All Europe
- Is the Kremlin rallying Russians for a new 'USSR-lite'?
At military parades in Moscow and newly annexed Crimea today, Putin gave further hints of a new Russian doctrine that combines Soviet nostalgia with ethnic Russian themes.
- In Ukraine's rival camps, Putin's words fall on deaf ears
The prime minister called Putin's signal for a diplomatic resolution to the country's crisis 'hot air.' And separatists in Donetsk declined his request to delay their independence referendum.
- Why is it easier to get off an EU sanctions list than a US one?
As the EU has sought to pressure Russia and Iran by targeting individuals, they've run into a problem: their sanctions are often overturned in court. But proposed changes are hugely controversial.
- Ukraine's political divisions play out among its Orthodox congregations
The main Orthodox church is divided into two major factions, one loyal to Kiev, the other to Moscow, complicating efforts to push national unity.
- Has Putin extended an olive branch to Kiev?
Putin said he ordered Russia's troops to withdraw from Ukraine's borders, and called upon pro-Russia militants in eastern Ukraine to postpone their referendums on independence from Kiev.
- Kiev hatches a power-sharing formula for its regions. Will anyone listen?
The plans would end Kiev's vast powers and give regional governments much greater control over their own affairs, a key demand of pro-Russia rebels.
- Meet the 'nightlife mayor' of Paris (yes, that's a thing)
Clément Léon acts as a go-between for local residents and the city's evening businesses, which employ some 600,000 people.
- Are Italy's efforts to save refugees encouraging more to come?
Tragedies last year spurred the Italian Navy to more aggressively seek out refugee boats before they run into danger. But the practice seems to be increasing the rush of asylum seekers.
- Germany: Ally or arbiter in Ukraine crisis?
Chancellor Merkel, who is in Washington today, has made a show of unity with Obama against Russia's intervention in Ukraine. But the German public is not quite so committed.
- A decade after the EU's largest expansion, open borders still rankle
Ten years ago, the EU opened its doors to Eastern Europeans seeking a better life. But even today, anti-immigrant sentiments remain powerful in Europe.
- How one German city is opening doors to Roma
The Roma earned the right to travel across Western Europe this year. And in Mannheim, locals are helping them overcome the social obstacles they encounter.
- Kiev's new gambit in eastern Ukraine: a militia of its own?
With their Army unable to stop pro-Russia militants, Ukrainian reservists are doffing their uniforms and training as informal military units – with the tacit support of Kiev.
- Gerry Adams arrest: Will Northern Ireland peace pay a price?
Irish republican leader Gerry Adams was arrested Wednesday in connection with a 1972 murder. Could it harm the peace process in Northern Ireland, sixteen years after a pact was signed?
- Kiev is 'helpless' in east Ukraine. Can it even police the Maidan?
Members of Right Sector and 'self-defense' groups still sit on the square and engage in street fights with other radicals – sending a negative signal about the state of Kiev's control.
- For Germans, hostage-taking sparks new focus on Ukraine crisis
The seizure of German military observers in eastern Ukraine has put a human face on a crisis that could force Germany into a tougher tone with Russia.
- Why Ukraine is dialing back its military offensive in anarchic east
A recent poll found that most people in eastern Ukraine oppose the seizure of government buildings, but half of respondents think President Turchynov is 'illegally occupying his post.'
- Amid crisis, Ukraine's Jews say 'leave us out of it'
Accusations of fascism and alleged anti-Semitic incidents have riled up both Kiev and Moscow. But Donetsk's 20,000-odd Jews don't want to be part of the game.
- Poland looks to Pope John Paul II with new eyes as Russia stirs
The late pope, who was canonized today, is remembered in Poland as an architect of the fall of communism – a role of new significance in light of the Kremlin's increasing assertiveness.
- Britain's latest minority has Cornish cachet
Cornwall – home to the ubiquitous Cornish pasty and the 'Pirates of Penzance' – this week joined the UK's other Celtic groups as a recognized minority. What will that mean for the people on the peninsula?
- America's hottest author: a French economist?
Thomas Piketty's 'Capital in the 21st Century' – 700 pages of economic and growth data – has captured the No. 1 slot on Amazon for its sharp look at what lies behind growing wealth inequality.