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 » First Italian with Ebola takes trial drug UPDATED: An Italian doctor battling the deadly Ebola virus on Tuesday began treatment with an experimental drug in Italy's leading hospital for infectious diseases. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » What's on in Spain: December 2014 As the countdown to the new year in Spain begins, The Local rounds up the best sports, arts and cultural activities in the country to keep you entertained during the short days of December. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » French welfare spending 'not sustainable' As France topped the latest global rankings for welfare spending, the analyst behind the report tells The Local, France’s much admired welfare system is simply unsustainable. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » Crafty kangaroo on the loose in Brandenburg Authorities have lost track of a kangaroo that escaped from its owner on Monday, saying that it's "good at hiding". READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » Will 'hated' dating coach reach Sweden? A viral campaign to stop controversial US dating coach visiting Sweden appeared to have been successful on Tuesday, when scheduled tour dates disappeared from Julian Blanc's website. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » False prophets: Fortune tellers jailed in Norway A company which provided customers with Tarot card readings and clairvoyant services has seen its owners charged with embezzlement and jailed, a court ruled on Tuesday. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Napoleon's locks to be put in Geneva watches Napoleon's admirers will be able to carry his DNA on their wrists after a Swiss company announced Tuesday its plans to sell watches containing a fragment of the emperor's hair. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » Nazis killed hundreds at Austrian mental hospital New research shows that under Nazi rule hundreds of patients were murdered at the Maria Gugging psychiatric hospital in Lower Austria - many more than previously believed. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » Denmark to Russia: We won't be intimidated Denmark's PM and defence minister say that they are "not worried" about Moscow and are ready to "do what is necessary" to keep the Russians at bay. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 23:39 Volunteering in libraries or archives 22:15 Need a car ride - Fulda to London, one-way 21:56 White cars - help me to understand the attraction 21:51 Where is THE current living hotspot? 21:35 Planning timing and duration of Elternzeit		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 03:35 Mediocre (and that's being generous) Swiss advertising 01:52 How many trips in one ticket? 00:54 Anyone heard of Bupa Insurance? 00:19 Living somewhere high in the mountains 00:19 Feeling of living in France vs Switzerland