Perspective: UK

Since January 1^st 2012, French people pay their sodas at a higher price. Other European countries even tax directly fat- and sweetened aliments. These measures to sensitize consumers with the issue of obesity make their way through a continent where junk food is overly present.

The economic crisis has taken a heavy toll on Europe and a recent study shows that more than 40% of its inhabitants won't leave for the holidays this summer.

Taxing incomes over the one million mark at a rate of 75% as François Hollande is suggesting will not cause French millionaires to flee to our European neighbors. Using the example of a taxpayer earning 1,2 million every year, we compared the exact amount of taxes he would be paying in France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy and the UK. Not without a few surprises.

Translated by Clémence Grison (Paris)

Real estate in big European cities is still too expensive for most potential buyers, especially as banks give out fewer loans. Prices are on the increase in London, but transactions are fewer. Meanwhile things are quiet on the real estate front in Rome, Paris and Madrid

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.