All Europe
- First LookPoland’s new PM Donald Tusk is pro-EU, committed to helping Ukraine
Centrist party leader Donald Tusk was elected prime minister by Poland’s parliament after eight years of conservative rule under Law & Justice. He has taken a pro-European Union stance and vows to keep the rest of the world committed to helping Ukraine.
- First LookWhy Finland blames Russia for its record number of migrants
Finland’s border checkpoints have seen a sudden surge of Middle Eastern and African migrants in the past month. Finland blames Russia for the surge, saying it is retaliation for Finland’s membership in NATO.
- To curb migrant numbers, Italy looks to Albania for help
Migrants seeking asylum in Italy will be assessed in Albania under a new plan by the hard-right-wing government in Rome.
- First LookAlbanian Parliament votes amid flares, fires, and stacks of chairs
Albanian lawmakers passed the annual budget in a vote disrupted by flares held by the opposition to the governing Socialist Party. The flares, piling chairs, and starting small fires come as the European Union begins membership negotiations with Albania.
- First LookOne year countdown: Notre Dame on track to reopen in December 2024
On Dec. 8, workers at Notre Dame will begin the last year of repair before the cathedral reopens. When Olympic visitors descend on Paris for the Summer Games on July 26, the cathedral will have a finished look from outside while interior work continues.
- First LookEU leaders in a race against time to agree on first AI regulations
The European Union has been drafting artificial intelligence guidelines for years, but the emergence of OpenAI’s ChatGPT has upped the urgency. If EU leaders aren’t able to reach a deal this week, negotiators will be forced to pick up the issue next year.
- With his ‘Ambulance for Monuments,’ a Romanian preserves his culture
Romania’s cultural heritage is crumbling. Architect Eugen Vaida is inspiring a grassroots ethos of national pride through historical preservation.
- In Ukraine, war speeds migration away from Russian language
With the Russian invasion still ongoing, many Ukrainians see the choice between speaking Ukrainian and Russian as more than pragmatic. It is also about patriotism and affirmation of their identity.
- First LookAfter LBGTQ+ activism ban, Russian police raid gay bars in Moscow
Russian security forces raided gay clubs and bars across Moscow less than 48 hours after the country’s top court banned what it called the “global LGBTQ+ movement” as an extremist organization.
- In Greece, iconic olive crop becomes a climate change front line
Greece’s iconic olive trees are at risk of becoming a victim to the ravages of climate change. So farmers are finding new ways to care for and harvest the crop, and maintain its viability in a warmer world.
- First LookRussia outlaws LGBTQ+ activism in landmark Supreme Court ruling
A lawsuit filed to Russia’s Supreme Court identified “signs and manifestations of an extremist nature” by the LGBTQ+ movement operating in Russia. It ruled that the movement is extremist and banned LGBTQ+ activism in the increasingly conservative country.
- First Look"United in the name of Giulia," Italians march to end gender violence
Tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Italy’s cities to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This comes as the country was gripped by the news of an Italian man extradited for the alleged murder of his girlfriend.
- First LookCivilians reflect on Ukraine’s 2014 uprising in the midst of war
Ten years ago, Ukrainians protested President Viktor Yanukovychin’s decision to move the country away from the EU and toward Russia. The months-long standoff led to the ouster of Mr. Yanukovychin, and nine years later, an ongoing war with Russia.
- The call of home: Why some Ukrainian refugees are risking a return now
Though millions of Ukrainians remain refugees abroad, an increasing number are returning home despite the war. But while being in their homeland brings some relief, it also poses new stress.
- How Cleopatra got caught up in a culture war
When it comes to ancient kingdoms and cultures, who has legitimate claim to use that history to define themselves today? And who, if anyone, are history’s gatekeepers?
- First LookWhy is Finland closing crossing points along its Russia border?
Finnish authorities say that Russia has started allowing undocumented travelers to access the border zone and enter crossing stations between the two countries. To curb this influx, four crossing points on its border will be closed Friday.
- As world patience thins, Israel, Ukraine race against time
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Benjamin Netanyahu are fighting against not only their enemies but also the clock, on which international patience is ticking.
- First LookUK determined to send migrants to Rwanda, despite ‘unlawful’ ruling
The British government’s response to the growing number of migrants arriving from around the world was to give them a one-way ticket to Rwanda. Britain’s Supreme Court ruled the plan unlawful. The government vows to make changes and press on with the plan.
- Protesters of Israel-Hamas war fear nuance is getting lost
Israel’s war against Hamas has unleashed a torrent of responses from Westerners, both positive and negative. Many are finding it a challenge to express their feelings without being co-opted by darker forces in society.
- Recovery in Ukraine: When horses do the whispering
Hippotherapy, using horses to help heal traumatized soldiers, is a new treatment in Ukraine, but the mental relaxation it offers is bringing relief.