Expatica - German Headlines

EU gets new figurehead but could face old headaches

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100

European leaders slapped themselves on the back after picking Belgian premier Herman Van Rompuy as the first EU president, but some doubted that the creation of the post would make the difference they hope.

Germany gunning for ECB presidency in EU horse-trade

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100

Berlin has held back from promoting German candidates for EU president or the 27-nation bloc's new foreign policy supremo that are set to be appointed Thursday.

Nearly half of Turks feel unwelcome in Germany, survey shows

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100

Germany is home to around three million Turkish immigrants and their descendents, the world's largest Turkish diaspora and Germany's largest ethnic minority.

Germany announces 750 million euros in farm aid

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100

Dairy and arable farmers will receive direct aid of 500 million euros, 200 million euros will help farmers cover their insurance costs and 50 million euros will be earmarked for low-interest loans, the government said.

Werner Herzog to head Berlin Film Festival jury

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100

The critically acclaimed Herzog, 67, will head the panel that chooses the winners of the festival's coveted Golden and Silver Bear prizes which will be awarded on February 20.

Russian court forbids use of death penalty

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100

However. politicians warned it was too soon to formally abolish the death penalty as public opinion -- which is strongly in favour of capital punishment -- was not ready for such a move.

EU leaders likely to name Belgian leader president

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100

The move left Van Rompuy and Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker as the only known and likely candidates to be the new face of the European Union.

Germany enthralled by gay spy trial

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100

Officially, the details are sketchy, but according to media reports, the tale began when former soldier Anton K., now 42, was posted to Kosovo in 2005, officially to work for the German foreign ministry.

Germany to extend Afghanistan mission

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100

The lengthening of the mandate -- as well as the number of troops Berlin can send to the war-torn nation, currently capped at 4,500 -- is subject to parliamentary approval before it expires in December.

German granny goes down after career of crime

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100

The pensioner, not named by police, first came to the attention of authorities in December 1956 and, during a prolific career of pilfering, had 55 criminal cases brought against her, none of which resulted in a jail term.