Politics: Social Democrats explain their election strategy to oppose Chancellor Angela Merkel; Germany's election campaign officially begins on August 13;
Economics: Slowing rate of expansion in Germany's economic growth foreshadows more cautious policy making for European Central Bank.
Culture: Wagner's 'Meistersinger' directed by Barrie Kosky is to be staged in Bayreuth.
GERMANY
UNITED KINGDOM
UNITED KINGDOM
Khushboo Shah, Reporter
Syed Mansoor Aamir, Reporter
EUROPE
2
Valerie Wu, Senior Reporter
Jeffrey Jiarui Che, Senior Reporter
Politics: Spain and Portugal were spared fines for missing deficit-reduction targets. EU governments agreed to give the countries extra time to reduce their budget deficits. The decision, was met with skepticism in several member states, particularly in Germany, where many feel that being lenient to Spain and Italy undermines the credibility of the euro zone.
Economics: Portugal’s unemployment falls below EU average. The number of unemployed people queuing at job centers in Portugal in June has dropped to below the Euro Zone average for the first time in more than 11 years.
Culture: Cristiano Ronaldo denies tax evasion as he appears in court. The Portugal international appeared at the magistrates court in Pozuelo de Alarcon, a suburb of the capital, on Monday, to answer charges relating to his tax returns between 2011 and 2014. Prosecutors allege Ronaldo evaded 14.7 million euros in tax.
PORTUGAL
Politics: As the early 2017 national elections approach, former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is struggling to regain his control over the ruling Democratic Party and his approval ratings.
Econoicsy: Following a recent recession, Italy's government hopes to raise funds by leasing its historical lighthouses to private investors, both Italians and foreigners.
Culture: The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has recently returned an ancient Italian vase that was believed to have been stolen from an Italian grave in 1970.
ITALY
Politics: Car, curry and tortilla diplomacy is becoming offensive throughout EU nations.
Economics: Studies find educational deficiencies within British colleges and Universities. A slight increase in higher education could have prevented Brexit.
Culture : Driving test examiners 'attacked' by failed candidates.