Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

Tuesday 26 November 2013

SPIEGEL ONLINEINTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER 

Compiled on November 26, 2013, 06:11 PM CET

THE GREAT SELL-OFF

Milan Mired in Crisis of Money and Spirit

The days when Milan could call itself a bastion of growth and progress in Italy seem to be gone. As the crisis swells the ranks of the poor, members of the city's business elite are jockeying for foreign investors while squabbling with courts over various legal entanglements.

GENDER QUOTAS

How German Firms Help Women Get Ahead

Germany's plans to introduce a gender quota will cause fewer problems for companies than some critics are willing to admit. Many firms have already made changes, promoting female talent and bringing women into management.

NON-APOLOGY TOUR

US Lawmakers in Berlin over NSA Scandal

The Obama administration dispatched two lawmakers to Berlin this week to help ease concerns about the NSA spying scandal. Yet the word "sorry" never crossed their lips.

FINAL ROUND

Long Night Ahead for Coalition Talks in Berlin

The last round of talks to form Germany's new grand coalition government began on Tuesday evening. Both sides say they expect tough negotiations to reach compromises on issues like a minimum wage and pension reform.

PENTAGON CONTRACTS

German Scientists Accused of Naivete

German research institutions have accepted more than $10 million in contracts from the Pentagon since 2000 to cover seemingly benign topics like congenital tumors. But it appears some of these projects also have controversial military applications.

MODESTY AMID AUSTERITY

Greece Aims for Frugal Council Presidency

Greece has announced it will offer fewer perks and spend considerably less than other countries on the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union when it assumes the role in January. Doing otherwise would send the wrong message, Athens stressed.

UPHILL BATTLE

New Machine Could Save German Vineyards

Vineyards built on dizzyingly steep hillsides have been a part of German viticulture for centuries, but high labor costs are threatening them with extinction. A group of university engineers is hoping their new technology will save the industry.

PICTURE THIS

Fortune Through Fire