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 » More than 4,000 migrants on their way to Italy after being rescued The Italian coastguard has confirmed that a rescue operation involving Italian and French navy vessels have rescued more than 4,000 migrants off the coast of Libya READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » Jorge Lorenzo wins home MotoGP in style Jorge Lorenzo celebrated being kept on by Yamaha for next season by easily winning the Spanish MotoGP at Jerez on Sunday in front of former Spanish King Juan Carlos READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » Le Pen family feud reaches boiling point France's far-right National Front chief Marine Le Pen said on Sunday her father should "no longer be able to speak in the name of" the party. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » Merkel joins Holocaust survivors to mark Dachau liberation German Chancellor Angela Merkel joined survivors of the former Nazi concentration camp at Dachau on Sunday for a solemn ceremony to mark 70 years since it was liberated by US forces. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » More illegal immigrants on the run in Sweden Migrationsverket is powerless to enforce deportation orders, says spokesman, as more than 11,000 asylum seekers go underground in Sweden READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » Norway's extreme surfers brace Lofoten waves The water is icy cold and it's windy, but the intrepid group dives in: far from California's sunny beaches, die-hard surfers flock to Norway's idyllic Lofoten Islands to catch the Arctic's cool waves. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Surprise win for Zakarin in Tour of Romandie Katusha cyclist Ilnur Zakarin of Russia won the Tour of Romandie in Lausanne on Sunday, holding off Britain's two-time defending champion Chris Froome in the closing individual time-trial. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » Police save heart attack man at smoking demo A 73-year-old man had a heart attack and was rushed to hospital during a demonstration against the smoking ban in Vienna on Tuesday. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » What Americans can learn from humble Danes The Local's new opinion columnist Jessica Alexander writes that her fellow Americans would benefit from taking a lesson in humility from the Danes. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 17:55Family moving to Essen - newcomer advice 16:57How to watch certain US TV shows 15:50Online dating sites for Germany 14:36Munich babysitters available 13:49Best brands of frozen pizza		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 18:04Subletting via airbnb - legal issues? 18:04Desperately need help with chosing new TV 18:02Challenging a bill from the Regie for a plumber 17:55Personal grooming, fitness, priorities and costs... 17:48Overnight Hiking in Switzerland