From the Heart of Europe | 21.02.2013, 15:00 UTC

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From the Heart of Europe 21.02.2013 | 15:00 UTC News Crime Italian police arrest match-fixing suspect Italian police have arrested a man suspected of being a high-profile football match fixer. The suspect is believed to have travelled to Italy with the intention of turning himself in. Europol exposes football 'match-fixing' network European Union German Chancellor Angela Merkel defends EU budget proposal in Bundestag German Chancellor Angela Merkel has defended the latest EU leaders' budget compromise in parliament. Ahead of September's general election the opposition criticised her attempts at solving Europe's economic crisis. Merkel defends EU long-term budget Ex-World Bank head: EU not out of the woods yet Greece Thousands across Greece protest austerity Tens of thousands have filled city streets across Greece in protest of the government's deep-cutting austerity measures. The 24-hour general strike comes amid projections of 30 percent unemployment this year. 'National interests' undermining Europe Business Corporate Reports Lego reports sales and profit boost Toy maker Lego of Denmark has announced larger-than-expected sales and profits. With both traditional and new product lines, the company experienced one of its best business years in 2012. Toy maker Lego posts record results Eurozone crisis Eurozone PMI points to deepening slump The closely-watched Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) is showing a decline in business activity for the eurozone in February. The latest reading indicates a recovery is still far off, with the recession even set to deepen. Record unemployment in the eurozone Eurozone logs third straight quarter in recession Bundesbank predicts return to growth in Germany Capital markets Fed stimulus concern rocks global financial markets Speculation that the US Federal Reserve might end its economic stimulus program have sent shivers through the global financial markets. The central bank's policy of monetary easing is seen as pivotal to growth. Flashback: The outbreak of the financial crisis US central bank stimulus lifts world stock markets Insurance Insurer Allianz sees profits rise as financial strains ease German insurance firm Allianz has said its net profit more than doubled in 2012. Fewer damage claims and less financial stress from the eurozone debt crisis contributed to the second-best result in company history. Post-Sandy clean-up continues in US 2012 was the warmest year ever in the United States As weather conditions worsen, damage costs soar World Politics New coalitions, old faces dominate Italian elections DW takes a look at the Italian elections. Many of the coalitions have new names, but will February 2013 mark a turning point for the country, or is it the same content repackaged with new campaign strategies? Before election, Italy slides to the right Merkel meets with Italy's Monti, "optimistic" on EU budget deal Davos: Monti campaigns, Lagarde looks ahead Politics Bulgaria's government throws in the towel High electricity bills were the trigger for the protests, but the real reason was the disappointment of the people at the lack of economic progress. Bulgarian prime minister resigns Uncertainty for southeast Europe's middle class More and more Roma moving to Germany Eastern Europe lacks 'culture of political discussion' Music Roma rap against Czech 'practical schools' Human rights groups accuse Czech authorities of placing a disproportionately high number of Roma, or gypsy, children into schools for the learning disabled. A group of young Roma rappers is working to change that. Listen to the report New Czech president no stranger to controversy Rapper brings hope to Kurdish refugees Roma in Marseille struggle for a better life   Unsubscribe   Personal Data   Feedback   Imprint © Deutsche Welle 2013