Germany’s Economic Success Threatens to Stall Innovation
Angela Merkel urges other European nations to boost their competitiveness. So should take her own advice.
Europe
Corruption Scandal Tests Czech Right-Wing Coalition
Conservative prime minister Petr Nečas may be forced to resign, possibly triggering early elections.
France Succeeds in Excluding Film from Trade Talks
Having threatened to veto negotiations altogether, France forces other European nations to protect media.
Dutch Anti-Islam Politician Taps Into Resurgent Nationalism
Geert Wilders frames his opposition to both Europe and immigration as part of a nationalist campaign.
EU Risks Escalating Trade Dispute with China
The European Commission intends to lodge another trade complaint against China.
Dutch to Deliver Weapons to Indonesia After All
The ruling Labor Party previously opposed the arms sale to the Netherlands’ former colony in Asia.
Germany’s Merkel Drawn into Drone Procurement Scandal
The chancellor can no longer ignore a controversy about the procurement of unmanned aircraft.
Orbán Unlikely to Revise Nationalist Economic Policies
Hungary’s ruling nationalists won’t take the European Commission’s advice.
Young Britons’ Liberalism Echoes Across Atlantic
It’s not just young Britons who don’t share their elders’ trust in big government anymore.
European Commission Recommends More of the Same
Countries are given longer to reduce their deficits but must press on with economic reforms.
Italy’s Left Recovers in Local Elections, Defeats Populists
Leftwingers, disappointed in the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, vote for the ruling party.
After Weapons Embargo Lifted, Austria Reconsiders Golan Mission
Austria’s foreign minister is afraid that its peacekeepers won’t be seen as a “neutral party” anymore.
Germany Pledges Support for China in Trade Dispute
Germany agrees with China that its solar panels shouldn’t be kept off the European market.
German Finance Minister Rules Out “Grand Coalition” After Election
Wolfgang Schäuble is confident that the conservatives’ coalition with the liberals will maintain a majority.
Italy’s Economy Minister Promises Housing, Labor Tax Cuts
Fabrizio Saccomanni cautions that the government might not have time to carry out its reform plans.