All Europe
Stasi-linked party is back in power. Is Germany ready?Leftist party Die Linke today took the top seat in the German state of Thuringia, its first governorship since reunification. But many say the party that once used its Stasi spies to control East Germany has yet to atone for its history.
Shrouded by myth, Ukraine's past proves an obstacle to its futureUkrainian historians say that to forge a common identity among eastern and western Ukrainians, both sides must better understand history. The UPA, a WWII-era nationalist militia lionized in the west but feared in the east, is a key example.
Can small business help Russia bear West's sanctions? Putin hopes so.The Russian president rolled out a series of liberal economic reforms in his state-of-the-nation speech today, saying that clearing away bureaucratic red tape and offering tax breaks to small business would soften sanctions' bite.
From Russia, with joy? Christmas tree gift from Kremlin puzzles ParisiansThe rector of Notre Dame said the cathedral couldn't afford its annual 80,000-euro tree, prompting Russia to come to the rescue. The gift comes amid particularly poor relations between Paris and Moscow.
Healthcare reform brings protesters to the streets – in RussiaThousands marched in Moscow on Sunday over the city's shuttering of 28 hospitals and firing of up to 10,000 medical personnel. Proponents say the move, part of a national reform, is necessary to improve healthcare, but critics don't see how.
French vote on Palestinian statehood takes bumpier route to 'oui'The National Assembly's non-binding vote to urge recognition of a Palestinian state passed 339 to 151, a significantly smaller margin of victory than in similar recent votes elsewhere in Europe.
Putin says Europe killed South Stream pipeline. Did oil play a role too?The Russian president blamed European intransigence for his decision to end the gas pipeline, which would have circumvented Ukraine via Bulgaria and Serbia. But the decision also comes as dropping oil prices put the squeeze on Russia's budget.
Britain jumps on board the #GivingTuesday movementIn response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday which have jumped the pond, Britons are working to ensure today's online charitable 'event' makes the leap to the UK too.
Ukraine crisis: West's sanctions target Putin, not policy, Russia insistsRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the West's sanctions are aimed at promoting regime change, a view that analysts warn will make compromise over Ukraine even more difficult.
Band Aid pushback? West African stars sing their own tune on Ebola.Released this week, 'Africa Stop Ebola' is set to pop and reggae and sung in seven languages by famous West African artists. It offers advice on how to combat the virus – without, supporters say, tapping stereotypes and fear.
Push for Palestinian statehood grows in Europe as France begins debateFrance has become the latest country in Europe to consider recognizing the state of Palestine. With a non-binding vote getting under way Friday, its National Assembly is following the lead of four other European nations that have taken similar steps.
As Pope addresses migrant crisis, EU targets people smugglers at seaMany worry a new EU mission – which replaces a larger Italian effort patrolling for refugees traveling from North Africa to Europe – means more migrants will die. This year, more than 3,000 people have perished – five times as many as in 2013.
Iran nuclear talks: EU diplomacy finds a stronger voiceNegotiators failed to meet today's deadline for a nuclear deal. But an EU foreign policy entity created just three years ago has proved more effective than its critics expected.
Swiss museum vows new standard in handling of Nazi-looted artCornelius Gurlitt, the son of one of Adolf Hitler’s main art dealers, bequeathed the collection to the Kunstmuseum Bern, which has said it will thoroughly research the provenance of each piece of art and promises a transparent process.
As their leaders spar with Russia, Poles press for a bit of pragmatismPoland and Russia expelled each other's diplomats this week and canceled cultural exchanges. But many Poles, driven by longstanding ties as well as business interests, want more dialogue. Will the new PM deliver?
UKIP wins 2nd seat in British Parliament. How big a blow to Cameron?UKIP candidate Mark Reckless defeated the candidate from Prime Minister Cameron's Conservative Party in a special by-election. UKIP's anti-immigration, anti-EU platform is putting pressure on mainstream parties ahead of May 2015 elections.
Google loses ground in fight against Europe's 'right to be forgotten'The search giant is campaigning against a ruling that gives Europeans the ability to hide their histories on the Internet. But it’s facing a Continent determined to reassert its right to privacy.
Russia, China plan war games, arms sales. Could alliance be in the cards?With Russia alienated by the West and China eager to buy high-end weaponry, a joint military pact – though still a long way off – looks increasingly seductive to both.
Greek dilemma: Are new jobs created by gold mine worth the ecological risk?A billion-dollar project in the Halkidiki peninsula could bring thousands of jobs to struggling Greeks. But the trade-off might be serious damage to flora and fauna in the tourist region.
Has EU’s anti-corruption mission been corrupted itself?Allegations of bribery have shaken the European Union's rule of law mission in Kosovo, further diminishing the public trust in the organization meant to curb widespread graft in the country – not contribute to it.
