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 » Vatican backs force to stop Isis 'genocide' The Vatican's ambassador to the United Nations has endorsed military action against the Isis group in Iraq and Syria - an unusual move because the Vatican traditionally has opposed force in the region. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » Spain anti-abortion rally challenges government Thousands of Spaniards marched in Madrid on Saturday warning the government that its decision to abandon plans to restrict women's access to abortion will cost it conservative votes in this year's general election. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » Video: Ibrahimovic blasts France as a 'st country' PSG's Zlatan Ibrahimovic called France a "st country" in a foul-mouthed angry rant on Sunday after his team lost at Bordeaux. The big Swede then issued an apology claiming he was "only talking about football" READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » Merkel to open major IT fair with China German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday opens a major IT business fair where official partner China will showcase its rise as a high-tech power. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » New police screening device to spot 'dirty' cars Stolen, untaxed, and otherwise banned vehicles can now quickly be spotted by Swedish police, with one hundred police cars around the country newly equipped with high-tech camera devices that automatically scan and identify rogue license plates. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » Island house off Norway yours for just one kroner A house on an uninhabited island in one of Norway’s most beautiful archipelagos is up for grabs for just one kroner — 12 US cents. All you need to do is convince the seller you genuinely mean to fix it up. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Expats face cash hurdles for short-term permits Foreigners from the European Union or member countries of the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) who are seeking a short-term residency permit in Switzerland to look for work will soon have to prove they have sufficient economic means to stay in the country. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » St. Patrick's Day parade in Vienna It was a grand spectacle in miniature, as Austrians, Irish and lovers of the Irish gathered together in Vienna to celebrate one of the traditional Irish holidays that has been shared around the world. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » Vilks in Denmark for first post-attack appearance Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks returned to Copenhagen on Saturday in his first public appearance since surviving a terror attack last month. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 02:2335% FOOD grade hydrogen peroxide 02:024% and 2% Panic Thread 23:49Appointments at Ausländeramt bookable via… 22:532015 RBS Six Nations Championship 22:07Boiler decalcification - Entkalkung		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 05:02Greetings from the UK! 04:45Swisscom router issue - advice needed 02:19Who amongst you knew that bikes need a train ticket? 02:10Nanny short-term work contract 01:04EU aiding Greece to dig out unpaid taxes in Swiss banks