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 » 'Horror and dismay' over Paris shooting: Renzi Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Wednesday expressed his "horror and dismay" after a shooting spree at the office of a Paris magazine left at least 12 people dead. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » Bomb scares at media outlets 'false alarms' The offices of two Spanish media groups were evacuated after the receipt of suspicious packages on Wednesday with police later saying the bomb threats were false alarms. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » LIVE: Anti-terror raid under way in French city Men armed with automatic weapons opened fire at the offices of French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo on Wednesday. Prosecutors confirm 12 have been killed including two police officers. THe gunmen are still on the run. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » Merkel brings no electoral gift for Cameron Chancellor Angela Merkel and David Cameron were united on a whole range of policy issues at their meeting in London today, but she remained vague on the question of EU reform that has divided the British right. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » What's On in Sweden: January 8th - 15th The new year is here and so is the winter chill. But there's still plenty to do in Sweden. Here's a host of new shows, exhibitions, and activities around the country. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » Norway prodigy closes in on Madrid deal: report Football prodigy Martin Ødegaard, one of the most hunted players in Europe's winter transfer market, is set for a move to Real Madrid, according to a Norwegian press report. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Charlie Hebdo killings spark Swiss rallies Hundreds of people attended solidarity rallies in Geneva, Lausanne and Bern on Wednesday night over the terror attack at the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine’s editorial offices in Paris that left 12 people dead. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » Missed a story? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or G+ There's so much news, if you're not checking The Local every day, you might be missing out on stories. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » Jyllands-Posten ups security after Paris attack Newspaper's offices in Copenhagen and Viby have implemented extra security measures in light of the attack on the French magazine that reprinted Jyllands-Posten's notorious Muhammad drawings. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 02:58Are we avoiding the PEGIDA topic? 02:54Meet up for indecisive 20-somethings 01:25Van hire in the UK for a one-way trip to Germany 00:48Company strategy with minimum wage 00:26Taking my Daughter out of Germany		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 01:26Latin or more German for child in secondary school 01:23Moving to Lucerne in March. 90 day housing? 01:09Class D drugs? 23:45Anyone with experience of Swissquote mortgage 23:31Ozone treatment for car in Zurich