http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Sun, 26 May 2013 01:05:25 +0200 Sun, 26 May 2013 01:05:25 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/obama-to-make-first-state-visit-to-berlin-in-june-a-894733.html#ref=rss He's finally coming. SPIEGEL has learned that US President Barack Obama will make an official state visit to Berlin in June -- just one week before the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:30:35 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/obama-to-make-first-state-visit-to-berlin-in-june-a-894733.html He's finally coming. SPIEGEL has learned that US President Barack Obama will make an official state visit to Berlin in June -- just one week before the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/us-treasury-secretary-visit-to-berlin-highlights-austerity-split-a-893368.html#ref=rss The visit of US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew to Europe this week has highlighted the deep trans-Atlantic divide over Brussels' austerity-driven response to the euro crisis. Washington would like to see measures to stimulate growth. But none are likely to be forthcoming. Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:32:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/us-treasury-secretary-visit-to-berlin-highlights-austerity-split-a-893368.html The visit of US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew to Europe this week has highlighted the deep trans-Atlantic divide over Brussels' austerity-driven response to the euro crisis. Washington would like to see measures to stimulate growth. But none are likely to be forthcoming.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/bonn-museum-exhibit-explores-us-influence-on-postwar-germany-a-892679.html#ref=rss The US has had an enormous influence on postwar Germany, from pop culture to politics. But as America's focus turns away from Europe toward Asia, a museum in Bonn is taking stock of how that relationship has fared over the years. Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:53:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/bonn-museum-exhibit-explores-us-influence-on-postwar-germany-a-892679.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/interview-former-german-chancellor-gerhard-schroeder-on-foreign-policy-a-891839.html#ref=rss In a SPIEGEL interview, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, 68, talks about how difficult it is for citizens to accept military deployments abroad, the country's leadership role and what justifies war. Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:19:39 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/interview-former-german-chancellor-gerhard-schroeder-on-foreign-policy-a-891839.html In a SPIEGEL interview, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, 68, talks about how difficult it is for citizens to accept military deployments abroad, the country's leadership role and what justifies war.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/robert-zoellick-interview-us-eu-trans-atlantic-free-trade-agreement-a-890809.html#ref=rss The planned trans-Atlantic free trade agreement between Europe and the US must be senstive to agricultural concerns, says former World Bank President Robert Zoellick in a SPIEGEL interview. If successful, it could set a global economic precedent, he predicts. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:20:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/robert-zoellick-interview-us-eu-trans-atlantic-free-trade-agreement-a-890809.html The planned trans-Atlantic free trade agreement between Europe and the US must be senstive to agricultural concerns, says former World Bank President Robert Zoellick in a SPIEGEL interview. If successful, it could set a global economic precedent, he predicts.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/john-kerry-visits-berlin-the-last-fan-of-europe-in-washington-a-885386.html#ref=rss The new US secretary of state is visiting Berlin on Monday. He's promising grand things -- and he has a soft spot for Europe. But John Kerry has little room for maneuver. The Old World is of little interest to people in Washington, particularly President Obama. Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:12:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/john-kerry-visits-berlin-the-last-fan-of-europe-in-washington-a-885386.html The new US secretary of state is visiting Berlin on Monday. He's promising grand things -- and he has a soft spot for Europe. But John Kerry has little room for maneuver. The Old World is of little interest to people in Washington, particularly President Obama. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/southern-eu-states-want-exemptions-from-us-eu-free-trade-talks-a-884022.html#ref=rss Germany wants the planned free-trade pact between the US and EU to be as broad as possible, but France and other Southern European nations want a number of issues affecting their farming industries to be excluded from the talks. Washington could run out of patience. Mon, 18 Feb 2013 12:43:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/southern-eu-states-want-exemptions-from-us-eu-free-trade-talks-a-884022.html Germany wants the planned free-trade pact between the US and EU to be as broad as possible, but France and other Southern European nations want a number of issues affecting their farming industries to be excluded from the talks. Washington could run out of patience. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-media-commentators-on-the-trans-atlantic-trade-agreement-a-883410.html#ref=rss The European Union and United States say they will soon begin negotiations to create the world's largest free-trade zone. German editorialists argue a deal is necessary if the West wants to help shape global politics and address the challenge of a rising China. Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:10:50 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-media-commentators-on-the-trans-atlantic-trade-agreement-a-883410.html The European Union and United States say they will soon begin negotiations to create the world's largest free-trade zone. German editorialists argue a deal is necessary if the West wants to help shape global politics and address the challenge of a rising China.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/us-president-obama-backs-trans-atlantic-free-trade-agreement-with-eu-a-883104.html#ref=rss Both Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister David Cameron have long favored a potential trans-Atlantic free trade agreement. Though US President Barack Obama backed the idea in his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, wrangling over the details could prove problematic. Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:46:08 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/us-president-obama-backs-trans-atlantic-free-trade-agreement-with-eu-a-883104.html Both Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister David Cameron have long favored a potential trans-Atlantic free trade agreement. Though US President Barack Obama backed the idea in his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, wrangling over the details could prove problematic.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-global-leadership-vacuum-europe-incapable-america-unwilling-a-880945.html#ref=rss US Vice President Joe Biden is visiting Germany this week in an effort to strengthen trans-Atlantic ties. Global politics have come to a standstill in recent years, with the United States unwilling to show leadership and Europe and other major powers unable to fill the vacuum. Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:30:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-global-leadership-vacuum-europe-incapable-america-unwilling-a-880945.html US Vice President Joe Biden is visiting Germany this week in an effort to strengthen trans-Atlantic ties. Global politics have come to a standstill in recent years, with the United States unwilling to show leadership and Europe and other major powers unable to fill the vacuum.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/berlin-to-abstain-on-vote-to-recognize-palestinian-state-a-870002.html#ref=rss Ahead of the United Nations vote that is set to recognize a Palestinian state, Germany has announced it will abstain. The move reveals Berlin's complicated foreign policy loyalties on the issue -- and once again reveals Europe's inability to reach consensus on a key foreign policy issue. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:54:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/berlin-to-abstain-on-vote-to-recognize-palestinian-state-a-870002.html Ahead of the United Nations vote that is set to recognize a Palestinian state, Germany has announced it will abstain. The move reveals Berlin's complicated foreign policy loyalties on the issue -- and once again reveals Europe's inability to reach consensus on a key foreign policy issue.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-media-commentary-on-obama-re-election-a-866063.html#ref=rss Most Germans are relieved that US President Barack Obama has been re-elected. But lacking the same level of support at home, he has a tough road ahead, the country's media commentators say on Thursday. They urge Obama to exhibit strong leadership both domestically and abroad. Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:11:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-media-commentary-on-obama-re-election-a-866063.html Most Germans are relieved that US President Barack Obama has been re-elected. But lacking the same level of support at home, he has a tough road ahead, the country's media commentators say on Thursday. They urge Obama to exhibit strong leadership both domestically and abroad. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/what-obama-victory-means-for-trans-atlantic-relations-a-865695.html#ref=rss The first administration of US President Barack Obama was heavily critical of Europe's hesitant approach to confronting the euro crisis. Things aren't likely to change in the second term. But there is hope that the White House will pivot back to Europe for a possible trans-Atlantic free trade agreement. Wed, 07 Nov 2012 09:14:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/what-obama-victory-means-for-trans-atlantic-relations-a-865695.html The first administration of US President Barack Obama was heavily critical of Europe's hesitant approach to confronting the euro crisis. Things aren't likely to change in the second term. But there is hope that the White House will pivot back to Europe for a possible trans-Atlantic free trade agreement.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/analysis-of-us-treasury-secretary-phone-calls-shows-ecb-as-europe-liaison-a-865542.html#ref=rss One of the European Union's greatest shortcomings is its lack of a strong leader. A novel analysis of the meetings and phone calls of the US treasury secretary shows that, among the EU's oligarchy of commissioners and presidents, there is one institution here that Timothy Geithner turns to for consultations than any other: the European Central Bank. Tue, 06 Nov 2012 12:23:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/analysis-of-us-treasury-secretary-phone-calls-shows-ecb-as-europe-liaison-a-865542.html One of the European Union's greatest shortcomings is its lack of a strong leader. A novel analysis of the meetings and phone calls of the US treasury secretary shows that, among the EU's oligarchy of commissioners and presidents, there is one institution here that Timothy Geithner turns to for consultations than any other: the European Central Bank. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/commentary-total-capitalism-and-the-downfall-of-america-a-865437.html#ref=rss Germans see the US election as a battle between the good Obama and the evil Romney. But this is a mistake. Regardless of who wins the election on Tuesday, total capitalism is America's true ruler, and it has the power to destroy the country. Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:07:44 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/commentary-total-capitalism-and-the-downfall-of-america-a-865437.html Germans see the US election as a battle between the good Obama and the evil Romney. But this is a mistake. Regardless of who wins the election on Tuesday, total capitalism is America's true ruler, and it has the power to destroy the country. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-american-relations-what-would-a-romney-victory-mean-for-berlin-a-864804.html#ref=rss Germans like US President Barack Obama, but what if his challenger Mitt Romney wins next week's election instead? The Republican politician is hard to read when it comes to foreign policy matters, and politicians in Berlin are asking what it would mean for German-American relations. Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:09:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-american-relations-what-would-a-romney-victory-mean-for-berlin-a-864804.html Germans like US President Barack Obama, but what if his challenger Mitt Romney wins next week's election instead? The Republican politician is hard to read when it comes to foreign policy matters, and politicians in Berlin are asking what it would mean for German-American relations. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-considers-major-new-cultural-institute-for-new-york-a-857682.html#ref=rss A proposal by the Foreign Ministry in Berlin for a German American Forum on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan is proving controversial. The project's detractors say it would create unnecessary competition for existing institutions that are already struggling to make ends meet. They also warn of staggering costs for the building on one of New York's most famous streets. Mon, 24 Sep 2012 18:14:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-considers-major-new-cultural-institute-for-new-york-a-857682.html A proposal by the Foreign Ministry in Berlin for a German American Forum on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan is proving controversial. The project's detractors say it would create unnecessary competition for existing institutions that are already struggling to make ends meet. They also warn of staggering costs for the building on one of New York's most famous streets. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-finance-minister-rejects-obama-criticism-of-crisis-management-a-840749.html#ref=rss In a sign of tensions between Berlin and Washington, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble said on Sunday that President Barack Obama should focus on cutting America's own budget deficit before advising Europe on how to tackle its debt problems. Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:22:50 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-finance-minister-rejects-obama-criticism-of-crisis-management-a-840749.html In a sign of tensions between Berlin and Washington, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble said on Sunday that President Barack Obama should focus on cutting America's own budget deficit before advising Europe on how to tackle its debt problems. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/pew-survey-shows-germans-disillusioned-by-the-us-and-president-obama-a-838537.html#ref=rss Germans were ecstatic when Barack Obama took over the keys to the White House from George W. Bush. Now, though, a new Pew Research Center survey shows that disillusionment with the US president is widespread in Germany and that Obama has not lived up to the high expectations Europeans had of him. Wed, 13 Jun 2012 08:58:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/pew-survey-shows-germans-disillusioned-by-the-us-and-president-obama-a-838537.html Germans were ecstatic when Barack Obama took over the keys to the White House from George W. Bush. Now, though, a new Pew Research Center survey shows that disillusionment with the US president is widespread in Germany and that Obama has not lived up to the high expectations Europeans had of him.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/founder-of-german-marshall-fund-guido-goldman-retires-a-834696.html#ref=rss As a child, Guido Goldman fled to the US to escape the Nazis. Just a couple of decades later, however, he launched what would ultimately become one of the premier pillars of trans-Atlantic relations between the US and Germany. The German Marshall Fund turns 40 next week -- and Goldman has decided to retire. Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:11:41 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/founder-of-german-marshall-fund-guido-goldman-retires-a-834696.html