From the Heart of Europe | 07.03.2013, 15:00 UTC

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From the Heart of Europe 07.03.2013 | 15:00 UTC News European Union Germany blocks Schengen membership for Bulgaria, Romania Membership for Bulgaria and Romania in the visa-free Schengen zone has been postponed under the threat of a German veto. Berlin has expressed concerns about the strength of the rule of law in the two EU member states. Germany to keep Romanians, Bulgarians out Italy Berlusconi sentenced to year in prison for wiretap leak Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been sentenced to a year in prison for leaking transcripts of a police wiretap. The sentence comes as Italy faces a political stalemate after inconclusive elections. Eastern Europe Eastern EU group to strengthen military cooperation Defense ministers from the Visegrad Four - Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary - have agreed to form a joint military unit for EU missions. Germany and France praised the move at the summit in Warsaw. German military has long experience in Mali Business Corporate Reports Adidas profits stopped in tracks by Reebok writedown A one-off writedown on Adidas' weakening Reebok brand caused net profit to slump at the German sportswear maker last year. But sales hit a record high thanks to the London Olympics and the European soccer championship. Adidas Neo stores - the digital shopping experience Soccer jerseys from sportswear to lifestyle Paying a high price for cheap fashion Industry German factory orders take an unexpected dive German factory orders have shown a surprise slump as sluggish demand in the crisis-stricken eurozone has had a far greater impact than expected by analysts. However, surveys show consumer confidence has picked up. The future face of German industry Corporate Reports Tire maker Continental posts record annual results German maker of automotive parts and tires Continental has reported record sales and profit despite a difficult market environment. The company looks set to increase dividends and pay out higher bonuses to employees. European car market in crisis Eurozone crisis Standard & Poor's agency raises Portugal rating Ratings agency Standard & Poor's sees Portugal's economic fortunes improving, as the debt-laden eurozone country will receive more support from its lenders. But despite the upgrade, Portugal bonds still have junk status. Portuguese bonds spark optimism World European Ties Romania, Bulgaria want to expand Schengen area What does passport free travel in Europe have to do with a town in Luxembourg and why are Romania and Bulgaria eager to get involved? The Schengen zone means more than leaving your papers at home. Politics Schevardo: 'Vaclav Klaus is no reconciler' After 10 years as Czech president, Vaclav Klaus leaves office under a cloud of controversy. Jennifer Schevardo of the German Council on Foreign Relations describes the euroskeptic. German Chancellor Merkel visits Czech neighbors New coalition takes the reins in the Czech Republic Future of Czech government left hanging Competition EU fines Microsoft for antitrust breach In a historic antitrust case, the EU has levied a penalty of more than half a billion euros against American software giant Microsoft. The ruling could serve as both a precedent and deterrent in future antitrust cases. EU regulators strike again in Microsoft feud EU accuses Microsoft of breaking browser deal EU court upholds biggest chunk of fine for Microsoft   Unsubscribe   Personal Data   Feedback   Imprint © Deutsche Welle 2013