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The article focuses on the French newspapers "Liberation," "Le Monde" and "Mediapart" and their quest for survival. Topics discussed include a brief description of each of the newspapers, factors which hindered the changes needed for the improvement of "Liberation," the organizational changes made in the publishing house of "Le Monde" and the strategy employed by the owner of "Mediapart" which contributed to the success of the newspaper.

The article focuses on the amusement park Disneyland Paris and its ongoing financial difficulties. It states that Disneyland Paris opened in 1992 and comments on the private-public partnership Walt Disney Co. struck with France in 1987 where France financed infrastructure including a high-speed rail line and roads. It mentions that recessions and a tendency to overestimate how many people would visit or stay in the Disney hotels prevented Disneyland Paris from making a profit until recently.

The article examines the 2012 financial scandal involving LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), a money-market rate used as a benchmark for financial services. It discusses the British Parliament's investigation into the banking industry after the bank Barclays' attempted manipulation of LIBOR and how the scandal reflects a trend of financial misdoings in London, England. Other topics covered include how the LIBOR rate is set, former Barclays executive Bob Diamond, and the British economy.

The article discusses the public's opinion towards German Chancellor Angela Merkel as of July 2012, focusing on Germany's position as the strongest economy in Europe in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis of the early 21st century, as well as the international skepticism of Merkel's political and economic policies. Merkel's fiscal policy regarding the debt crisis in countries such as Greece is reportedly well-received in Germany where her popularity rating is above 60 percent.

The article discusses French politics during the 2012 presidential election, examining the rhetoric which has been used by candidates including Nicolas Sarkozy, François Hollande, and Marine Le Pen to attack the French elite. The article argues that the candidates have used populist rhetoric instead of discussing issues like job creation, the euro crisis, and French competitiveness. The article looks at studies which indicate that the French public does not find this rhetoric convincing.

The article discusses problems being faced by the education system in France. Topics discussed in the article include educational standards in France, the percentage of French fifth graders who cannot read at their grade level and the percentage of students that complete high school in France without any formal qualifications.

The article focuses on Berlin, Germany's cultural industry. The inexpensive housing has been a motivating factor for why artists are migrating to this city. The article compares and contrasts how Berlin was before and after World War II. Several workers in Berlin's cultural industries are profiled. Berlin's nightlife is also discussed.

The article reports on the Moscow revolution in 1989. Mikhail Gorbachev, Soviet Union Leader, was instrumental in the end of the Cold War along with former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. Gorbachev began working towards German unification and change in Soviet communism. He traveled to Beijing, China in May 1989 amidst a rising number of protests and his visit was followed by the tragedy at Tiananmen Square.

The article discusses the reunification of Germany. In November 1989 the Berlin wall was taken down and the former German Democratic Republic in eastern Germany has been given some $2 trillion to reunite Germany. As of 2009 the global economic crises stands to constrict Germany's economy by some 6% which will be worse than in the U.S. and Great Britain. The money spent in Germany has brought new highways and railroads, modern water treatment plants, and renovated buildings. INSET: Germany's Scorecard.

This article discusses the 2009 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Presentations on the economic crisis by world leaders such as Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao are described. The impact of the financial crisis in the developed world on economic conditions in the developing world is explored. The anticipation of a meeting of finance ministers from the world's 20 largest economies, called the Group of 20, in London, England in April, 2009 is described.

The author reports that the financial crisis occurring throughout the world in 2009 is making people reconsider the teachings of political economist Karl Marx. The author states that Marx is being discussed because politicians are looking to the past for ways in which to alleviate the current economic crisis.

The article focuses on economic conditions in Russia. The rise in petroleum prices in the 2000s contributed to significant growth and prosperity in that country during the decade. The collapse of oil prices in the second half of 2008 along with the financial crisis has caused major disruption to Russia's economy. Foreign investment is needed to diversify it from a reliance on energy industries.

The article discusses the ways that the 2008 global economic crisis is impacting Turkey's economy. After 6 years of torrid growth, the economy is starting to falter. The middle class is curbing its spending and the country's automobile and textile industries are wary about a drop in international sales. Statistics are offered on Turkey's gross domestic product and foreign investment.

The article offers information about the effect of the 2008 financial crisis on Great Britain. The country's job cuts, dropping stock prices, and widespread household debt are described and its previous dependence on financial services, rather than on a more diversified economic model, is evaluated. Prime Minister Gordon Brown's response to the crisis is described, and the potential for increased governmental regulation in the financial sector is noted.

This article discusses the impact that the 2008 U.S. financial crisis has had on the global economy. It is stated that the crisis initiated with irresponsible subprime mortgage lending in the U.S. and has been perpetuated by a lack of confidence in the stability of financial systems across the globe. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted that world economic growth will slow to three percent in 2009 from five percent in 2007.

This article is focused on the Louvre Museum, an art museum located in Paris, France. It is stated that Henri Loyrette, director at the museum since 2001, along with Didier Selles, its chief administrator, have taken controversial measures to revamp and modernize the museum. These measures include plans for a second Louvre museum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The article discusses German car manufacturer BMW and their adoption of more flexible manufacturing techniques. The flexible techniques allow BMW to tailor their vehicles to an individual consumer, which is proving financially beneficial to the company. The added flexibility extends to hours of work per week, with the company striking deals with labor organizations to run factories as demand requires. A surge in BMW sales is also attributed to a loosening of German business regulations.

The article discusses the relationship between France and Great Britain up to 2007 and how the two nation's leaders have differed. However, once Gordon Brown and Nicolas Sarkozy fill these important roles, analysts believe that the two countries will begin to move towards one another through policies and alliance.

Discusses reasons why the Belgium national airline, Sabena, collapsed. Impact of the decision to order 34 aircraft from Airbus; Number of lost jobs; How the collapse prompted the establishment of a parliamentary commission of inquiry; Speculation about corporate oversight and wrongdoings; Criminal inquiry into Sabena by Belgian magistrate Jean-Claude Van Espen; History of Sabena; Ill-fated alliance with Swissair; Opinion that corporate misconduct and an eight-year code sharing agreement with Virgin Express caused the collapse.

Reports that although the banking industry in Switzerland is trying to improve its professional image, it is not discussing the accounts held by European Union residents. Image as the banker of choice for Third World tyrants and organized criminals; Legislation designed to improve the banking industry's status; The issue of nonresidents using Swiss banks to evade taxes; Dispute between the Swiss banking industry and the European Union.

The article focuses on the family business Benetton Group and the handover of daily operations to the next generation of Benettons. The new ownership structure has only one family member in an operational role, Alessandro Benetton. Benetton has encouraged the company's entry into international markets using local partnerships, such as that with the Tata Group in India.

The article focuses on the impact of the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-2009 on the Baltic republics of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Statistics are given which indicate their growth as transition economies and the contraction of their market-based systems after the economic bubble collapsed. The issues of government spending cuts, currency devaluation, and current-account deficits are mentioned.

The article discusses the efforts of companies around the world to reduce the impact of the global financial crisis on their workers by offering the option of shorter working hours and lower pay instead of layoffs. Government initiatives encouraging such practices are noted. The question of whether this will mitigate overall unemployment trends or merely shift the burden to other parts of the economy is addressed.

The article discusses the impact that the global credit crisis is having on economies in the United States and in Europe. Expectations that analysts in Europe have regarding when the global economy will improve are mentioned. Consequences that have been experienced due to the world economy are discussed, including a lack of available credit and inflation.

This article discusses how in 2007 and the first half of 2008, the European economy was thriving while the U.S. economy slumped. However, economic forecasters are predicting a weakening of the European economy based upon slashes in growth expectations in Ireland and Spain, economic slowdowns in Germany, and a potential recession in Great Britain.

This article reports on how prepared food companies tailor their products to meet the demands of local tastes. Companies like Nestle understand that people may want the same product around the world but they don't want it to taste the same. Items like chicken soup or candy bars are modified slightly from region to region depending on local tastes.

Discusses the generation that is leading Europe's biggest family firms to profits, and risks. Heirs who are better educated and more international in their outlook than their parents were; Heirs who are leading firms in new directions; Example of Ernesto Bertarelli of Serono; Families who run BMW and L'Oréal; Retirement of Ingvar Kamprad of IKEA furniture chain; Fate of Beiersdorf that is uncertain because of quarrels in the Herz family; Stakes that are being sold by Allianz; Stakes that the Wallenberg family holds in Investor AB.

Focuses on Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, the chief executive of Nestlé, who is characterized as ambitious, persistent, but cautious. Discussion of the company's growth and acquisitions; Career highlights of Brabeck who began by selling ice cream in Austria; Personal ambition of climbing the Matterhorn in Switzerland; His management goals that include doubling sales and improving cost efficiency; History of the company; Brabeck's family background and education. INSET: STILL BRAWLING OVER INFANT FORMULA.

The author focuses on Sciences Po, the social sciences university in Paris, France which serves as the training ground for the national elite. During the 1990s, the university has implemented several tuition fee increases. However, it notes that Science Po was able to bring in a significant number of financially deprived students at the same time. Particular focus is given to director Richard Descoings' efforts to improve the social and geographic diversity of the student body. It also notes President Nicolas Sarkozy's proposed bursary rate.

The article reports on relations between France and Germany. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, was elected to a second term on September 27, 2009 and influential people in France hope that relations between France and Germany can be improved despite her dislike of French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The Institute Montaigne, a French policy institute, has released a paper suggesting that France share its United Nations Security Council seat with Germany and work together to lead Europe.

The article discusses how central bankers, market regulators and government policymakers will prevent another financial crisis. The G-20 summit meeting of the world's major economic powers on September 24-25, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is explored. The one year anniversary of the bank bailouts such as Lehman Brothers is noted. It is suggested that more regulatory oversight is needed as well as tying bonuses to performance.

The article reports on Sergio Marchionne, chief executive officer of Fiat and Chrysler Corp. At Fiat Marchionne restructured the organization and has had a successful product with the Fiat 500 automobile. With Chrysler he will modify the automobiles into energy efficient vehicles as well as restructure the organization.

The article looks at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), an agency based in Washington, D.C., which has increased in importance due to the global economic crisis. Many view the IMF as the institution which is best able to help foster economic recovery. The meeting of the Group of Twenty in London, England, is discussed.

The article introduces a series of articles about the economic troubles in the countries of Ireland, Spain, Taiwan, and Singapore. How the Group of Twenty finance ministers and central bank governors at the summit in London, England on April 2, 2009 will prevent a recession from turning into a global depression and also restore confidence in financial markets is considered. Author John Kenneth Galbraith's book about the financial crash of 1929 is discussed.

The article describes how architects are using concrete to enhance building design and protect the environment at the same time. The author describes how architects such as Jacques Ferrier and Richard Meier use high-performance concretes that contain titanium dioxide to reduce pollutants such as automobile exhaust. The article describes how firms such as France's Lafarge Corp. are developing deluxe cements such as Ductal, which will help cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20%.

The article discusses the 2008 financial crisis in Europe. Numerous major banks have failed in Europe including Fortis, a bank in Belgium, Bradford & Bingley, a British mortgage lender, and Hypo Real Estate in Germany. European nations have put together massive bailout plans to try to restore confidence to lenders and banks, but most bankers are afraid to make loans because of increased risk. INSET: Fallen Giants.

The article, part of a series of articles about people who are working to protect the environment, discusses Jean-François and Jean-Charles Decaux, chief executives of Vélib', a bike rental company in Paris, France. The bikes can be rented and dropped off at numerous bike stands throughout Paris. The two brothers are expanding their company throughout major cities in Europe.

The article reports that the economy of Russia has endured severe losses in 2008 after growing rapidly for several years leading up to the crash. Most of Russia's growth was enabled by lending banks from the U.S. and around the world. As these banks began seeing losses in 2008, they froze their credit accounts and stopped giving out loans. This lack of liquidity for the Russian economy has caused several banks to fail, including KIT Finance and Renaissance Capital.

The article discusses the relations between the U.S. and the global economy. The example of worldwide sales in the diamond industry is given to show that global performance need not mirror the economic status of the U.S. Hopes for the conclusion of a round of World Trade Organization negotiations are described.

The article examines the trend of outside companies erecting businesses and investing in Russia and how the war with Georgia may impact this. Following the invasion of South Ossetia, Russian stocks fell and tensions with the West are expected to further deplete the Russian market. Also discussed is the recent decision of BMW autos to open several dealerships in Russian cities.

Focuses on Francois Pinault's a French billionaire. Efforts to refinance existing bank debts; Details of the retail conglomerate known as Pinault Printemps-Redoute (PPR); Question as to whether or not Pinault's financial situation could drain PPR.

Offers a look at how the euro currency is impacting business in Great Britain. Experience of Lancashire-based manufacturer Booth Dispensers and comments from the managing director, Phil Elliott; Acceptance of the euro in the business mainstream; Incentives for big international industries such as IBM and Nestlé to join the euro; How currency fluctuations make it costly for Great Britain's industries to join the euro; Damage to British competitiveness and trade position in the long-term if it remains separate from the euro zone; Effect of the euro on Britain's position as a favored location for foreign direct investment; Use of the euro by British company Becktech.

Focuses on economic conditions in the European Union, where unemployment is rising, capital spending by businesses remains stagnant, and consumer confidence in several nations is low. Reasons why both the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund lowered their forecasts for euro-zone growth and warned that the interest rate might be overoptimistic; Impact of the Gulf War on policymakers and their views regarding the impending uncertainty; Problems surrounding Germany and the impact thereof on Europe's use of an external stimulus to help bolster the struggling economies.

Discusses the business successes of the Otto family. Family that runs Otto GMBH & Co.; Shoe factory that was begun by Werner Otto in Hamburg, Germany; Success of Michael Otto; Stakes in Crate & Barrel; Ownership of the Spiegel catalog group; Success of the Internet retailer Amazon.com.

Discusses the business successes of the Baer family. Family that owns controlling stakes in the Swiss bank Julius Baer Group; Assets of the bank; Retirement of Thomas Baer; Decision for Raymond Baer to become chairman; Members of the family who are involved in decision making; Employees who were laid off by Baer.

Discusses the business successes of the Barilla family. Family in Italy that expanded the pasta firm, Barilla group; History of the pasta and bread company; Selling of the business to W.R. Grace by Pietro and Giovanni Barilla; Stakes that were bought back; Expansion of the company; Role of Pietro Barilla's children, Guido, Luca, Paolo, and Emanuela; Plant that was purchased in Iowa; Acquisition of Kamps, a German bread chain.

Discusses the business ventures of the Pinault family in France. Profile of François Pinault; Assets of Pinault that are held by an investment company called Artemis; Stakes in Pinault-Printemps-Redoute, a retail and industrial conglomerate; Controversy of Pinault's business tactics; Announcement that the ownership of Artemis will be split among his three children; Designation of ownership to François-Henri Pinault.

Discusses German discount retailers such as Aldi, Lidl, and Plus. Boosting of sales despite current economic conditions and unemployment rates; Use of predatory pricing in which they sell below cost to drive other competitors out of business; Transforming of German retail landscape; Founding of Aldi by Theo and Karl Albrecht.

profiles Sir Howard Davies, one of the most powerful financial regulators in Europe. His role in the 2001 formation of the Financial Services Authority, which regulates all British finance, and resulted in the merger of the once-separate insurance, banking and thrift regulators in several countries; Discussion of regulation based on risk assessment, rather than rigid rules, and with the aim of maintaining competitiveness while protecting consumers; Criticism of Davies by consumer groups and Parliament in Great Britain, including for the issue of highly-leveraged investment split trusts.