Germany: the Frankfurt Auto Show - photos

It was media preview day at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.

The International Auto Exhibition is the world’s biggest auto show and will be open to the public September 14-22, 2013.

It features the latest releases and concept automobiles from Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lamborghini, Bugatti and much more.

Read more: Updated: New photos from the Frankfurt auto show - The Globe and Mail

Middle East: Dubai, Doha ranked as best Arab cities for business and outranked Paris, Frankfort and Manchester

A new survey has rated Dubai and Doha as the best in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for secured business and investment prospects.

Titled the ‘2013 people risk index’, the research was conducted by Aon Hewitt, the global human resources business of Aon plc. The survey measured risks that organizations may face in 138 cities with regards to recruitment, employment and relocation. It analyzed factors such as demographics, access to education, talent and development, employment practices and government regulations, to come up with the findings.

While Dubai once again retained its 2012 top regional position, it was trailed by Doha. However, Doha made an improvement of 11 points and was positioned at number 31 in the overall ranking. On the other hand, Dubai secured the 19^th position globally. Both Arab cities outperformed other major business hubs like Paris (36^th), Manchester (37^th) and Frankfurt (37^th).

Read more: Dubai, Doha ranked as best Arab cities for business - arabiangazette.com

Frankfurt Operating 80% of Flights on Third Day of Strikes

Frankfurt airport, the third-busiest in Europe, said it hasn’t been “incapacitated” today as ground- control staff staged their third strike in five days, operating more than 80 percent of scheduled flights.

Fraport AG, which runs the hub, canceled 240 takeoffs and landings out of the 1,250 planned, most involving short-haul destinations, spokeswoman Stephanie Wagener said. At least 70 percent of services should operate tomorrow, the company said.

The 200 strikers, who are seeking a revised accord on wages and plans to outsource ground-control jobs, will continue the action until 5 a.m. on Feb. 22, the Frankfurt-based Gewerkschaft der Flugsicherung union said in a statement last night.

For more: Frankfurt Operating 80% of Flights on Third Day of Strikes - Businessweek

Give me a crash course in . . . tomorrow's EU summit - by Caroline Madden

Why all the fuss about the EU meeting tomorrow? The euro zone has been in a state of chassis, as Sean O’Casey might say, for almost two years, with Greece, Portugal and Ireland all having to be bailed out. Fears have grown in recent months that the region’s sovereign-debt problems could spread to larger European countries, such as Italy and Spain, and the weakness of European banks has cropped up as another major cause for concern. After much dithering, two weeks ago Europe’s leaders finally pledged to agree on a comprehensive plan to save the single currency. The deadline for cobbling together a deal was set for tomorrow’s European Council summit in Frankfurt.

For more: Give me a crash course in . . . tomorrow's EU summit - The Irish Times - Sat, Oct 22, 2011

European Automotive Industry: Small cars are big news at Frankfurt

Germans car makers are unveiling a range of new small, fuel-efficient cars at the world's biggest motor show to challenge a market currently dominated by French and Asian rivals.

In the past, they built their reputations on sleek sports cars and luxurious limousines that were generous in their fuel consumption. But with customers increasingly environment conscious and concerned about rising petrol prices, their launches at the IAA (Internationale Automobil Ausstellung) will mark their move into what is already a crowded market.

This year, the main attraction at the stand of Volkswagen, maker of the iconic Beetle and Golf models, is its brand new city car, Up!

For more: Small cars are big news at Frankfurt - Cars - NZ Herald News

Germany: Womans World Cup Soccer: Japan beats USA 5-3 after penalty shootout and great comeback play

Japan defeated the United States 5-3 after a 3-1 penalty shootout in the final of Sunday's FIFA Women's World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany.

The teams played to a draw 2-2 after 120 minutes of regulation time and extra time. It was a fantastic, fair and exiting game, which saw Japan holding their own and coming back from nearly certain defeat twice, through perseverance and beautiful play.

EU-Digest