All Europe
- On freezing Poland-Belarus border, migrants cry for help
Europe accuses Belarus of manipulating migrants trying to cross the Polish border. But the crisis highlights weaknesses in the EU’s refugee policy.
- First LookEU to sanction airlines facilitating migrant crisis in Belarus
The European Union has extended sanctions to airlines, travel agents, and individuals believed to be helping migrants cross illegally into Europe. The migrant crisis is allegedly part of a “hybrid attack” being waged by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
- COP26 scorecard: Summit leaves the heavy lifting for later
The COP26 climate summit ended with less to show than organizers had hoped, but some governments and businesses launched their own green initiatives.
- Russia changes its tune on climate change. What’s behind the shift?
Russia seems to be getting serious about climate change. But the Kremlin’s shift in thought may need to go further to prepare for the future.
- Britain forced Boris Johnson to U-turn on corruption. What happened?
Britain has been rocked by a scandal over government anti-corruption rules. It is proving a gut check for democratic values.
- First LookHow Belarus is using migrants to escalate conflict with EU
Tensions are rising along the Belarus-Poland border as migrants attempt to cross into the European Union. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has encouraged the border crossings, initially along the Lithuania and Latvia borders, say E.U. officials, as a destabilization tactic.
- Germany cuts carbon emissions. Not fast enough, young generation says.
Germany envisions a green future, yet still burns lots of coal. Now a young generation wants to see goals matched by actions.
- First LookG20 backs a global minimum tax for corporations. How would it work?
Leaders at the Group of 20 summit gave broad support to a minimum corporate tax of at least 15%. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says it will end a “race to the bottom” involving tax havens.
- A would-be car park in Rome becomes a ‘Garden of the Gods’
The construction of a parking lot in Rome leads to a treasure-trove of artifacts from Roman emperors, shedding light on ancient customs and practices.
- Can a staple of British democracy survive MP’s killing?
The stabbing of British MP Sir David Amess at a face-to-face meeting with constituents threatens to put an end to British political “surgeries.”
- Communists face rare crackdown in Russia, upending old balance
Communists are among the most powerful “loyal opposition” parties in Russia. Now they have declared fraud – and are facing the consequences.
- The small-town mayor who could oust Hungary’s Viktor Orbán
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces his greatest political threat in a decade from a deeply religious, small-town mayor.
- A volcano erupts in Spain – and challenges notions of recovery
A volcano that continues to erupt on Spain’s Canary Islands challenges recovery efforts and leaves residents asking if they will ever return home.
- First LookAs climate change brings more flooding, can Venice stay afloat?
Climate change has made flooding even more commonplace in Venice, threatening many of its historic buildings and plazas. The government in Rome funded a 6-billion-euro barrier system to protect the city from large waves, but many are still breaking through.
- As German coalition starts to gel, a libertarian party plays kingmaker
Three German political parties have agreed to form a governing coalition. The libertarian Free Democrats is a junior partner with big ambitions.
- Fake noses, pointy hats, joy: Poland’s witches find healing in performing
The path to healing can take many forms. A group of Polish women playfully invokes witches to bring cheer to the community and comfort to one another.
- Difference MakerÉléonore Laloux helps France see disability differently
Éléonore Laloux – the first elected official with Down syndrome in France – is proving that her unique perspective is an asset to her town.
- Russia breaks the (polar) ice on its Northeast Passage aspirations
The Kremlin hopes the Northeast Passage could rival the Suez Canal. But the Russian military presence has its rivals questioning its priorities.
- First LookCzech ruling party sees surprise defeat in election, imperiling Babis
Populist Prime Minister Andrej Babis had been expected to win the Czech elections, but opposition coalitions earned enough votes to form a majority.
- It came from the (Red) Sea! Invasive fish spur creative responses in Cyprus.
Invasive fish species threaten the Mediterranean. But people are finding ways to mitigate their impact – if not turn them into dinner.