http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Wed, 22 May 2013 06:14:35 +0200 Wed, 22 May 2013 06:14:35 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/amsterdam-willem-alexander-is-the-new-king-of-the-netherlands-a-897525.html#ref=rss Following the succession of his mother Beatrix on Tuesday, Willem-Alexander became King of the Netherlands in a grand ceremony that drew royals from around the world and up to a million spectators. Most celebrated the coronation, but anti-monarchists also protested the historic day. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:17:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/amsterdam-willem-alexander-is-the-new-king-of-the-netherlands-a-897525.html Following the succession of his mother Beatrix on Tuesday, Willem-Alexander became King of the Netherlands in a grand ceremony that drew royals from around the world and up to a million spectators. Most celebrated the coronation, but anti-monarchists also protested the historic day. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-netherlands-crowns-a-new-king-willem-alexander-a-897327.html#ref=rss For years, the Dutch doubted whether Willem-Alexander -- the easy-going prince disparaged in the media as stupid, lazy and intemperate -- had what it takes to rule. Crowned king on Tuesday morning, the 46-year-old will now attempt something his mother never did: to be a thoroughly modern monarch. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:20:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-netherlands-crowns-a-new-king-willem-alexander-a-897327.html For years, the Dutch doubted whether Willem-Alexander -- the easy-going prince disparaged in the media as stupid, lazy and intemperate -- had what it takes to rule. Crowned king on Tuesday morning, the 46-year-old will now attempt something his mother never did: to be a thoroughly modern monarch.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/amsterdam-pumping-millions-into-art-museums-a-892084.html#ref=rss Half a billion euros is being spent in Amsterdam to renovate its major art museums. Will the city of canals and Van Goghs shed its grittier side and become the Florence of the 21st century? Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:35:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/amsterdam-pumping-millions-into-art-museums-a-892084.html Half a billion euros is being spent in Amsterdam to renovate its major art museums. Will the city of canals and Van Goghs shed its grittier side and become the Florence of the 21st century?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/economic-crisis-hits-the-netherlands-a-891919.html#ref=rss The Netherlands, Berlin's most important ally in pushing for greater budgetary discipline in Europe, has fallen into an economic crisis itself. The once exemplary economy is suffering from huge debts and a burst real estate bubble, which has stalled growth and endangered jobs. Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:56:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/economic-crisis-hits-the-netherlands-a-891919.html The Netherlands, Berlin's most important ally in pushing for greater budgetary discipline in Europe, has fallen into an economic crisis itself. The once exemplary economy is suffering from huge debts and a burst real estate bubble, which has stalled growth and endangered jobs.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/dutch-minister-favored-to-head-euro-group-a-876823.html#ref=rss Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, a relative newcomer to EU politics, is now the favorite to take over the top spot at the Euro Group of euro-zone finance ministers. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:01:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/dutch-minister-favored-to-head-euro-group-a-876823.html Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, a relative newcomer to EU politics, is now the favorite to take over the top spot at the Euro Group of euro-zone finance ministers.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/abusive-neighbors-to-be-sent-into-container-exile-in-amsterdam-a-870976.html#ref=rss Amsterdam is planning to introduce a program that will send abusive neighbors and vandals to punitive housing outside of the city center. The hope is that it will deter perennial bullies, but it is being criticized for its similarity to the "scum villages" proposed by right-wing populist politician Geert Wilders. Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:38:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/abusive-neighbors-to-be-sent-into-container-exile-in-amsterdam-a-870976.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/thieves-steal-works-by-matisse-picasso-and-more-in-rotterdam-art-heist-a-861647.html#ref=rss In one of the largest art heists in recent years, thieves in the Dutch city of Rotterdam made off with seven works by renowned artists such as Matisse, Monet, Picasso and Gauguin. Experts say the paintings could be worth up to 100 million euros altogether. Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:47:57 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/thieves-steal-works-by-matisse-picasso-and-more-in-rotterdam-art-heist-a-861647.html In one of the largest art heists in recent years, thieves in the Dutch city of Rotterdam made off with seven works by renowned artists such as Matisse, Monet, Picasso and Gauguin. Experts say the paintings could be worth up to 100 million euros altogether.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/voters-choose-pro-european-parties-in-dutch-election-a-855529.html#ref=rss The incumbent conservative-liberal VVD party has won the Dutch election, with the center-left Labor Party coming in second. The result is a show of support for the current government's euro-crisis policies and a rejection of euroskeptic parties, with right-wing populist Geert Wilders suffering a major defeat. Thu, 13 Sep 2012 09:29:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/voters-choose-pro-european-parties-in-dutch-election-a-855529.html The incumbent conservative-liberal VVD party has won the Dutch election, with the center-left Labor Party coming in second. The result is a show of support for the current government's euro-crisis policies and a rejection of euroskeptic parties, with right-wing populist Geert Wilders suffering a major defeat.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/coalition-struggle-likely-to-follow-dutch-general-election-a-855160.html#ref=rss As the euro crisis comes to a head, German Chancellor Angela Merkel could lose an important partner in her fight for a stable currency. Even if incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte wins Wednesday's election in the Netherlands, he will have to make concessions in what are likely to be difficult coalition talks. Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:44:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/coalition-struggle-likely-to-follow-dutch-general-election-a-855160.html As the euro crisis comes to a head, German Chancellor Angela Merkel could lose an important partner in her fight for a stable currency. Even if incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte wins Wednesday's election in the Netherlands, he will have to make concessions in what are likely to be difficult coalition talks.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/left-wing-socialists-are-favorites-in-upcoming-dutch-election-a-852352.html#ref=rss The economy is in trouble and unemployment is rising -- in the Netherlands as in much of the rest of Europe. Ahead of upcoming elections, the Socialists are riding a wave of euro-skepticism and may emerge as the strongest political force in the country. Tue, 28 Aug 2012 16:03:12 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/left-wing-socialists-are-favorites-in-upcoming-dutch-election-a-852352.html The economy is in trouble and unemployment is rising -- in the Netherlands as in much of the rest of Europe. Ahead of upcoming elections, the Socialists are riding a wave of euro-skepticism and may emerge as the strongest political force in the country.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-dutch-national-team-and-its-egotistical-players-at-the-euro-2012-a-838484.html#ref=rss When it comes to winning titles, the talented but egotistical footballers on the Dutch national side are usually the only people standing in their own way. But as they prepare to battle Germany in the European Championship on Wednesday night, there are signs that a new sense of teamwork may be emerging. Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:42:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-dutch-national-team-and-its-egotistical-players-at-the-euro-2012-a-838484.html When it comes to winning titles, the talented but egotistical footballers on the Dutch national side are usually the only people standing in their own way. But as they prepare to battle Germany in the European Championship on Wednesday night, there are signs that a new sense of teamwork may be emerging.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-leon-de-winter-on-the-german-dutch-football-rivalry-a-838167.html#ref=rss Germany and the Netherlands are set to clash at the European Football Championship on Wednesday night, reigniting a deep-seated rivalry between the neighboring countries. Dutch writer Leon de Winter tells SPIEGEL why the Dutch hate the Germans and need the "ritualized war" of the game. Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:49:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-leon-de-winter-on-the-german-dutch-football-rivalry-a-838167.html Germany and the Netherlands are set to clash at the European Football Championship on Wednesday night, reigniting a deep-seated rivalry between the neighboring countries. Dutch writer Leon de Winter tells SPIEGEL why the Dutch hate the Germans and need the "ritualized war" of the game. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/press-review-of-german-newspaper-editorials-on-dutch-and-french-politics-a-829440.html#ref=rss The collapse of the Dutch government, the prospect of Socialist François Hollande as next French president and the surging popularity of far-right parties shows that budget discipline is out of fashion in Europe. Chancellor Angela Merkel is looking increasingly lonely in her fight to save the euro through painful austerity measures, write German commentators. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:59:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/press-review-of-german-newspaper-editorials-on-dutch-and-french-politics-a-829440.html The collapse of the Dutch government, the prospect of Socialist François Hollande as next French president and the surging popularity of far-right parties shows that budget discipline is out of fashion in Europe. Chancellor Angela Merkel is looking increasingly lonely in her fight to save the euro through painful austerity measures, write German commentators.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/care-home-for-aging-junkies-finds-success-in-the-netherlands-a-826075.html#ref=rss The junkies from the 1970s are getting older and many still haven't kicked the habit. An experimental home in the Netherlands provides them a safe place to live -- and do drugs. Many will likely stay there for the rest of their lives. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:23:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/care-home-for-aging-junkies-finds-success-in-the-netherlands-a-826075.html The junkies from the 1970s are getting older and many still haven't kicked the habit. An experimental home in the Netherlands provides them a safe place to live -- and do drugs. Many will likely stay there for the rest of their lives.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/dutch-village-for-elderly-with-dementia-offers-alternative-care-a-824582.html#ref=rss A village in the Netherlands inhabited entirely by elderly people with dementia offers a new answer to how society can deal with its aging population. It's a world without yesterday or tomorrow where residents have far more freedom than they would be allowed in convalescent homes. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:08:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/dutch-village-for-elderly-with-dementia-offers-alternative-care-a-824582.html A village in the Netherlands inhabited entirely by elderly people with dementia offers a new answer to how society can deal with its aging population. It's a world without yesterday or tomorrow where residents have far more freedom than they would be allowed in convalescent homes. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/controversy-over-dutch-mobile-euthanasia-teams-in-the-netherlands-a-822484.html#ref=rss A pro-euthanasia lobbying group in the Netherlands has set up a suicide clinic and formed teams of doctors that make house calls to people who wish to die. Although euthanasia is legal in the country if certain conditions are met, critics say mobile suicide teams go too far. Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:20:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/controversy-over-dutch-mobile-euthanasia-teams-in-the-netherlands-a-822484.html A pro-euthanasia lobbying group in the Netherlands has set up a suicide clinic and formed teams of doctors that make house calls to people who wish to die. Although euthanasia is legal in the country if certain conditions are met, critics say mobile suicide teams go too far.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/ice-fever-holland-abuzz-about-mythical-skating-race-a-814100.html#ref=rss The event hasn't been held for 15 years. But, this week, Holland is abuzz with anticipation that the famed "11 Cities Tour" might take place in the coming days. All that's needed are a few more cold nights before 16,000 skaters can take to the 200-kilometer course. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:31:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/ice-fever-holland-abuzz-about-mythical-skating-race-a-814100.html The event hasn't been held for 15 years. But, this week, Holland is abuzz with anticipation that the famed "11 Cities Tour" might take place in the coming days. All that's needed are a few more cold nights before 16,000 skaters can take to the 200-kilometer course.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/big-vision-dutch-zoo-fits-elephant-with-contact-lens-a-811536.html#ref=rss An elephant at a Dutch zoo has become the first in Europe to be fitted with a contact lens. The pachyderm had injured her eye in a scrap with a fellow elephant, but her caretakers say it will now be able to heal. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:30:29 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/big-vision-dutch-zoo-fits-elephant-with-contact-lens-a-811536.html An elephant at a Dutch zoo has become the first in Europe to be fitted with a contact lens. The pachyderm had injured her eye in a scrap with a fellow elephant, but her caretakers say it will now be able to heal. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/europe-s-perishing-parishes-dutchman-helps-to-liquidate-dying-churches-a-805075.html#ref=rss A drastic exodus from the church is underway in the Netherlands. With two churches shuttered each week, one man has become the country's top advisor on how to repurpose the once holy objects. Some buildings are demolished, while others find new life as mosques, stores and even recreation centers. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:52:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/europe-s-perishing-parishes-dutchman-helps-to-liquidate-dying-churches-a-805075.html A drastic exodus from the church is underway in the Netherlands. With two churches shuttered each week, one man has become the country's top advisor on how to repurpose the once holy objects. Some buildings are demolished, while others find new life as mosques, stores and even recreation centers.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/euro-bridges-an-uncommon-monument-to-the-common-currency-a-795930.html#ref=rss A Dutch artist is providing some much needed levity amid the ongoing euro crisis, undertaking a project to build the seven fictional bridges portrayed on the euro banknotes. The stylized fake bridge designs were meant to prevent inter-European rivalries, but now they're all located in a single country. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:54:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/euro-bridges-an-uncommon-monument-to-the-common-currency-a-795930.html