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 » Bologna bombers must pay €2 billion damages A couple convicted for involvement in the 1980 bombing of Bologna railway station, which left 85 people dead, were on Wednesday ordered to pay damages of just over €2 billion to the state. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » Spain snubs plans for longer paternity leave Spain's health minister, Ana Mato, on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of extending paid paternity leave from two to four weeks as planned, citing a lack of funds. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » A portrait of modern France in ten stats From an explosion in the number of homeless people to the number of French people descended from migrants - here's ten stats that give a portrait of the modern France. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » Court overturns firing for sleepy train chef A Cologne court has told rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) that it was wrong to fire a restaurant car worker who slept through an entire long-distance journey. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » Sweden's new PM in New York for first US visit Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Löfven is in New York as part of his first official visit to the United States since his election in September. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » Uber rideshare app gets Nordic knockback Uber, the app that allows random people to taxi-share, has launched to Norway, but faces a legal challenge from the government, it was announced on Wednesday. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Voter support for new immigration curbs slides Swiss voters are ready to reject a proposal to restrain population growth by severely limiting immigration, according to the results of surveys released on Wednesday. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » Skiing 'too expensive' for average families Austria’s consumer watchdog, the VKI, has said that daily ski passes for adults are now almost €50 at some resorts in Austria, and skiing is no longer an affordable activity for families. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » Denmark pressures EU on everyday chemicals Saying that "the phasing-out of harmful chemicals is progressing far too slow in the EU," Denmark's environment minister has recruited colleagues for a coordinated campaign targeting the EU Commission. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 03:49 Lack of security at Kindergarten/Kinderkrippe 01:07 Kirchensteuerstelle send questionnaire 01:06 Thursday night drinks Berlin November 20th 01:05 Cost of Living in Bremen 00:49 Help for partner of Asperger's		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 03:14 Hi from Thurgovie 03:03 Best internet only SIM card 03:02 Erdogan's 1,000 room palace 02:34 Supportive or Angry 02:33 The 2014 Formula 1 World Championship