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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 three 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 Spain »

Guerrilla group kidnap Spaniards in Colombia

Two Spanish tourists were kidnapped on Friday in a remote area of northeast Colombia by a group who claim to be part of the country’s notorious armed group FARC, Spain’s Foreign Ministry reported on Tuesday. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in France »

Paris kidnapping gang targets rich women

French police fear a gang of robbers is specifically targeting wealthy women in Paris after the second victim in a matter of weeks was kidnapped and forced to hand over tens of thousands of euros worth of valuables. READ »

 
Latest news from: The Local in Sweden »

Fashion prize turns Rookies into players

Swedish designers who fight for brand-name recognition in the notoriously hard-to-crack fashion business tell The Local's Victoria Hussey about the importance of the Swedish Rookies Award. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Norway »

Breivik fails in bid to create fascist group

Norwegian mass killer Anders Behring Breivik has been refused permission to found a fascist association, authorities said on Friday, due to missing paperwork and a lack of support. READ »

 
 
Latest news from: The Local in Germany »

NSU known as neo-Nazi 'terror cell' before killings

German intelligence services had identified neo-Nazi gang the National Socialist Underground (NSU) as a “terror cell” months before members killed their first victim in 2000, a secret document condemning the state's inaction has revealed. READ »

Latest news from: The Local in Switzerland »

Swiss ban on toilet flushing 'an urban myth'

Finding a place to rent in Switzerland is hard enough. Adhering to the thicket of tenant rules governing everything from running baths to pet ownership can be even tougher, although misconceptions linger over when toilets can be flushed. READ »

 
Latest chat from: Toytown Germany »