosion-of-the-freedom-to-travel-denmark-to-reintroduce-border-controls-on-tuesday-a-771888.html The Danish parliament in Copenhagen moved on Friday to reintroduce limited border controls in the country by deploying additional customs agents starting Tuesday. In Germany and Brussels, politicians believe the country could be violating the terms of the Schengen Agreement on passport-free European travel. ]]> 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/european-disunion-rising-self-interest-frays-eu-spirit-a-762403.html#ref=rss An unusual number of crises -- from the Fukushima disaster to the Arab Spring -- have challenged what used to be called the "European spirit." The euroskepticism sparked by the euro crisis has become an epidemic. Experts warn of a retreat to nationalism. Fri, 13 May 2011 16:49:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-disunion-rising-self-interest-frays-eu-spirit-a-762403.html An unusual number of crises -- from the Fukushima disaster to the Arab Spring -- have challenged what used to be called the "European spirit." The euroskepticism sparked by the euro crisis has become an epidemic. Experts warn of a retreat to nationalism.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-world-from-berlin-dividing-forces-are-mounting-in-europe-a-762416.html#ref=rss European Union officials are outraged about Denmark's decision to restore border controls in violation of EU treaties. But a trend is emerging. German commentators worry that right-wing populism threatens to tear the EU apart. Fri, 13 May 2011 15:25:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-world-from-berlin-dividing-forces-are-mounting-in-europe-a-762416.html European Union officials are outraged about Denmark's decision to restore border controls in violation of EU treaties. But a trend is emerging. German commentators worry that right-wing populism threatens to tear the EU apart.]]>