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 » Sergio Mattarella: Sicilian 'man of the law' Italy's new president is a white-haired Sicilian who might never have got anywhere near the corridors of power but for the Mafia killing of his beloved elder brother. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » Sun, sea, sand... what about the shopping? Spain draws 65 million tourists a year thanks largely to its beaches. Now it wants them spending on the high street. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » Charlie Hebdo cartoonist wins top comic award A youngster's tale of life torn between France and the Middle East by a Charlie Hebdo contributor scooped the top award at one of the world's biggest comics festivals in France on Sunday. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » Greek FM calls for Berlin talks on debt deal New Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said on Sunday he would like to hold talks "soon" in Berlin and Frankfurt to explain his austerity-hit country's position on the repayment of its debt. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » Man shot dead at Malmö shopping centre Two hooded gunmen opened fire at a man in a kebab restaurant at one of Malmö’s largest shopping centres on Saturday afternoon, in full view of several families and their children. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » Jay Z set to buy Norway's Wimp US rap star Jay Z made a $56-million foray into the music streaming business Friday, buying Norway's Wimp in a bid to compete with giants like Spotify and Apple. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Car rolls into ditch as driver snaps scenic pics In a bizarre accident at the weekend, a 35-year-old motorist who stepped out of his estate car to photograph mountain scenery around Trübsbach in the canton of Saint Gallen ended finding the vehicle in a drainage channel. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » Cop seriously injured in right-wing ball protest A series of protests saw thousands of police on the streets of Vienna, with one police officer hospitalized with serious injuries by a firework thrown by a protestor on Friday evening. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » Danish boxer Mikkel Kessler 'mentally' retires The Viking Warrior said that he has stepped into the ring for the last time, but leaves the door open for a possible rematch with one of the two men who handed him losses in his illustrious career. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 01:23Working Hours in Employment Contract 01:21Squash partner wanted in Berlin 23:57Kindergarten open short hours 23:54Mywirecard prepaid Visa card 23:16Certificate of tax residency		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 01:54UK General Election 2015: May 7 (poll) 01:12Books and magazines still priced at one Euro = CHF 1.30 23:52Tageskarte x 3 wanted for 7th and 8th February 23:47Spanish teacher or Tandem - Basel 23:43CH banking is awful