Steve Evans

Today, the German Parliament confirmed arguably the most powerful leader in Europe for a new term.

The lynchpin of the European economy is now on track for a new government by Christmas.

'Worker's councils' will be like labor unions-lite.

It takes two quarters of economic shrinking to be called a recession, but just one quarter of growth to end one.

Residents of Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and beyond are still wading through high waters today. Severe flooding has led to the deaths of at least 24 people.

European unemployment hit a new record high in April. 12.2 percent, or about 20 million people, across the 17 countries that use the euro are out of work.

The number of unemployed Germans rose more than four times what analysts had expected in May. Still Europe's largest economy held onto its jobless rate of 6.9 percent -- lower than the majority of euro zone countries.

European -- and some American manufacturers -- believe Chinese solar panels are being sold for less than they cost to build. The European Commission is investigating, but now Germany is distancing itself from the "dumping" allegations.

A key component for building cars both here and around the world has has been nearly decimated by an explosion a couple of weeks ago in Germany.

Some volunteer tax experts from Germany want to head to Greece for a series of tax collection workshops to help Greece increase its revenue, but Greek tax officials aren't happy with the idea.