All Europe
- 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.
- Once sidelined, Norway’s migrant minorities earn a voice in parliament
September elections in Norway were a subtle but important victory for multiculturalism, giving the Nordic nation its most diverse parliament ever.
- First LookSix Balkan states make slow, sure progress toward EU membership
European Union leaders met in Slovenia on Wednesday to reaffirm the prospect of the EU expanding to include six Balkan countries. While the idea has met some resistance, it has also fueled political and economic reform in the region and kept tensions in check.
- The ExplainerGerman coalition talks: What do they reveal about Germany’s future?
Germany’s first post-Merkel election promises to reshape the country’s governing priorities around a new, likely three-party coalition.
- With Merkel leaving, is Macron the new leader of Europe?
For more than a decade, Europeans have looked to Germany’s Angela Merkel to lead. Can France’s Emmanuel Macron now take up her mantle?
- First LookBritish government may enlist army to resolve gas shortage
Fuel pumps in the U.K. are running dry, largely because of a shortage of truck drivers but due to panic-buying. Now, the British army is on standby in case their services are needed to close the delivery gap and keep essential services running.
- Russian Arctic is losing people. Will free land bring them back?
The European portion of the Russian Arctic is searching for economic purpose. Could giving land away stabilize its population and industry?
- First LookMerkel's party stumbles, leaves German parties haggling to rule
A near-tie between two parities in Sunday's German election leaves Europe's biggest economy negotiating over forming a multi-party government, while Angela Merkel stays on in a caretaker.
- In Germany’s elections, candidates vie to be more Merkel
All the major contenders in the German elections are trying to present themselves in the same style and stability of Angela Merkel – the men included.
- ‘Mudlarks’ dig up London’s past on the banks of the River Thames
For “mudlarks,” poking around the shores of the River Thames for lost treasures isn’t just a pastime. It’s a way to escape urban life.
- Behind extension of paternity leave in Europe, a generational change
France and Spain have expanded paternity leave, joining a growing number of rich countries in promoting gender equality in raising young children.
- First LookLava continues to spew from Canary Island volcano. What now?
On Sunday, a volcano erupted on the Canary Island of La Palma, forcing 6,000 residents to evacuate. Experts predict that lava could continue to flow for weeks. Here’s a look at the causes, the damage, and the ongoing concerns.