Germany is preparing for elections but also for the 500th anniversary in 2017 of Martin Luther kicking off the Reformation. How important is the Protestant work ethic in Germany's economic success?

As Germany approaches elections this weekend, a new party — the Alternative for Germany — is aiming to liven up German politics.

GM's closure of its auto plant in Bochum, Germany, will be the first major closure of an auto plant there in 60 years.

This week, Greece got mixed signals from the International Monetary Fund — and the coming week looks equally murky.

The French Revolution — and much of the France we know today — was born at a time of economic crisis and famine.

Italy might need a bailout within six months. So warns Italy's second largest bank, MedioBanca, according to Britain's Daily Telegraph.

France today entered a double-dip recession. It depends on exports to Italy and Spain and they, like many eurozone nations, are still feeling the pinch. Europe's slump is dragging down the global economy.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel enjoyed close relations with former French President Nicolas Sarkozy but not with successor Francois Hollande. Differences over austerity are part of the problem.

For the first time in history, the 17 nations that use the euro are headed for two years of back-to-back recession, according to the European Commission.