All Europe
- Newest challenge for Europe's refugee crisis: crewless migrant ships
A ship carrying hundreds of refugees was rescued today off the coast of Italy, after its crew abandoned it. It was the second such incident this week, suggesting a foreboding new stage of an influx of migrants to Europe.
- From Putin to the pope: Europe's year in review
2015 is likely to have more in common with 2014 than Europeans may want, with tensions over Ukraine, sanctions, and worries about Islamic extremism in little danger of dissipating.
- Anti-Putin crusader Alexi Navalny arrested at rally after sentencing
The anti-government rally followed a Moscow court's verdict earlier Tuesday in which Navalny brother, but not him, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison on criminal fraud charges.
- Trouble ahead? Europe winces as Greece fails to find a president.
The resulting snap election could see a win by the far-left Syriza party. Many worry its anti-austerity stance could set off a fresh eurozone crisis.
- Ukraine's Greek Catholic Church looks to boost sway – by equipping military
The church, a minority faith in largely Orthodox Ukraine, has a long history of guarding the country's identity and independence. Now, it is doing so directly, by supplying ammo, medical kits, and armor to soldiers fighting in the east.
- Left behind in Romania, emigrés' kids find ways to blossom
Though media reports often portray children of parents working abroad as 'at risk,' the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network found that the truth is more complex – and some children thrive despite the challenges.
- Russia's ruble crisis: What's at stake for European businesses
Companies in Poland are wary of a recession in Russia and a downturn in trade and tourism. But Europe is probably less exposed than in 1998 when Russia defaulted on its sovereign debt.
- What's French for Scrooge? Christmas spirit sags in 'City of Lights.'
A majority of French say they're not looking forward to Christmas this year and complain that it's too commercial. A spate of random attacks on crowds in recent days has added to the holiday gloom.
- Terror sans terrorists? Lone-wolf attacks roil France
Authorities are treating two incidents as common criminality but haven't ruled out a political motivation in the third. France is on alert over returning fighters from Syria and Iraq.
- Dresden's anti-Islam protests: Rooted in Germany's East-West divide?
PEGIDA marchers, some 17,500 of whom took to the street in Dresden tonight, claim that Islam threatens Germany. But their anger may stem in large part from issues held over from reunification.
- For many Spaniards, Princess Cristina's trial date is welcome news
Corruption remains endemic in Spain, a fact that angers many Spaniards. So the confirmation of a trial for a figure as elite as the king's sister is seen as a big step.
- Ukraine's blockade on breakaway east forces tough choices on rebels
In self-styled 'people's republics' in eastern Ukraine the arrival of winter means hardship for civilians as coal and food are in short supply. More than 1,000 people have died since a Sept. 5 cease-fire was signed by Russia and Ukraine.
- Putin: Russia just has to tough out economic storm
In his annual press conference, the Russian president set a clear tone over the country's ruble and oil woes: The Russian 'bear' needs to evade the (Western) hunters, and trust only in itself.
- How much does US-Cuba thaw owe to Pope Francis?
Both Raul Castro and Obama credited the pontiff for his role in facilitating talks between the long-antagonistic nations. But yesterday's announcement built on years of effort by the Vatican.
- Is Europe really making things better for Palestinians?
A European court's ruling that Hamas was incorrectly listed as a terrorist organization may look like a win for the group. But, like the various European votes to recognize a Palestinian state, it may change little.
- Can Putin convince Russians to rally in face of new sanctions?
President Obama is likely to sign off on new sanctions targeting oil and arms exports. Sanctions have helped drive down the ruble, which has lost half its value this year.
- A mom sues France for letting her son go to Syria – and she might win
The mother claims that French authorities failed to stop her 16-year-old son from joining jihadis in Syria. While it would be tough to argue in a US court, French lawyers say that she's got a case.
- Why an upcoming Nazi guard's trial may be one of the last
Oskar Groening is a Nazi guard facing trial. About 1,000 investigations into alleged Nazi war criminals are ongoing, but very few Holocaust war crimes are brought to trial.
- In Germany, anti-Islam voices grow louder, worrying leaders
In Dresden, more than 10,000 people marched against the 'Islamization' of Germany, the largest yet in a series of protests against the country's policy of welcoming immigrants.
- The ExplainerOil prices, ruble, inflation all bite Russia, but how badly?
Between Western sanctions and plummeting crude oil prices, things are looking grim for Russia's economy. But Russians appear prepared to weather the storm.