All Europe
First LookHope for the hungry: Russia and Ukraine sign grain agreementIn the midst of war, Russia and Ukraine signed a deal Friday to resume Ukrainian grain shipments. The release of 22 million tons of grain will greatly help the near 200 million people facing food insecurity in developing countries around the world.
The ExplainerGermany wants clean, reliable energy. But first, to survive winter.German lawmakers hope new liquefied natural gas terminals will help ease dependence on Russian energy. Experts say the push is rife with trade-offs.
First LookItaly's government collapses, prompting PM Draghi's resignationItaly’s Premier Mario Draghi, who many hoped would calm the nation’s troubled economy, has once again turned in his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella. This follows a boycott by coalition allies that forced the government to collapse.
As the world heats up, will climate action, too?Heat waves make global warming tangible. But do they change mindsets? It’s still hard for climate to rise to the top among political priorities.
Some Ukrainians take different view of Russia: As haven from warRussia is home to millions of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war. Those who have found haven there say that it was safety, not geopolitics, that mattered most in their choice of destination.
First LookIn Italian village, female rabbi pushes for dignity, inclusivityAfter living in the United States for most of her life, Rabbi Barbara Aiello decided to move back to her Italian ancestral home. There, up in the mountains, she’s striving to reconnect people to their Jewish roots and make Ukrainian refugees feel welcome and included.
First LookItalian premier tells divided Parliament: unite, or I'll resignAfter his offer to resign prompted popular pleas for him to stay on, Italy’s premier says he’s willing to keep his job. But, he has one condition: a demand that his colleagues in government renew their commitment to work together for the sake of the nation.
First LookTehran talks: Russia, Iran, Turkey bolster ties with Putin visitPresident Vladimir Putin is in Iran where he is scheduled to hold talks with President Ebrahim Raisi and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The trip is part of Moscow’s plan to deepen ties with regional heavyweights and challenge Western influence.
First LookLacking air conditioning, Britain wilts in record heatAs a heat wave wreaks havoc across Europe, Britain registered its highest recorded temperatures ever, at 40.2 C (104.4 F). Countries without infrastructure to deal temperatures of this severity, such as the U.K., Spain, and Portugal are facing a high stakes challenge.
Safe in Paris, Ukrainian artists try to inspire French compassion amid warBy providing a safe haven for Ukrainian artists, France is offering them a feeling of home while also creating a connection between the French public and some of Ukraine’s prized cultural offerings.
First LookImmigrant population rises in France, but so does discriminationTwo studies have released data highlighting the persistent discrimination immigrants face in France. The data reveals that although a large swath of France’s population has immigrant ancestry, discrimination in French society is still high.
‘It wasn’t a home.’ Some Ukrainians leave refuge abroad to head back.Though the war in Ukraine rages, some of the millions of refugees who fled are eyeing going back. The fighting may be a threat, but for them, the call of home can trump the safety of a foreign land.
First LookJustice for Ukraine: The Hague calls for Russian war crimes probeFollowing near constant reports of human rights violations against Ukrainians by Russian military, world leaders want action. Chief coordinator of the ICC calls for a unified global investigation into Russia’s alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
First LookAfter two decades, euro dollar parity returns. What does it mean?The euro is hovering close to parity with the dollar, falling to its lowest level in 20 years and even briefly touching a one-to-one exchange rate with the U.S. currency this week. In the EU, fears of a recession grow due to Russia restricting natural gas supplies.
First LookHow runner Mo Farah's courage could help other trafficking victimsKnighted Olympian Mo Farah shared how as a child, he was trafficked from Somaliland under a new identity and forced to work for the woman who brought him to Britain. Mr. Farah’s bravery could inspire other trafficking victims to speak up, advocates say.
Stay or leave? Ukrainians struggle as sounds of war draw close.Russia’s march into the Donbas is closing in on the town of Bakhmut, where residents struggle with resignation – and the need for courage.
First LookGrain exports on the table at U.N. backed Russo-Ukrainian meetingUkrainian and Russian military officials met in Turkey to discuss the U.N.’s plan to export Ukrainian grain to world markets via the Black Sea. Russia’s invasion has disrupted both the export and production of grain, endangering global food supplies.
First LookRace to replace Johnson shows Tory diversity, right-wing tiltBoris Johnson may or may not have epitomized a “pale, male, and stale” image of Britain’s Conservative Party, but odds are the person who replaces him won’t be. The Tories in the running to take Mr. Johnson’s spot as prime minister showcase the party’s embrace of diversity.
Even loyalists are targets in latest Russian crackdown. Why?The Kremlin has launched a treason-related crackdown against elites who seem to have been loyally serving the establishment. Does that indicate a fraying of trust at the top?
First LookBye kunas, hello euros: Croatia to change its currency in 2023Eight years after Lithuania, Croatia is set to finally adopt the euro on Jan. 1, 2023. The move is symbolic of Croatia’s desire to move away both from its Communist past and economic struggles.
