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 » Fiat to create over 1,000 new jobs at Italy plant Fiat-Chrysler said on Monday it will add over 1,000 new jobs at its Melfi plant in southern Italy, boosting hopes for the revival of car manufacturers in Europe. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » Cristiano Ronaldo wins third Ballon D'Or Cristiano Ronaldo shut out Lionel Messi for the second straight year in the battle for the Ballon d'Or and he is showing no sign of giving up his grip as king of world football. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » After three days of terror France feels like a nation In a matter of days the murderous acts of three terrorists, who were born and raised in France, have helped restore confidence and unity to a country and its people. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » 'Islam belongs to Germany': Merkel Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized her support for the Muslim community in Germany and opposition to Turkey's EU application after meeting with the Turkish prime minister. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » Sweden must 'share responsibility' for Iraq After announcing that she wants to send Swedish military staff to Iraq, Sweden’s Foreign Minister Margot Wallström has told The Local that the move is designed to 'share responsibility' for tackling extremism. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » Storm strands ferry for over 24 hours Powerful storms kept a passenger ferry from docking in Bergen as planned, leaving it sailing back and forth amongst the fjords. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Swiss teen nabbed with stolen skull in suitcase Argentina officials have detained a 19-year-old Swiss man after a skull was found in his luggage as he was preparing to board a plane to leave the country, according to media reports. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » Plans to boost security in wake of Paris attacks Austria’s Interior Ministry is preparing new measures to boost security after last week’s terror attacks in Paris. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » Three arrested with fake guns at Jyllands-Posten Amid heightened tensions and increased security in the aftermath of last week’s terror attack in Paris, three men were arrested for what appears to be a prank involving fake weapons near the office of Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 02:19Knitting Pattern Translation please 02:11Exchanging Indian driving license for German 01:40Axe attack on the GEZ building in Cologne 00:57Advice on kindergartens in the Mannheim area 00:09Seeheim-Jugenheim/Darmstadt school choices		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 02:55Pegida marches against Islamisation of Europe 02:54Looking for other english speaking seniors 02:52How many EF members had actually read Charlie Hebdo before this week? 02:29Retirement Home in ZH with international people? 02:17Tea Houses in Zurich?