Capital of Europe?

On June 21, 1991, the German parliament made the historical decision to make Berlin the new capital of a reunited Germany, and to move the seat of government from Bonn to Berlin. Since then, much has changed in Berlin: 30 billion DM ($ 13 billion) alone has been invested in the construction and modernisation of the city's landscape and its infrastructure. Among the cranes which still dominate Berlin's skyline, new buildings have emerged from what was once border wasteland - the latest facelift for a city that has been reconstructed several times in the 20th century alone.

However, while the architects attempt to give the city an optimistic gloss, the city is still struggling to regain its status as a vibrant European capital. Whether in fashion or music, Berlin still needs to catch up with London, Paris and New York. And a financial crisis poses a threat to some of Berlin's most renowned cultural assets.
But attitudes have changed here too, albeit slowly: A remarkable sense of optimism prevails in this vibrant city. The city is looking to the future, without forgetting its troublesome past.

Much has been achieved - but the task for this city is still huge....