German auto giant Volkswagen is having trouble with its subsidiary Skoda. Not only are profits down at the Czech-based automaker, but its cars are now competing directly with VW models -- and in some cases are beating them in road tests.

Germany approved the requisite legislation back in 2002, but many of those who worked in Jewish ghettos during World War II are still waiting for their pensions. Indeed, up to 90 percent of applicants have been rejected. Now, though, a new reading of the law could break the logjam, and cost Berlin up to 2 billion euros.

Geert Wilders is known for his provocative positions on Islam and immigration. But the Dutch right-wing populist may moderate his rhetoric in the run-up to national elections in June, where his party is expected to do well. His rise, however, may ultimately end up benefiting left-wing parties.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle faces accusations of blurring the lines between his office, party politics and his private life. He has taken his partner Michael Mronz, an entrepreneur, on an official trip to South America this week along with several former donors to his pro-business FDP party.

EADS and its American partner Northrop Grumman have abandoned their joint bid for a $35 billion contract to build tanker jets for the US military, citing unfair competition as their reason for withdrawing. German commentators on Wednesday sense more than a whiff of hypocrisy from European governments.

German exports surprisingly fell by 6.3 percent in January while Germany's biggest rival in world trade, China, enjoyed a 45.7 percent surge in February. It's worrying news for Germany which is relying on its export strength to drive its recovery. Analysts expect exports to grow this year, aided by a weak euro.

While the rest of the world has been pursuing business opportunities in South America, Berlin has been sitting on its hands. Now, with Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle looking for a signature issue, that may change.

The US and Russia are currently negotiating a successor to the START nuclear disarmament treaty. But continued American plans for a missile shield in Europe have proven to be a major stumbling block. President Obama's vision of a nuclear-free world is in danger.

A handful of European leaders want to move swiftly to create their own European take on the International Monetary Fund. The idea is to be able to independently address financial crises like that being experienced in Greece without the embarassment of turning to the IMF. But the move would be highly risky for everyone involved and could even paralyze the European Union.

Toyota has recalled millions of vehicles due to reports of sticking gas pedals and unintended acceleration. But finding out exactly what causes the problem has proven difficult. An explanation for why most of the accidents have occurred in the US has likewise proven elusive.

The euro is under attack like never before, as the promises on which it was based turn out to be lies. Hedge funds are speculating against Greek debt, while euro-zone politicians work behind the scenes to cobble together rescue packages. But fundamental flaws in the monetary union need to be fixed if Europe's common currency is to survive. By SPIEGEL staff.

High turnout in the recent Iraqi election is fueling hope that stability in the war-torn country may not be far off. But the challenges Iraq faces are still considerable. In a SPIEGEL ONLINE interview, Iraq expert Brian Katulis warns that the country must act decisively to ensure its own future before the United States finishes its planned withdrawal in 2011.

The child-abuse scandal that broke out in Germany in late January has now spread across the country. As shocked German politicians argue over whether to lift the statute of limitations or impose civil penalties, newspaper commentators are unanimous in their call for swift and concerted action.

Four men armed with pistols and a machete robbed a Berlin poker tourmanent on Saturday and made off with 250,000 euros. It was a spectacular heist, not because it was done well, but because it was so amateurish. The robbers left behind a wealth of clues and police are confident the criminals will be caught.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are considering measures to limit the kind of speculation that has targeted the European common currency in recent weeks. If Brussels doesn't take action, France and Germany are prepared to go it alone.

The stakes were huge -- a $35 billion contract for 179 tanker jets -- but in the end European aerospace giant EADS saw no chance in winning. On Monday, its US partner Northrop Grumman withdrew its joint bid with EADS to build tankers for the Pentagon based on an Airbus aircraft model. EADS officials claim the new bidding process was tailored exclusively for a Boeing win.

Engineers surveying the Baltic Sea for a pipeline project have discovered several historic shipwrecks on the seabed, including an ancient Viking longboat and several ships from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Success at the Oscars has vaulted Christoph Waltz from a little-known Austrian character actor to the toast of Hollywood. He won the Oscar for best supporting actor for his portrayal of a suave Nazi officer in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds." The only Oscar winner from a German-speaking country this year admits he's shell-shocked by his sudden fame.