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 » Defiant Schettino vows to clear his name Costa Concordia captain Francesco Schettino has vowed that he will never accept his conviction for abandoning ship on the night of the 2012 cruise ship disaster. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » Ten golden rules for snagging a Spanish man Spanish men are great at playing the dating game says Sally Fazakerley, a seasoned participant in Madrid's dating scene. Just watch out for their mothers - and their wives. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » Fifty Shades of Grey OK for French 12-year-olds The erotic blockbuster film Fifty Shades of Grey has been given the second lowest classification rating in France, meaning children as young as 12 can enjoy the show. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » CDU angers Muslims with opposition to Koran The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Essen will distribute the German Constitution in response to Salafists' plans to give out free copies of the Koran in the city on Saturday. But Muslim residents say they're creating a false opposition. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » Sweden hosts project to stop homemade bombs Swedish researchers have been sharing details of a woodland project designed to help European countries outwit future terrorists plotting attacks with homemade bombs. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » Norway under threat from neo-Nazi groups Norwegian extremists are building stronger ties with Scandinavian neo-Nazi groups, and their activity is increasing, the head of the Norway's domestic intelligence agency Benedicte Bjørnland has warned. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Wawrinka struggles to make Rotterdam quarters Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka joined Andy Murray as the pair of seeds each posted difficult wins on Thursday to advance to the quarterfinals of the ATP Rotterdam World Tennis event. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » Austrian teen jihadist 'likely killed' in Syria The 19-year-old Austrian jihadist with Tunisian roots Firas Houidi, who was believed to be fighting with fellow jihadists in Syria may have been killed, according to a report in the Friday edition of the daily newspaper Kurier. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » Ryanair threatens to drop Copenhagen base A blockade against Ryanair could cause the low-cost airline to abandon its plans to set up a base in Copenhagen, a company spokesman said on Thursday. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 04:44Issue with Language school contract 01:49XS maternity clothing 00:58Internet site quoka.de purchase 00:26Car options for X amount of € 00:16DFG postdoc payment scale		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 04:41Running Clubs in Zug 03:54Me and my big American feet 03:118th March 2015 voting 03:08Avoid the Tunnels!! 01:09Dashcam (Dashboard Camera)