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 » Merkel confident Renzi will deliver on reforms German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday backed Italy's Matteo Renzi to deliver on a pledge to "turbo-charge" his reforms after the European Central Bank's decision to pump billions into the moribund eurozone economy. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » FOCUS: IMF praises Spain's 'virtuous circle' Spain has emerged from a devastating crisis and entered a "virtuous circle" with faster growth than its neighbours, but the IMF warns that high unemployment and the rise of populist parties still threaten the recovery. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » Paris Fashion week goes Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week shifts up a gear on Sunday with its marquee event: the Haute Couture shows that happen only in the French capital. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » Deutsche Bahn wins allies in air cartel suit German rail operator Deutsche Bahn said Sunday it has been joined by several companies in a 2.9 billion euro ($3.2 billion) lawsuit against Lufthansa and other airlines for fixing air cargo prices. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » Swedish WW2 soldier buried 70 yrs after death A Swedish soldier has been buried 70 years after he died fighting with Finland against Soviet troops during World War Two. Remarkably, his sister was still alive to attend the service. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » Norway's Jansrud takes Kitzbühel downhill crown Kjetil Jansrud of Norway joined the pantheon of greats to win the men's World Cup downhill at Kitzbühel on Saturday. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Davos forum runs without security hitches The 45th annual World Economic Forum gathering in Davos, which wound up at the weekend, ran smoothly without any security issues, Graubünden cantonal authorities said. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » Greek election upset ripples reach Vienna The Greek elections over the weekend saw the emergence of a new force in Greek politics, the Syriza party. The Local's correspondent Faye Karavasili analyzed the results, and looks at the views of some of the young Greek diaspora living in Vienna. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » Controversial Danish mosque praised by cops The controversial Grimhøj Mosque in Aarhus is making headlines once again, but this time the news has a distinctly more positive tone. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 23:38Playing German-bought Wii games in English 23:23Rewards for being on call 24/7 in Germany 22:18How to find out average salary in various jobs 22:16DKB refused to open an account 22:15Kindergarten open short hours		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 02:37How to get rid of old textbooks? 02:28Date in Zurich 01:34Renting without a contract yet, is it possible? 01:16Someone stole my shopping! 01:11Housing not speaking french