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 » Nearly 800 migrants rescued off Italy A total 796 people were rescued from boats in distress in the Mediterranean in the last 48 hours, Italian and Libyan officials said Saturday, as unprecedented numbers of would be immigrants head for Italy's shores. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » Lionel Messi equals La Liga scoring record Lionel Messi matched a 59-year-old record with his 251st La Liga goal to equal Telmo Zarra's mark as the leading goalscorer in the history of the Spanish top flight. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » Tactical Argentina stun France in Paris Argentina produced a tactical masterclass to beat France 18-13 at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » Radicalized Germans join jihadist cause Hundreds of Germans have left their home country to fight alongside jihadists in Syria and Iraq, Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » Body of Irishman found in Stockholm The body of an Irishman who had been missing since November 10th was found in the harbour by Stockholm's Old Town on Thursday, it has emerged. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » Norway u-turn to stay in European space program The Norwegian government will stay in the European space satellite program after their proposal to quit it was rejected by rival parties in Parliament, on Friday. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Switzerland bans Dutch poultry imports Switzerland on Friday said it was banning chicken imports from Britain and the Netherlands, as Dutch officials said they detected bird flu on three more farms. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » 'Serious gaps' remain in Iran nuke talks The United States said Friday that "serious gaps" still need to be overcome with Iran in marathon negotiations in Vienna on ending a 12-year standoff over the country's nuclear program. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » Dane shot and wounded in Saudi capital: police A Danish citizen was shot and wounded in the Saudi capital on Saturday, police said, but there was no immediate word on the motive for the rare attack. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 03:16Finding the "right" charity for my kids 02:52Marrying a German - advice for an American 01:33Winter Tires Dilemma 00:29German housing and mould 00:02Problems with AirBnB host, threat of legal action		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 05:04Russia and NATO in the News 04:24Garden leave,retirement,RAV 04:18Josef Ackermann becomes President of the Bank of Cyprus 03:58We are opening a restaurant in Zurich! Any suggestions on our menu and entertainment 03:52Kanton Polizei...totally rubbish!!