Articles by this author
'The fight continues': How Berlin is reacting to the deadly Pride attack
Germany is reeling after Berlin's largest Pride event, Christopher Street Day, was targeted in a terror attack that left one person dead and dozens injured. The Local spoke to Berliners and visitors to see how the city is coping in the aftermath.
Your views: Is Germany's Sunday shopping ban an outdated tradition or a chance for calm?
Germany is set to allow bakeries and public libraries to extend their Sunday opening hours from next year. Now, many business leaders want to see the rules lifted for the entire retail sector. Here's what readers of The Local think.
'Learn German': The best advice to get a residence permit in Austria
Difficult immigration departments, tricky paperwork and language barriers: getting a residence permit in Austria is a feat for many foreigners. We've compiled readers' advice on how to navigate the system.
Five summer holiday destinations in Germany you can reach by train
With the rising cost of petrol and flight tickets, many people in Germany are opting to travel by train for a summer 'staycation'. Here are five destinations you should visit.
MAPS: How intense will the heat be in Germany this July?
Following record-breaking temperatures in Germany, another heatwave is coming. What can we expect?
No more Bürgergeld: The changes to Germany's unemployment benefits from July
From July 1st, Bürgergeld is no more. Germany is replacing this long-term unemployment benefit with a new version called 'Basic Security Allowance'. Here's what you need to know.
Everything that changes in Germany in July 2026
From a tax return deadline to an air travel tax cut and Pride celebrations across the country, here are the key changes in Germany you need to know about this July.
MAPS: Austria on extreme heat alert as temperatures forecast to rise above 40C
People in Austria have been sweltering in the last days as a heatwave grips Europe. It's expected to get even hotter, with temperatures forecast to reach 41C in some places.
'Graz is your city': Tens of thousands of foreigners urged to vote in Austrian election
Graz is heading for city elections. But did you know that the 40,000 foreign residents who live there have an opportunity to have their say, too? We spoke to an international standing in the Migrant Advisory Council vote to find out more.
Where is bathing in fountains allowed in Switzerland?
Taking a dip in public fountains has become a much-loved ritual in certain parts of Switzerland. But with the country currently suffering a heatwave, is it allowed everywhere?
Inside Germany: Getting ready for the World Cup and the foreigners choosing to leave
From football-mad Germany getting ready for the World Cup to traditional Fronleichnam processions and exploring why foreign residents want to leave, here's what we are talking about this week at The Local.
Six summer holiday destinations you can reach by train in Austria
With the rising cost of gas and flight tickets, many people in Austria are opting to travel by train for a summer 'staycation'. Here are five destinations you should visit.
'I miss friendly people': The reasons foreigners in Austria choose to leave
Austria has a lot to offer foreign residents but not everyone wants to stay forever. Whether its family, taxes or politics, many foreigners reach a point when they decide it's better to leave.
Rising number of naturalisations in Germany should be 'welcomed not reversed'
Germany saw a record number of naturalisations in 2025, preliminary figures show. After leading conservatives called yet again to tighten naturalisation rules, other parties have pushed back.
Germany sees 'historic boom' in number of naturalisations
A record number of German passports was issued in 2025 with almost 310,000 foreigners naturalised in Germany, according to preliminary figures collated in a media report.
Austria vs Germany: Where is it easier to find an English-speaking job?
Whether you're considering a move or wondering what the job options are like, we look at how friendly Austria and Germany's job markets are to English speakers.
What fans should know about the Backstreet Boys' concerts in Düsseldorf
Millennial favourite pop act, the Backstreet Boys, have chosen Düsseldorf to stage a 10-day residency this autumn. Here's a look at the boy band's strong connection to Germany – and what fans should know about visiting.
What we know so far about suspected car-ramming attack in Leipzig
Two people have died and several are injured after a car ploughed onto a busy street in the eastern city of Leipzig on Monday. Here's what we know so far.
Inside Germany: Embracing 'Kur' culture, Heated Rivalry fandom and spring scenes
From a trip to one of Germany's 'cure towns' to Heated Rivalry fan nights and blooming flowers and trees, here's what we're talking about this week at The Local.
'You need patience': What it's like to get a residence permit in Germany
Long waits for appointments, burdensome bureaucracy and language barriers: applying for a residence permit can be a tricky business for foreigners in Germany. We asked readers to share their experience and their top tips.
How will the jet fuel crisis hit travellers in Austria?
Aviation experts around the world have been sounding the alarm over the jet fuel crisis sparked by conflict in the Middle East, with some airlines planning to cancel flights or raise the price of tickets. How will it affect air travel in Austria?
The tax deadlines Americans in Austria need to know in 2026
Americans living abroad must file taxes both in the US and in their country of residence. Here are the key deadlines and rules US citizens in Austria need to know this year.
Are Germany's current citizenship laws at risk after far right's latest bid?
The far-right Alternative for Germany recently tried, and failed, to significantly tighten the Naturalisation Act. With the issue once again in the spotlight, we look at how parties voted and why citizenship rules are so fiercely debated.