All Europe
- First LookCan they keep the lights on? Energy prices rise across Europe.
As energy prices soar across Europe, households are feeling the squeeze and small businesses are struggling to stay open. In Turkey, where rising energy costs are compounded by a drop in currency value, upset over electricity prices has erupted into protests.
- Would Poles be happier without EU? One village now answers no.
The bitter relationship between Warsaw and Brussels has some questioning if Poland will stay in the European Union. One village shows why it likely will.
- In eastern Ukraine, Russian speakers juggle complex identities
Mostly Russian speaking residents of eastern Ukraine offer varied and complex perspectives on the Russian government’s attitude to its neighbor.
- First LookRunning out of gas: Could Russia cause a European energy crisis?
The Russia-Ukraine tension raises concerns about Europe’s energy reliance on Russia which supplies about a third of the continent’s natural gas. If Russia cut gas exports due to sanctions, Europe would have to face its sapped gas and increasing prices.
- The Russian public doesn’t want war, but is anyone listening?
There seems to be little appetite for a war with Ukraine or NATO among Russians. But many feel the decision is out of their control to even influence.
- First LookSymbol of stability: Queen Elizabeth marks 70 years as monarch
Queen Elizabeth II has always provided a sense of constancy to her people through changing times – from the Suez Crisis to the 2005 London attacks, Brexit, and the pandemic. Britain’s longest-reigning monarch will mark 70 years as queen, on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022.
- With Russian hackers in mind, NATO takes hard look at cyber strategy
NATO strategists are rethinking its reliance on mutual defense among members when it comes to the cyber battlefield and fending off hackers.
- First LookRussia opposition soldiers on, amid Putin's harsh crackdown
In the year since opposition leader Alexei Navalny was thrown in jail, the Russian government has embarked on a crackdown on the opposition unprecedented in the post-Soviet era. Yet Kremlin critics say they will keep on fighting.
- Ukraine: How are citizens coping with the possibility of invasion?
How does daily life go on despite a looming threat of invasion by Russia? In Ukraine, coping mechanisms range from fatalism to denial.
- Justice found? Germany sentences war criminal, bringing hope to Syrians.
As shown in Germany, European courts may now offer a chance at justice for those who have suffered atrocities in armed conflicts in Syria and beyond.
- First LookEU falls behind in global 5G race. Will its economy suffer?
As the world rushes to boost 5G infrastructure, the European Union is lagging behind, according to a report released this week. A slow rollout means lost economic progress as 5G is projected to add $1.1 trillion to the EU economy.
- In a bid to live better, many Brits are breaking with booze
Drinking has long been interwoven with U.K. culture. But it has been declining amid the pandemic, as many Britons rethink their alcohol consumption.
- First LookNATO rallies warplanes, ships in case Russia invades Ukraine
Tensions at the Ukraine-Russia border are rising as diplomacy talks in recent days have failed. Amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, EU member nations are uniting under the NATO banner to prevent military action from Russia.
- First LookRussia denies plot to replace Ukraine leader. US orders families home.
The U.S. ordered the families of diplomats at the American Embassy in Ukraine to go home amid fears of a Russian invasion. Russia denied a British claim of a Kremlin plan to put a pro-Russia lawmaker in charge of Ukraine.
- First LookRussia working to install pro-Moscow government in Kyiv, Britain says
Britain cites an intelligence assessment, without providing evidence. U.S. calls British assessment ‘deeply concerning’ and says it stands with the duly elected Ukrainian government.
- Why tensions with the West are driving Russians to get revaccinated
The squabbles between Russia and the West over whether to recognize each other’s vaccines are hampering Russians who travel between East and West.
- For British public, anger at Boris boils down to questions of fairness
The pandemic seems to be changing the rules for what’s acceptable behavior by government officials in the U.K. That’s bad news for Boris Johnson.
- First LookMore Russian troops head to Ukraine's border as diplomacy stalls
Russia announced on Tuesday that it is sending troops to southern Belarus, adding to the 100,000 soldiers already stationed near the Russia-Ukraine border. The move further increases tensions between the Kremlin and the West as diplomatic efforts continue.
- Pandemic spurs comeback for indie booksellers – and reading – in Spain
Independent bookstores have flourished in Spain during the pandemic, as readers take lockdown time to seek distraction from current events.
- First LookOf the four most important EU jobs, three are now held by women
Roberta Metsola has become the third female president of the European Parliament, the first woman since 1999. Ms. Metsola, a Christian Democrat from Malta, is the youngest person to hold the position, and has vowed to modernize and strengthen the legislative body.