Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

Saturday 29 December 2012

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER
Compiled on December 27, 2012, 08:16 PM CET
Behind the Scenes in Brussels

EU Summit Reveals a Paralyzed Continent

What happens behind closed doors at an EU summit, when European leaders are among themselves? SPIEGEL has reconstructed the negotiations at the most recent meeting in Brussels in December based on documents and accounts given by numerous sources. It was a summit of hopelessness.

Lagarde Warning

IMF Concerned about Possible German Austerity

Germany should move slower on fiscal consolidation and savings to counteract the economic effects of austerity programs currently throttling growth in Southern Europe, argues Christine Lagarde. Still, the IMF chief remains cautiously optimistic about the euro-zone's economic prospects for the next year.

Mortgage Nightmares

Evictions Become Focus of Spanish Crisis

After a record number in 2012, evictions in Spain have become the symbol of a crisis that shows no signs of improving. Next year isn't likely to be any better, but with more attention now being paid to those losing their homes, relief in the form of legal reform may soon be on the way.

Shopping Paradise

Rich Chinese and Russians Flock to Germany to Spend

Germany is increasingly becoming a destination of choice for wealthy shoppers from Russia and China with customs officials struggling to keep up. Exclusive jewelers across the country are quickly hiring and training staff to serve the new clientele.

Extremism in Bonn

Student's Tongue Cut in Possible Islamist Attack

An Indian man in Bonn claims to have been attacked and had his tongue lacerated by Islamists. He told police that a pair of perpetrators demanded that he convert to Islam before the assault. Police believe his story to be credible.

Christmas at the Beer Garden

Holiday Temperatures Unseasonably Warm in Germany

Merrymakers hoping for a White Christmas were disappointed in Germany and some parts of Europe this week as a low-pressure front created record-high holiday temperatures. Beer gardens reopened and bathers flocked to nearby lakes.