All Europe
- After queen, new king and prime minister seek to steady ship of state
Britain’s new monarch and new prime minister start their jobs in difficult circumstances; each will be called on to protect the country’s equilibrium.
- Rout in Ukraine fuels debate in Russia: Ease up or double down?
The rout of Russian forces in Kharkiv reignited debate in Moscow over what to do next. While critics of the war have found new voice, even louder are those calling for escalation in Ukraine.
- New Wave filmmaker Godard lived France’s love-hate relationship with US
French film director Jean-Luc Godard first found inspiration in American film, then rejected the U.S., epitomizing France’s ambiguous attitude toward the country.
- First Look'Sweden first' party surges to success, furthers right-wing trend
The Sweden Democrats secured their election Wednesday in a vote that had been too close to call. The anti-immigration party is now the nation’s second-most popular political party, continuing a far-right political trend across Europe.
- Britain’s immigrants: Mournful of the queen, but mindful of empire
Many immigrant Britons have mixed feelings about the queen, revering her sense of duty, but increasingly aware of the monarchy’s role in colonialism.
- First LookArmenia-Azerbaijan border conflict flares up, Russia intervenes
Fighting at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border on Tuesday killed nearly 100 troops across both sides. Control over the Nagorno-Karabakh region has provoked conflict for decades, but recent fighting is the first since a 2020 peace deal between the countries.
- First Look'They left very quietly': Russian forces abandon Ukrainian village
The small village of Hrakove in Ukraine has only 30 people who have remained in the town compared to the 1,000 residents before Russian troops invaded. On Sept. 9, Russian forces withdrew from Hrakove after a successful counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces.
- For Ukrainians rooting out Russians in south, patience pays
For the Ukrainian resistance preparing for months for the promised military advance on Russian forces in Kherson, maintaining a patient equilibrium has been key.
- ‘Why do we have a queen?’ Complex reactions in the Commonwealth.
The death of Queen Elizabeth II has been met with sorrow in the United Kingdom. But in the former colonies of the British Empire, it has stirred up memories of past injustices that dampen sympathy.
- First LookEurope readies a plan to stay warm and check winter fuel costs
With cold months approaching, the EU has drafted a series of measures aimed at reducing gas and electricity prices and reducing energy consumption. Russia has said it will not reopen its main Nord Stream 1 pipeline to supply Europe with fuel this winter.
- Ukraine’s homefront: People fill void left by overwhelmed government
War has forced millions in Ukraine from their homes, overtaxing the battle-focused government’s safety nets. To the rescue have come civilians who feel compelled to take responsibility for one another.
- First LookAnti-immigration party opposes Swedish left in vote too close to call
In Sweden’s latest elections, the center-right opposition holds a razor-thin edge over the governing Social Democrats with more than 94% of the ballots counted. Its popularity was won on rising fears of crime in largely immigrant neighborhoods.
- First LookHas the tide turned in Ukraine? Russians routed in northeast.
In a speedy counteroffensive, Ukraine retook much of a key eastern region, reversing hard-won Russian gains. The sudden, striking success is causing recriminations in Moscow and prompting some observers to claim Ukraine has turned the war in its favor.
- First Look'A constant through everything': Britain mourns Queen Elizabeth
As Britain mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II scores of admirers are congregating at the palace gates to honor their longest-reigning monarch. Her son, King Charles III, will take the throne in a tumultuous time for the nation.
- First Look‘Russia will be free’: Putin critic makes jail a soapbox for dissent
A Russian dissident won’t let the Kremlin’s continuing crackdown on free expression shut him up, even as he faces up to 10 years in prison. Speaking from his jail cell, Ilya Yashin urges Russians to dissent and become part of a free world: “It is only our responsibility.”
- First LookIconic French glassmaker pauses production as energy costs rise
French tableware brand Duralex will cease production on Nov. 1 after 77 years as energy costs increase. Duralex joins a slew of European firms, including German bakeries, that have reduced or halted production because of the pandemic and war in Ukraine.
- Queen Elizabeth: The monarch at the heart of an evolving Britain
Queen Elizabeth II oversaw Britain’s struggle to define itself in the postwar era. Yet through the tumult, the queen’s legacy has been to maintain a sense of purpose – for country and monarchy – when pessimism and insecurity could have led Britons to turn their backs.
- First LookEurope tries to reel in sky-high inflation with rapid rate hike
The European Central Bank increased its interest rate Thursday by the largest amount in its history. The bank joins other central banks around the world trying to slow record inflation by raising interest rates.
- No Paris? No problem! Russian tourists holiday in the homeland this summer.
Amid war and sanctions, Russian tourists have been cut off from many vacation spots this summer. That has spurred a boom in travel to destinations within their own vast homeland.
- First LookBlack history restored: New life for Atlanta civil rights home
A Victorian Atlanta home with a storied past was bought by an Atlanta couple who wanted to preserve its place in Black American history. The restoration was filmed by PBS, which will air as part of the channel’s series “This Old House” on Sept. 29.