euro|topics - MAIN FOCUS

Common rescue plan rejected | 06/10/2008

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:00:00 +0100

The heads of state and government from Germany, France, the UK and Italy met on the weekend and rejected a common rescue plan for European banks. While governments are to strengthen their cooperation, each EU country is now to decide for itself what assistance it will provide its banks with. The European press voices dissatisfaction at the outcome of the Paris summit.

Is there a future for the Polish shipyards? | 02/10/2008

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:00 +0100

The EU Commission has apparently widely rejected the restructuring plan for the Polish shipyards presented by Poland at the beginning of September. While Brussels may allow the shipyard in Gdańsk to stay afloat, those in Szczecin and Gdynia look set to go under. The Commission has yet to make an official statement. Europe's media ask whether the time is right to close down these deeply symbolic shipyards.

The search for financial alternatives | 01/10/2008

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:00:00 +0100

After the US House of Representatives' unexpected rejection of a 700 billion dollar bailout plan, Europe is reappraising the balance of power on the international financial market. Until now Europe has been too reliant on American economic competence, commentators say. Talk now focuses on structural change, new regulatory systems and even a UK accession to the Eurozone.

What can be saved? | 30/09/2008

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:00:00 +0100

Following the bank crash in the US, the financial crisis has now struck home in Europe. Financial rescue packages in the billions have been announced by several European states to save ailing banks from bankruptcy. Europe's press discusses possible solutions to the crisis.

Austria's shift to the right | 29/09/2008

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:00:00 +0100

The Social Democratic Party of Austria and the Austrian People's Party, which together made up the country's grand coalition government which collapsed in July, have suffered major losses in early parliamentary elections. By contrast the Freedom Party of Austria and the Alliance for the Future of Austria, both right-wing populistic groups, received 30 percent of the vote. What are the causes and consequences of Austria's shift to the right?

The end of capitalism? | 26/09/2008

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:00:00 +0100

Now that the global financial crisis seems to have reached a climax, experts from across Europe are asking whether capitalism as we know it has outlived its usefulness. Is it time for a new international economic order?

The UN seeks direction | 25/09/2008

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:00:00 +0100

The 63rd General Assembly of the United Nations currently meeting in New York presents the picture of an institution seeking direction. Amid the international financial crisis, competition for raw materials, discussions on climate protection and military missions, its member states are demanding clear rules for facing the challenges of globalisation. The European press questions the international body's ability to act.

The financial system in crisis | 24/09/2008

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:00:00 +0100

Ten days after the bankruptcy of the US investment bank Lehman Brothers, the international financial world is in the throes of a deep crisis. The American government has meanwhile announced it will buy up bad loans amounting to 700 billion dollars. Where does that leave the international financial order?

Neighbours in conflict | 23/09/2008

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:00:00 +0100

Relations are strained between Hungary and its neighbour Slovakia, where a large Hungarian minority lives. After Jan Slota, president of the co-ruling Slovak National Party, voiced anti-Hungarian statements, Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány has cancelled a second visit to Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. A delegation of EU socialists which visited Slovakia last week was also unable to ease the tension.

Getting rid of Gordon Brown? | 22/09/2008

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:00:00 +0100

The Labour Party conference began on the weekend in Manchester. The focal point of interest is the controversial party leader and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is fighting for political survival. According to the most recent surveys, the party would lose over half its seats in parliament if elections were held today. Europe's press examines Labour's pains.