Focus: Germany

With their recent electoral successes in Sweden and Germany, European Pirate Parties are becoming more visible on the political scene in their respective countries. They are hoping to present a joint list at the next European elections. But how many are they?

Translated by Clémence Grison (Paris)

The job market has bounced back so well in Germany that the country may soon have to handle a shortage of skilled labour. 

The German minister of Defence wants to get rid of conscription, following suit with the many European countries, the UK and France included, that have put an end to military service. Yet 18 countries in Europe still draft their citizens; in Germany a majority of young conscripts prefer to do a civil service.