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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 » Italy HIV cases more than double since 2004 In 2013, 3,608 people in Italy were newly diagnosed with HIV, more than double the amount (1,666) since 2004, according to a report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Spain » Can you pass the Spanish citizenship test? With judges around Spain setting more and more difficult 'citizenship tests', would you be able to answer questions difficult enough to stump even Spaniards? Read on to find out. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France » Zlatan 'snubs' Swedish king's Paris banquet Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic has turned down an invitation to dine with Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and France's President Francois Hollande on Tuesday night, according to reports in the French media. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Germany » Germany second-biggest migrant destination As politicians and civil society organizations gathered in Berlin to discuss integration policy, new figures show that more people than ever are immigrating to Germany. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Sweden » Snowden awarded 'Alternative Nobel Prize' US whistleblower Edward Snowden has been awarded The Right Livelihood Award, commonly known as the Alternative Nobel Prize in Stockholm. The ceremony began after a top Green Party politician said the American should be granted asylum in Sweden, sparking a global debate. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Norway » Helge Lund, BG's new CEO, gets pay cut Former Statoil chief Helge Lund is set for a revamped and reduced rewards package when he starts his new job as head of BG Group in London, it was said on Monday. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland » Two Swiss business schools crack FT top ten Two Swiss business schools ranked among the top ten in the latest Financial Times rankings of European business schools. READ »		Latest news from: The Local in Austria » Beer holds center stage in Austria's life The latest report of the Austrian Brewer's Union shows that beer continues as one of the most important beverages in Austrian's lives, sitting just behind coffee. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Denmark » In defence of Helle Thorning-Schmidt She's been hammered by critics and already seemingly written off in the next election, but political commentator David Trads says Helle Thorning-Schmidt has delivered the goods while in office and deserves another term. READ »

Latest chat from: Toytown Germany » 02:20 Refusing to pay TV license fees (Rundfunkbeitrag) 00:13 Claiming Eigenbedarf on an apartment you own 23:47 Living near International School Stuttgart 23:43 Employment as an engineer in Southern Germany 23:42 Where to buy illegal drugs in Munich		Latest chat from: English Forum Switzerland » 03:01 I'm overwhelmed with pay-as-you-go choices - please help! 02:09 'Bumping' into possible EFers in UK 01:36 Are EXPATS from the USA and Britain PRO SVP ?? 01:25 Leaving for California - what to take from Switzerland/Europe 01:07 Maybe after a rescue dog / cat