With independent, daily reporting from around Europe, The Local is a window on life in other cultures.

We capture the essence of nations by finding the stories that tell us who we are (and who those other people over there are), breaking down barriers and bringing us closer together. We are the largest English-language news network in Europe with more than 4.5 million readers every month, plus many more on our partner sites. Our entertaining blend of daily news, business and features has made the site essential reading for foreign professionals in Europe.

Latest news from: The Local in Italy » 'Disabled staff member won’t lose job': Nestlé Nestlé Italy said on Thursday that a disabled staff member, who was initially sacked for publicly criticizing company managers over Facebook, will no longer lose her job. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » The Duchess of Alba: eight amazing facts She met movies stars like Marilyn Monroe, was married three times and widowed twice, and even took part in a bullfight. Read on to find out all about the amazing life of Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, Spain's Duchess of Alba who died on Thursday aged 88. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » IN IMAGES: Winter is coming to French Alps In recent weeks snow has been steadily falling over the French Alps. For those who can't wait to get on the slopes, here's a gallery of images to show that winter is well and truly on its way to the mountains. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » 'Horrific' scene as rampaging cows shot Local authorities in Pinneberg, Schleswig-Holstein, brought in hunters to gun down 21 cows after they left a trail of destruction across the countryside. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » Phone 'contracts' cut by Sweden's Tele2 One of Sweden's biggest mobile companies is scrapping long term call and data contracts for customers as part of what it says is the biggest change in the Swedish telecoms industry for 20 years. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » Queen Latifah to host Nobel award ceremony US former rap artist turned Queen Latifah will host the Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo in December. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Wealthy Asian donor helps UN news agency The Geneva-based UN news agency IRIN said Thursday it was leaving the world body to become an independent non-profit organization thanks to a cash injection from a foundation backed by an Asian billionaire. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » Medical expert calls for three Ebola centres An Austrian infectious diseases expert has said that Austria needs three specialised centres to deal with suspected cases of Ebola virus. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » Supreme Court sides with tobacco companies In the first lawsuit of its kind in Denmark, the Supreme Court rules against a long-term smoker's claims that the tobacco industry should be held accountable for his health problems. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 00:29 Grocery stores in Germany 00:25 Kirchensteuerstelle send questionnaire 00:14 Looking for other English speakers in Braunschweig 23:21 TT noisy Christmas Party 2014 - Munich 23:19 Victim of Racism and Xenophobic insults		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 01:54 Machine Head this Friday, Zurich Komplex 01:50 Blighted ovum- d&c cost and if insurance cover it 01:43 American in Switzerand Investment Account in USA 01:42 German vs English 01:18 Latest Ecopop poll shows Swiss likely to vote "No" to immigration caps