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 » Russian fined €20,000 for defacing Colosseum A Russian tourist caught red-handed trying to carve his initials on a wall of Rome's Colosseum has been ordered to pay a fine of €20,000 ($24,700) READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » Moyes begins Spain reign with Deportivo draw Former Manchester United manager David Moyes endured an underwhelming start to life as Real Sociedad coach as the Basques were held to a 0-0 draw away to struggling Deportivo la Coruna on Saturday. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » Armed Isis Islamist grew up in small French village One of three Kalashnikov-wielding Islamists seen burning their French passports in an Islamic State propaganda video this week grew up in a small village in southern France, the mayor said Saturday. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » Germany debates scrapping coal power After deciding to scrap nuclear power, Germany is pondering saying goodbye to coal, its biggest energy source but also its top polluter and main threat to ambitious climate goals. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » Swede Stenson defends DP World Tour title Sweden's Henrik Stenson made two birdies on the final two holes to successfully defended his title at the $8 million DP World Tour Championship on Sunday by two shots. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » 'Norway is proud of you, Magnus,' says Solberg Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg was among the first to congratulate Magnus Carlsen after he defended his World Champion title in chess, on Sunday. PLUS READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Swiss adventurer gains funds for space plane A Swiss adventurer planning to fly a plane to the edge of space has announced that work to build the SolarStratos aircraft will start in January next year. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » Trojan horse highlights Greenpeace concerns Greenpeace introduced a four-meter tall trojan horse to the streets of Vienna on Friday, to highlight the dangers they say are hidden in the proposed trade agreements between the EU, USA, Canada and Singapore. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » Denmark closely eyeing German bird flu case After a worrying new strain of bird flu was found in northern Germany not far from Denmark, Danish officials say they are watching the situation closely but have not raised national threat levels. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 02:21New in Berlin (or new to this forum) 01:19New in Munich (or new to this forum) 00:51Opening a bank account for a small business 23:53Gay marriage to US Citizen 23:20Kirchensteuerstelle send questionnaire		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 02:51Stopped in COOP by controller 02:40Dogwalker/sitter in Luzern? 02:33Swiss only average in English 00:35If I'll have a kid, when should I start paying the insurance for her? 00:07Moved to Bern