Modelling a 'Magical Machine'
A research team called the Human Brain Project hopes to build a complete computer model of what project leader Henry Markram calls a "magical machine." They are seeking to secure a billion-euro grant from the European Union for the project, which could result in disease cures, new supercomputers and intelligent robots. By Cinthia Briseño and Christoph Seidler more...
Crisis in the EU
With its ongoing bailout strife and Denmark's recent decision to erect border controls, the EU is mired in the biggest crisis yet. As leader of the EU's most powerful country, it's high time for Angela Merkel to breathe new life into the idea of a united Europe. A commentary by Ralf Neukirch more...
Schengen Zone Dispute
Denmark's decision to reintroduce permanent border controls has met with criticism from the European Union, which sees the move as a challenge to the principle of freedom of movement. Copenhagen insists the new checks are compatible with Schengen rules. more... [ Forum ]
Malta Hunt Hits Protected Birds
A protected raptor, wounded by bird hunters in Malta, has been flown to Berlin for medical treatment. The case highlights large scale disregard in Malta for European Union wildlife conservation guidelines. By Kristen Allen more...
The World from Berlin
What is the euro zone planning to do about Greece? A host of theories, denials and accusations have dominated the headlines this week, but no clear path has yet emerged. German commentators say that Athens needs more than aid -- it needs massive European investment. more...
The World from Berlin
A secret meeting of EU finance ministers in Luxembourg on Friday has generated suspicions that a second bailout may soon be required for Greece's stricken economy. Most German commentators agree that Athens' departure from the euro zone or an overly swift restructuring of the country's debt could have drastic consequences. more...
Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Greece
Greece insists that there is no scenario under which it will exit the euro zone. But one German economist thinks such a move might be the lesser of two evils. Europe, meanwhile, may have to come to the country's aid with a second bailout package. more...
Interview with Günther Oettinger
Resolve for strict stress tests on European Union nuclear plants is dwindling. But in an interview with SPIEGEL, European Commissioner for Energy Günther Oettinger says he will not sign on to a watered-down version of the plan. more...
Athens Mulls Plans for New Currency
The debt crisis in Greece has taken on a dramatic new twist. Sources with information about the government's actions have informed SPIEGEL ONLINE that Athens is considering withdrawing from the euro zone. The common currency area's finance ministers and representatives of the European Commission are holding a secret crisis meeting in Luxembourg on Friday night. By Christian Reiermann more... [ Forum ]
Kiev's Topless Protestors
Facebook used to block their pages and Ukraine's secret service has threatened them with violence: With a mix of political protest and eye-catching eroticism, the women's rights group Femen has inspired fear in Ukrainian authorities with its fight against prostitution and sex tourism. By Benjamin Bidder in Kiev, Ukraine more... [ Forum ]
Air France Flight 447
Victims' families are closer to the truth this week: Voice and data recorders from flight AF447 have been pulled from the ocean floor, and investigators hope to unlock their contents. But experts and family members remain at odds over whether newly discovered bodies should be brought to the surface. By Annette Langer and Simone Utler more... [ Forum ]
The World from Berlin
Portugal has agreed to accept the austerity measures attached to the 78 billion euro bailout package designed to pull the country back from the brink of bankruptcy. But the conditions are far less draconian than those imposed on Greece and Ireland. The European Union has learned its lesson, say German commentators. more...
