All Europe
- First LookMigrants stuck: Latvia, Lithuania, Poland restrict Belarus border
Thousands of migrants who tried to cross the Belarus-Poland border in November 2021 have been repatriated, but others remain stranded in forested areas along the border. As temperatures drop, aid groups hoping to help the migrants have been denied.
- Why some Europeans hesitate at Biden’s fight against authoritarians
An opinion poll of 20 democracies shows lukewarm support in Europe for forming alliances to confront authoritarian states like China and Russia.
- First LookRacially diverse dolls are in demand, but production is not easy
British parents and children want toys that represent their diverse identities. Even though the market demand is increasing, Black dollmakers are searching for solutions to production challenges and struggling to find investors and secure loans.
- What’s in a name? For Russia’s ‘Putin Generation,’ not as much as you’d think.
The “Putin Generation” did not experience the deprivations of their forebears. Their outlook will likely have a profound effect on Russia’s future.
- How the Kazakhstan crisis reveals a bigger post-Soviet problem
Though the chaos in Kazakhstan appears to have ended, it has highlighted weak nation-states in much of Russia’s post-Soviet sphere.
- First LookUS and Russian diplomats meet to reduce tensions over Ukraine
U.S. and Russian officials met for dinner in Geneva on Sunday to begin a string of scheduled meetings in three European cities this week to reduce tensions over Ukraine.
- Gender parity in Germany: How much did Merkel pave the way?
Angela Merkel refused to call herself a feminist, but the former German chancellor set an example that has set a path to female leadership today.
- Coyote-like golden jackal is laying claim to Europe. Why now?
The golden jackal was once found mostly east of the Balkans. But now it is appearing across Europe, including Italy, and ecologists aren't sure why.
- The ExplainerUK and France are butting heads over migration. Is Brexit to blame?
As migrants risk the English Channel to enter the U.K., relations between Paris and London have soured. A key cause is Brexit and all it has undone.
- Rome in the dark? Bike tours of buried quarry offer new view of city.
Not all Roman attractions are found above ground. Some are subterranean – and in the case of the Great Quarry of Rome, can be traveled by bike tours.
- First LookRussian court shuts down Memorial, a renowned human rights group
Russian authorities have ratcheted up pressure on human rights groups and journalists. On Tuesday, five allies of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny were taken into custody.
- First LookPolish president vetoes media bill threatening US company
Andrzej Duda, the president of Poland, said the bill would risk Polish business and shouldn't target existing media companies like TVN, owned by US-based Discovery.
- As English cricket tackles racism, can soccer show the way?
Revelations of racism in English cricket have shaken the sport out of its complacency, prompting authorities to take soccer’s lead in rooting it out.
- First Look'We cannot allow it': Poles protest curbs on media freedom
On Sunday, protesters took to the streets after Poland's parliament passed a bill that would force a U.S. company to sell its controlling share of Poland's largest television network. Critics say the bill threatens media freedom and democratic standards.
- Britain fixed homelessness during lockdown – briefly. Can it do it again?
In the midst of lockdown, Britain found a temporary fix to homelessness. To make it lasting, the country might have to rethink housing preconditions.
- NATO says ‘yes, but’ to Ukraine; ‘no, but’ to Putin
NATO is not ready to admit Ukraine to its ranks, but keeping the former Soviet republic out risks appearing to bow to Vladimir Putin's diktat.
- First LookHow two Hungarian sisters are using fashion to uplift Roma culture
Erika and Helena Varga are using fashion to celebrate their identity as members of one of Hungary’s most marginalized populations. They believe fashion is a powerful way to bridge the gap between Roma culture and the rest of society.
- France’s textile capital tries eco-friendly fashion to get back in style
Fashion-forward France wants to become a leader in eco-friendly clothing production. Part of that strategy is promoting items that are made locally.
- Can expats be lured back? Why these Latvians are coming home.
Latvia has seen many of its younger citizens leave to work abroad in Europe. A variety of reasons are drawing some of them back to their homeland.
- Russia saber rattling gets the West talking. Is a deal with NATO next?
Russia has been putting pressure on the West to talk about NATO expansion. Now, amid diplomacy over Ukraine, Moscow feels like it might be heard.