From the Heart of Europe | 31.01.2013, 15:00 UTC

If you cannot view this message correctly, please click here.

From the Heart of Europe 31.01.2013 | 15:00 UTC Business Retail German retail sales dip in 2012 after December slump German retailers have posted a steep decline in revenues over the past 12 months. Surprisingly, seasonally and price-adjusted sales have not reflected a general uptick in consumer confidence. Aviation Ryanair passengers win volcano damages at EU court The European Union's top court has ruled that low-budget carrier Ryanair of Ireland has to pay more compensation to passengers stranded during the 2012 volcano eruption in Iceland. It had so far refused many claims. Jobs German unemployment rises above 3-million mark Germany's jobless total has risen over the past four weeks in unadjusted terms, crashing through the psychologically important barrier of 3 million people seeking work. Seasonal factors helped explain the surge. Banking Deutsche Bank incurs losses amid restructuring Germany's Deutsche Bank, the biggest lender in Europe's economic power house, has reported hefty losses for the final quarter of 2012. The bank is in the middle of its biggest restructuring process ever. Weak quarter hits Deutsche Bank profits Where's the change in Deutsche Bank's culture? News European Union Merkel meets with Italy's Monti, "optimistic" on EU budget deal German Chancellor Angela Merkel has met with Italy's prime minister, Mario Monti, in Berlin a week ahead of renewed EU budget talks. Merkel said she is "very optimistic" that a deal will be reached. Davos: Monti campaigns, Lagarde looks ahead Greece Greek public transport workers and doctors strike in Athens Public transport workers and doctors in Athens have launched a 24-hour strike to protest Greece's latest austerity measures. A fresh 25-percent cut to public servant incomes has sparked regular protests. Greece's middle class feels the pain Crime Europol arrests 103 in migrant smuggling network European police have arrested 103 people in 10 countries in a major migrant smuggling sting. Police called it the biggest raid on a migrant smuggling network in the history of the European Union. Child trafficking on the rise, UN says Human Rights French parliament begins gay debate, opponents strident Debate has begun in France's parliament over a government bill to legalize gay marriages and adoptions after weeks of strident objections from conservatives and the Catholic Church. The vote is due February 12. World European Union Moving right in Hungary When Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban visited Brussels, he had to deal with European criticism of his economic policies, but the EU keeps quiet about the country's lurch to the right. Hungarians rally against anti-Semitism Hungary's Orban attempts to secure his position In Berlin, Orban discusses Hungary's role in Europe Ukraine Ex-policeman gets life for journalist's murder A former police general has been found guilty of the murder of a critical journalist, causing new speculation about the role of former president Leonid Kuchma in the case. Rights concerns mar Ukraine's OSCE presidency Tymoshenko's guilty verdict a wake-up call, says German parliamentarian Former Ukraine leader charged in gruesome murder of journalist   Unsubscribe   Personal Data   Feedback   Imprint © Deutsche Welle 2013