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The article seeks to answer why Europe has been suffering its first recession since the euro was introduced in 1999. Information on the situation in Ireland and Spain as well as unemployment statistics across the European Union is provided. Additional topics include subprime companies and debt-fueled private equity.

The article discusses the impact of the declining value of the U.S. dollar on the European economy. The widening gap between the dollar and euro leads to decreased profit from exporting goods to the U.S., where the dollar is weak and demand is low. Jobs at European factories are lost as companies begin manufacturing goods in the U.S. and elsewhere. The European Central Bank has kept interest rates high, contributing to the euro's strength. The economic situation in Ireland is highlighted.

This article reports on Gazprom, a Russian company that is the world's largest producer of natural gas. Russian premier Vladimir Putin has used the production of natural gas, much of which is exported, as a political weapon, supplying or denying energy to European countries as it chooses. Gazprom, which generates 8% of national tax revenue, is Russia's pre-eminent economic institution and a major force in domestic politics.

Focuses on the critical situation of the euro as of October 2, 2000. Europe's single currency which has lost more than 25 percent of its value against the dollar; Problems with the euro which have been accelerated by a wave of investment leaving Europe; Reasons for the weakness of the euro and ways in which Europe's leaders can strengthen it.

The article reports on the national business plan of Slovakia. The automobile industry in the East, which runs from Poland to Slovakia and the Czech Republic, is experiencing trouble due to the global financial crisis. Kia Motors has cut production by 15% at plants in Europe and Volkswagen has closed down assembly lines in Bratislava.

The article suggests that investors look to Europe as a profitable place to invest. Included are examples of companies such as Siemens and UBS which have been favored companies by investors. It is reported that Europe possesses leaders in mobile technology, such as Nokia, which has a large share in the global market.

The article discusses the annual ranking of Europe's 50 best-performing companies. A chart is presented which lists these 50 businesses. Almost half of the listed businesses are service companies which run on intellectual capital. A description of how the 50 companies were selected and ranked is presented. The top five are BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Xstrata, BG Group, and Arcelor.

Explains that some major car companies, including BMW and Ford, will possibly withdraw their involvement with Europe's Formula One racing. Description of one race in Germany; Negative effect of Ferrari's dominance in the sport on attendance at the races; Resentment for founder Bernie Ecclestone, who is accused of hogging revenue and power; Argument from Ecclestone that the track owners are responsible; Threat of carmakers to pull out and hurt the sport further.

The article focuses on the huge investment made by Europe in Web enabled cell-phone systems. The Europeans are ready to spend $260 billion on high speed mobile networks across the continent. The broadband mobile systems called Third Generation is supposed to deliver a broadband Net connection just at the click of a cell phone button. Europe's branded companies are going to bring millions of faithful customers to the mobile web. The confusion of Europe's mobile web threatens the hand set makers. It was Nokia Corp. and Ericsson Inc. that drew the road map for 3G Corp.

This article reports on efforts made by Europe's former telephone monopolies to meet ensuing competition. To protect themselves, Europe's former phone monopolies are rushing to consolidate. From Deutsche Telekom's Ron Sommer to Olivetti's Roberto Colaninno, chief executives know that a shrinking fraternity of giants will survive as international players in Europe's $200 billion communications business. For this reason, British Telecommunications PLC is increasing its investment in Germany's Viag Interkom, a Munich-based company with cellular and wireline businesses.

Discusses Vodafone AirTouch's fall 1999 bid for Mannesman. Vodafone Chief Executive Christopher Gent's motives for the bid; Mannesmann's mobile-telephone business; Gent's offer; Implications for the European mobile phone market; Vodafone's acquisition of AirTouch; Outlook for successful completion of the deal.

Discusses the state of the European economy as of September 1999. How big-company makeovers have helped spur the economy; Expectations that the European economy will outperform the United States economy in 2000; Hopes by politicians that if key reforms are pushed through, Europe may enjoy a US-style New Economy.

Discusses the competition that America Online Inc. (AOL) from other Internet providers in Europe. The fierce battle that AOL is waging in Great Britain from Freeserve; AOLs efforts to become number one or at least number 2 in each country where it does business; The growing threats that could erode its position.

Examines the status of the European telecommunication industry. Top telecommunication firms operating in the region; Impact of deregulation and privatization on the industry; Comparison of the region's Internet connection status with that of the United States; American telecommunication companies that have entered the mobile communication industry of Europe. INSET: Colaninno looks into the future, by John Rossant.

The article discusses how German manufactures could help lead Europe out of recession. Factories and workshops account for 30% of employment in Germany, and produce goods that increasingly incorporate information technology. Demand for such specialized gear is likely to increase from China, India, and other developing nations.

This article reports on the success that Ford has achieved in sales of its Fiesta and Ka cars in Europe. Although Ford didn't plan on it, it's cars were released for sale at an opportune time when Germany and Serbia were giving cash to citizens who traded in gas-guzzlers for new, fuel-efficient models. John Fleming of Ford said that although fuel-efficiency was an important issue in Europe, it was luck that the government program occurred at the time the vehicles were introduced.

The article examines how Europe is garnering the attention of U.S. investors who place their money into struggling businesses. Some factors that facilitate this phenomenon are Europe's declining economy as well as crashes in British and Spanish housing markets. Firms associated with this practice are mentioned, including Apollo Management, Blackstone Group and Carlyle Group.

The article reports on the vigorous business climate in Europe as measured by the magazine in the first quarter of 2007. Among other factors the article notes an economic growth rate in the region equal to that of the United States, increased exports and decreased unemployment. Reasons for the boom in European business are analyzed.

The article reports how a foreign takeover of Dutch bank ABN AMRO could signal the beginning of the financial integration of Europe. Both Barclays PLC and the Royal Bank of Scotland have made offers for ABN AMRO. Integration in Europe would mean billions in cheap capital for European countries. With new rules enacted by the European Union allowing takeovers by foreign banks, takeover targets are making friendly deals with other banks.

The article focuses on attorney Thomas Vinje, who has worked for 16 years against Microsoft Corp., who he perceives to engage in anti-competitive behavior in European markets. Vinje is soft spoken and shy, but was crucial to the $600 million fine the European Commission issued to Microsoft. Microsoft's Horacio E. Gutiérrez, associate general counsel for Europe, says that Vinje is just a front man for Microsoft's business competitors.

Reports on the effect the numerous votes against a European Union (EU) constitution could have on the region. Results of referendum voting taken in France and the Netherlands; Benefits of the constitution's defeat; Shift seen in Europe's political landscape, noting that France and Germany do not carry the clout they once did; Generational change among Europe's leaders; Details of an EU proposal to deregulate service professions.

Discusses how economic measures in Germany and France may add up to brighter growth prospects for 2005. Optimism of consumers and business; Overview of some of the incremental reforms; Role of the German and French governments in adopting the measures; How companies are beginning to see benefits from several years of restructuring; Outlook for economic growth in Europe.

Presents a commentary on the disparity between drug prices in the United States and other countries. Higher drug prices in the U.S. than in Europe and Canada; Comments from Dr. Mark B. McClellan, commissioner of the Food & Drug Administration; Possible importation of cheaper drugs from Canada by Americans; Safety issues stemming from drug importation; Suffering of research and development budgets as a result of lower prices; Difficulties of Europe's pharmaceutical industry; Need for a Medicare drug benefit and other subsidies for the elderly and poor in the United States.

Discusses the poor financial performance of various European companies. Deutsche Telekom which has considerable debt; French and German stock indexes which are down more than 60 percent; Fall in the value of equity holdings which is negatively impacting pension plans; American stock indexes which have downgraded their ratings of several European companies.

Examines the strong showing of right wing leader Jean-Marie Le Pen in the first round of France's presidential elections. The government's failure to acknowledge growing anger against immigrants; Focus of Far-Right politicians in Europe on issues such as crime and immigration; How Le Pen and other hard-right ideologies are reasserting themselves; Debate over economic reforms; Mention of Center-Right governments in Italy, Denmark, Norway and Portugal; Concerns of centrist politicians.

The article reports on how the European economy will behave after terror attacks and continued recession in the United States. Some economists believe that the European countries will be able to counter economic turmoil that pummeled the United States and Asia. Fearing economic recession in Europe, many European companies have started to cancel investments. Some companies have even started to lay off their employees.

The article reports on the competition between America Online Inc. (AOL) and T-Online International AG for becoming the leading Internet service provider (ISP) in Europe. AOL recently accused T-Online for giving better phone rates to its Internet users than in other online services. However, even though AOL will win the case, the fact is that T-Online still holds majority of the share of ISP market. AOL can still increase its share if it will shift to new technologies that T-Online offers.

The article focuses on the expansion strategy of Japan's NTT DoCoMo in the mobile communications market. On May 9, 2000, DoCoMo agreed to pay up to $4.5 billion in cash for a 15 percent stake in Royal KPN's mobile unit. DoCoMo sees the mobile Internet as a booming business and wants to be a leader in the global game. The company comes to Europe with many advantages. For starters, it has none of the political baggage that comes with being a former monopoly in Europe that still has the state as a shareholder. It is the first company to make mobile online services a mass-market success. More important, DoCoMo is expected to introduce third-generation Internet service, which will pave the way for streaming video on mobile handsets a year from now. At the very least, DoCoMo and parent NTT will learn something about operating in Europe. For now, KPN and DoCoMo still have to work out the fine points of their alliance. INSET: IS FREESERVE FOR SALE?.

Reports that Germany, France, Spain, and Britain plan to continue cutting taxes in order to attract businesses. Departure of corporations in the biotechnology industry from France due to a high tax rate; German tax cutting agenda; Pressure on Ireland and other low-tax countries; Ways that the European Monetary Union (EMU) affects taxes in member countries; Why Italy cannot cut taxes. INSET: RELIEF IS IN SIGHT.

Highlights the shortage of qualified computer professionals in Europe. Surge in information technology (IT) jobs in Europe; Rise in pay for European IT professionals; Other industries apart from IT that have witnessed the surge; Reasons why there is a shortage of skilled workers; Skills that IT companies are looking for; Eagerness shown by people to undergo retraining.

Discusses the April 1999 plan to merge Deutsche Telekom and Telecom Italia. Value and provisions of the deal; Outlook for regulator scrutiny; Comparison of the deal to the previously proposed merger of Telecom Italia and Olivetti; Defensive aspects of the merger with Deutsche Telekom; Features and capabilities of the merged companies; Impact on European telecommunication and other merger prospects.

This article discusses investment opportunities in Europe during the recession of 2008-2009. The decline of stocks in companies including ArcelorMittal, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA, and Nokia Corp. are framed as incentives to invest in those companies. The rise of international currencies relative to the euro is presented as a reason for investing in export oriented enterprises. INSET: MY BEST BARGAIN.

The article reports that economic indicators in Europe show that it may have fallen into a recession in 2008. Friedrich Eichiner, director of brand development at the German car manufacturer BMW, says that his company is experiencing the effects of economic troubles in the U.S. Robert Barrie, chief economist for Europe at Credit Suisse Group, based in London, England, says he thinks Europe may have already gone into a recession.

The author reflects upon his experience living in Frankfort, Germany and his purchase of an automobile. He discusses why Europeans are more efficient energy consumers, using public transportation and bicycles as alternative modes of transportation. He offers statistics on Europe's stingy energy use, due to longstanding high energy prices, and discusses the differences in transportation between the U.S. and Europe.

The article discusses Europeans' mistrust of the U.S. economy and U.S. businesses. On top of political mistrust of the U.S., Europeans increasingly see the credit crisis of 2008 and the slowing world economy as due to U.S. influence. The article notes a move toward economic liberalism of continental European politics and suggests that this is due to growing anti-Americanism and as a reaction to capitalism's corruptions.

The article discusses the retailing efforts of Dell computer in Europe and abroad. Dell has built retail outlets in countries where Internet shopping is not as popular as in the U.S., or where home delivery services aren't robust. Dell has a store in Budapest, Hungary and plans another for Moscow, Russia. Retail outlets in overseas markets present opportunity, but also pose challenges related to inventory and customer preferences.

This article focuses on European banks and their lending policies. The article reports that European banks require a 20% down-payment for a home loan and that adjustable-rate mortgages are rare. The author reports that because European banks were slow to adopt the U.S. techniques that are now backfiring, the European market is not experiencing the crisis that the U.S. is.

The author discusses the effect of hedge funds and activist shareholders on corporate Europe. She says investors are buying stakes in some of Europe's blue chip stocks, then pushing the companies to streamline operations and shed performing assets. British hedge fund TCI called for the breakup of the Netherlands banking giant ABN Amro.

The article reports on the Fraunhofer Society of Germany, a collection of research institutes with a variety of inventions and specialties, including MP3 audio technology developed by Karlheinz Brandenburg. MP3 patent licensing fees go to Fraunhofer, but the real money went to MP3 player manufacturers Microsoft Corp., Sony, and Apple. Europe tends to miss the technology payoffs, but this hasn't halted innovation production. Board members say product invention success increases company motivation.

The article reports that Europeans favor the Sony Walkman brand mobile cellular telephone over the iPod brand name product. Handsets with the Walkman name and equipped with built-in digital music players raised Sony Ericsson's second quarter phone sales by 33%. Apple is holding steady in growth and iPod sales grew.

The article discusses RSM Erasmus University's international MBA program in Rotterdam. The program is an example of the growing number of English-language MBA programs in Europe. The schools gather enrollment from around the world and stress the importance of networking with diverse groups of people in order to be successful in the business world.

Reports that Europe is exploring the public policy of the flat-rate income tax. Statement that flat-rate income tax offers one low income tax rate paid by all but the poorest wage-earners; Benefits of the flat tax, including the removal of tax loopholes for the rich; Report that Russia and other eastern countries have enacted flat taxes.

Examines how the left wing is gaining strength in Europe. Role played by anti-capitalist, anti-globalization activists in defeating referendums on the European Union constitution in France and the Netherlands; Impact of left-wingers in Germany's Social Democratic Party, in helping to drive Chancellor Gerhard Schröder to call for elections in the fall of 2004--a year ahead of time; Speculation on whether or not leftist parties can establish a presence in European governments.

Discusses Chinese investment in Germany with shipping and trading companies. Growth in the manufacturing segment as China seeks access to the European market; Comment of Jiang Zhou of Welz Gas Cylinder, which was bought by China's Huapeng Trading in 2003; Idea that the Chinese want to purchase patents and engineering expertise; Comment of Detlef Wolf, marketing director at Schiess which bought by Shenyang Machine Tool Group; Statistics on German and Chinese exports; The reason Germany is welcoming Chinese investment.

Discusses concerns over who will succeed the head of Germany's Siemens, when Chief Executive Heinrich von Pierer decides to leave. Profitability of Siemens; Stock performance; Discussion of the topic in Germany and elsewhere in Europe; Possible candidates; How a new generation is moving into Siemens' top echelons; Changes wrought by von Pierer; Push of the engineer-dominated company to focus more on customers' needs.

Reports that Europe's travel industry is pulling out of its slump. Rise in air passengers at Lufthansa and increased bookings at travel company Thomas Cook; How Europeans are taking trips postponed during the Iraq war; U.S. attitudes toward France.