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 » Pope slams persecution in Christmas address Pope Francis roundly condemned jihadist violence and the "brutal persecution" of religious minorities this year in a Christmas message to the world's 1.2 billion Catholics and millions of others. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » Homeless guides reveal 'hidden' Barcelona Ramon Holgado used to sleep outside in a cardboard box, but he is back on his feet this Christmas -- guiding homeless-themed tours of the Barcelona streets he lived rough in. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » EasyJet cancels 40 flights due to French strike British budget carrier EasyJet said Wednesday that about 40 flights would be cancelled the day after Christmas due to a strike in France by its flight attendants over scheduling and pay. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » Germans hit back at anti-immigrant movement Business leaders, the political class and average Germans are pushing back against a growing anti-immigrant movement, saying it threatens the values and image the country fought hard to establish since the war. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » Fast wifi tops Swedes' holiday wish list Nice views are all well and good but the item that Swedes prioritize above all when kicking back on holiday is the speed of their wifi connection, a new survey has shown. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » Hearty Norwegians hit the gym at Christmas Norwegians have a reputation for being fitness freaks - and many plan to keep up their good habits over Christmas, a new survey shows, with one in five planning to hit the gym. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Swiss head to shops rather than slopes The lack of snow in many Swiss ski resorts has had a beneficial effect on the shops, with many people shopping rather than skiing on the Sundays leading up to Christmas. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » Gorgonzola recall due to Listeria contamination According to a report in the news daily Heute, a batch of Gorgonzola DOP cheese from Italian manufacturer CasArrigoni has been recalled due to infection with the deadly Listeria bacterium. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » A holiday message from The Local Denmark With the holidays here and The Local Denmark celebrating its first six months of existence, editor Justin Cremer takes a moment to evaluate the site's start and thank those who have helped it along the way – particularly you, the reader. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 07:06Family law and child access/custody in Germany 02:34New in Frankfurt (or new to this forum) 02:32RIP Joe Cocker 01:55Recommended veterinarians in Berlin 23:47Friday beer garden. *Details on post 15*		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 05:12What car seat do you use for the kids? 02:43Hi 02:24Driving in the UK whilst visiting family. 00:59Leimbach primary school 00:55Abandoned Buildings/Bizarre Locations