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 » Italy plans bid for 2023 Rugby World Cup Italian Rugby Federation (Fir) bosses have officially confirmed their interest in hosting the 2023 World Cup. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » Ten 'ham'-azing things you really need to know Hog the limelight, ham it up or boar your companions senseless the next time you are being swined and dined, with The Local´s hamazing facts about jamon. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » Burgers rival baguettes for French taste buds The latest evidence of a shift in French culinary tastes came in a new report on Thursday which shows the French are chomping nearly as many burgers as their cherished ham baguette. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » ECB details anti-deflation cash splurge The European Central Bank (ECB) is flooding the European markets with money by buying up government bonds, hoping to push prices on consumer goods back up. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » Norwegian in surprise move as strike continues UPDATED: Scandinavian budget airline Norwegian is transferring all its pilots in Sweden, Norway and Denmark to three new daughter companies, it announced on Thursday afternoon, as tensions grew on the sixth day of industrial action. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » Katy Perry bigs up 18-yr-old Norwegian 'angel' American superstar Katy Perry has deployed the mighty power of her world-beating Twitter account to anoint a fresh-faced 18-year-old from Bergen as pop’s next big thing. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Global progress on women in politics 'stagnating' The share of women in the world's parliaments has almost doubled in the last two decades but progress is stagnating, the Geneva-based International Parliamentary Union said on Thursday. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » Conchita to release debut album Austria's bearded drag queen sensation Conchita Wurst, winner of last year's Eurovision Song Contest, said Thursday that her debut album would be released on May 13th. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » Norwegian in surprise move as strike continues UPDATED: Norwegian airline is transferring all its pilots in Denmark, Sweden and Norway to three new daughter companies. Nearly all of Friday's Scandinavian flights have been cancelled. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 03:58Who washes the dishes in your household? 02:39Rhine Waal University 01:41Scouting Wiesbaden for relocation - short version! 00:02Tax advisors and accountant recommendations 23:54Hitchhiking in Germany		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 04:07Any English Speakers in the Locarno / Bellinzona Area? 03:44Buying matches? 02:41Would you toss them? 02:31German conversation group in Berne, every Friday 00:56Farm worker