All Europe
- First LookG-7 ministers warn Russia against any Ukraine invasion
G-7 foreign ministers meeting in England Sunday warned Russia that invading Ukraine would result in severe economic pain for Moscow.
- Vaccine choice follows politics in US. Why doesn’t it in Germany?
The choice to get the COVID vaccine does not correlate with one’s politics in Germany. That may help reveal what is behind doubters’ thinking.
- First LookNew German chancellor Scholz launches post-Merkel era
Olaf Scholz, leader of Germany’s center-left, took over for Angela Merkel on Wednesday as chancellor. Mr. Scholz will be leading a coalition of his Social Democrats, the environmentalist Greens, and the pro-business Free Democrats.
- FocusEU cooperation with Libya on migrants marred by ‘inhumane’ treatment
The EU border force helps the Libyan coast guard catch and return migrants to prisons where they face enslavement, torture, and rape. Does Frontex also break the law?
- First LookTensions flare in France as far-right candidate’s platform grows
French far-right presidential candidate Eric Zemmour, who has gained a growing following in recent months, held his first campaign rally on Sunday. Thousands of anti-racism protesters took to the streets to denounce what they see as a xenophobic platform.
- First LookGermany's new coalition government takes shape with Sunday vote
Germany's pro-business Free Democrats on Sunday approved a deal to form a new government with two center-left parties. Chancellor-designate Olaf Scholz is expected to take office this week.
- First LookBiden, Putin to talk Tuesday as Ukraine tensions grow
Russia is adamant the U.S. guarantee that Ukraine not be admitted to NATO, but former U.S. and NATO diplomats call that a nonstarter for the U.S.
- First LookOffense or defense? Russia increases troops along Ukraine border.
Russia is amassing heavy equipment and troops along Ukraine’s northern border, escalating tensions between the two countries that have been mounting since Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014. NATO officials warned against further aggression.
- First LookJosephine Baker: France inducts first Black woman into Pantheon
Black artist Josephine Baker was renowned for both her performance career and persistent civil rights activism. France will honor her legacy Tuesday by inducting her at the Pantheon, making her the first Black woman to receive the nation’s highest honor.
- Why climate change has historians rushing to save a WWI Alpine bunker
A melting glacier in the Italian Alps shows that sometimes climate change requires a quick response in order to prevent the damage it might cause.
- First LookHuge profits fuel dangerous migrant routes across English Channel
Last week, a boat carrying migrants across the English Channel sank and killed 27 people. As France and England work to put an end to the dangerous crossings, one factor is making progress especially difficult: enormous profits for smugglers.
- Why Russia’s troop surge near Ukraine may really be a message to the West
Russia has built up troops on its border with Ukraine, worrying many in the West. But what’s going on seems to be about NATO expansion, not war.
- Britain’s Bangladeshis aim to save Brick Lane – and their immigrant story
Gentrification threatens London’s famed Brick Lane, but the Bangladeshi community that calls this place home is fighting against rising prices.
- Russian human rights group under threat. What soured the Kremlin?
Human rights group Memorial has been critical to giving Russia a cleareyed view of its Soviet past. That no longer suits the once-supportive Kremlin.
- First LookGermany nears a coalition deal featuring gender-balanced government
Olaf Scholz and his Social Democrats appear to be near a deal with the Greens and the Free Democrats to form a gender-balanced government.
- Oxford prepares for electric car future. Britons may be cool to the cost.
Voters in the United Kingdom support a net-zero future. But when it comes to paying for electric car zones, their green enthusiasm changes.
- First LookNot 'friendly banter': Former English cricket star exposes racism
Azeem Rafiq, a former national cricket player for England, gave emotional testimony Tuesday in parliament about the racist slurs he endured while on the team. An investigation was launched in September 2020 following Mr. Rafiq’s complaints of institutional racism.
- First LookAs Europe works to stay warm this winter, can Russia help?
With Europe in a natural gas crunch, Russian President Vladimir Putin is touting the benefits of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which runs under the Baltic Sea and is awaiting German regulatory approval. Here’s a look at the supply shortage and how Russia factors in.
- When climate change stops being policy and starts getting personal
For many, climate change has remained a dry, policy-driven subject. But for Monitor correspondent Shafi Musaddique, it is a deeply personal matter.
- Frenemies: Why UK-French relationships survive their countries’ spats
Political relationships are under strain between Britain and France. But the large French communities in the U.K. are managing the tension.