Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

Saturday 30 June 2012



SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER
Compiled on June 29, 2012, 08:54 PM CET
Yes, for Now

Merkel Knows the Dealing Isn't Done

To the delight of investors and relief of her euro-zone counterparts, German Chancellor Angela Merkel made some key concessions at Friday's EU summit. But the celebration is premature because she has still left herself plenty of room for maneuver.

Merkel's Tactical Victory

Smart Concessions from a Seasoned Negotiator

At first glance, it looked as though Chancellor Angela Merkel gave up several core demands during the EU summit on Thursday night. But did she? A closer look reveals a clever retreat to secure greater gains. To find the summit's true loser, one must look no further than Paris.

Monti's Uprising

How Italy and Spain Defeated Merkel at EU Summit

Angela Merkel took a tough stance ahead of the EU summit, insisting she would not make concessions. But Italy and Spain broke the will of the iron chancellor by out-negotiating her in the early hours of Friday morning. Germany caved in to demands for less stringent bailouts and direct aid to banks.

New Project to Save Greece

'For a Donation of 3,000 Euros, Every Greek Can Buy Freedom'

Greek shipping heir Peter Nomikos has taken matters into his own hands. While EU leaders wrangle for a solution to Greece's problems, Nomikos started a non-profit to wipe out the country's debt. If all of his countrymen do their part, he tells SPIEGEL ONLINE, they will be able to shore up the country's finances.

CEO of Energy Giant RWE

'The Nuclear Power Chapter Has Come to an End'

Peter Terium takes over as CEO of RWE, Germany's second-largest energy producer, on July 1. In a SPIEGEL interview, he explained why he wants to halt nuclear power plant construction and invest in renewable energy instead.

The Attraction of Tax Breaks

Switzerland Grows into Global Commodities Hub

Switzerland has quietly developed into the global center of commodities trading. Critics say the industry's business practices in countries such as Congo and Zambia are immoral, and that it puts profits before people.

The World from Berlin

'America Has Without a Doubt Become More European'

The news on Thursday that the US Supreme Court upheld President Barack Obama's healthcare reform took many by surprise. Editorialists in Germany, which is home to universal healthcare, remain baffled by the American debate.

Neo-Nazi Cell Scandal

Intelligence Agency under Fire for Shredding Files

An official with Germany's domestic intelligence agency apparently shredded files relating to the neo-Nazi Zwickau cell after it became clear that they were responsible for a series of murders. The incident threatens to become a major scandal. Politicians are demanding an explanation from the agency head.

A Fight without Rules

Boxer Vitali Klitschko Enters Ukraine's Political Arena

As Ukraine draws attention from around the world as host of the European football championships, boxing world champion Vitali Klitschko is touring the country's provinces as he seeks to establish a political career. He faces a tough fight ahead as he battles for a seat in parliament in Kiev.

Celebration of Life?

'Miss Holocaust Survivor' Beauty Pageant Held in Israel

Fourteen competitors as old as 97 vied on Thursday in a beauty pageant for a title that many might find distasteful: "Miss Holocaust Survivor." Critics say the event is inappropriate but its organizers are calling it a celebration of life.

Germany Booted from Euro 2012

Pig Oracle Has Perfect Record

The German national team's hopes of Euro 2012 glory were dashed on Thursday night in Warsaw as Italy won their semifinal match 2:1. But for Emma the pig, the result meant that her record of prediction is still perfect.

Picture This

In Deep Water