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 » Ferrari's Raikkonen vows 'fighting' F1 season Kimi Raikkonen promised new Ferrari teammate Sebastian Vettel a tussle on the track next year when they will target a long-awaited Formula One world title for the struggling 'Scuderia'. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » Doctor to sue Ebola survivor for defamation The doctor is angered by Spanish nursing assistant Teresa Romero's public statements to the effect that she had ignored an obvious Ebola infection risk. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » Ten things to do in France before Christmas With Christmas just round the corner, we've put together ten great festive and not-so-festive events happening around France in December to help you brave the cold and have a ball. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » Bavaria plans free wifi for 'whole state' Finance minister Christian Söder wants to drag Bavaria online with an ambitious plan for far-ranging public internet access by 2020. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » More rats creep into Sweden's cities Sweden is experiencing a rapid increase in its rat population according to the country's biggest pest control company, which says that the growing trend for outdoor food stalls is partly to blame. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » Boxing babe Brækhus warned by rival Norway's top female boxing star, Cecilia Brækhus, was warned by her rival on Thursday she could face a surprise defeat during this weekend's bout in Copenhagen. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » WTO agrees to enact first global trade reform deal Ending months of deadlock, the Geneva-based World Trade Organization agreed Thursday to implement the first global trade reform agreement in its 19-year-history. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » 'Pirate' councillor found with safe full of drugs An Innsbruck local councillor from the Austrian Pirate Party is being investigated on suspicion of drug trafficking after police raided his apartment and found 2.7 kg of cannabis stored in a safe. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » American expats adapt to Thanksgiving in Denmark For many US citizens living in Denmark, back home never feels as far away as it does on Thanksgiving. The Local's Justin Cremer, a homesick American himself, spoke with some of his compatriots about keeping an American tradition alive in Denmark. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 01:28 Looking to meet new people in Stuttgart 00:50 Help Police charging for a traffic accident 00:46 Bank loans for apartment rental deposits 00:37 11-year German girl wants English-speaking friends 00:26 Landlord is increasing the rent by 40%! Legal?		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 02:50 Jual Kitchen Set 02:16 Put existing privat rental contract to a professional agency 01:42 Rules to have a dog in Swiss 00:54 US kill over 1147 people with drones... to get to 41 terrorists. 00:47 Useful advice