All Europe
- Germans can now be dual citizens. But will society treat them like they belong?
Those born in Germany of foreign descent have had to choose between their heritage and their native land. Now Berlin is addressing that dilemma.
- Almost no one recognizes the Taliban. But Russia appears set to start.
Much of the world regards the Taliban as outlaw rulers of Afghanistan. But Russia appears set to recognize them, in the interest of domestic security.
- Difference MakerFor this housewife-turned-commander, the Ukrainian battlefield is the place to be
War is often portrayed as a man’s world. But in Ukraine, women like drone commander Ananda are providing leadership with their own unique expertise.
- European elections were supposed to be the far right’s day. But the center held.
Going into European Parliamentary elections, most expected big gains for the far right. But it didn’t gain that much, and continuity ruled the day.
- The Soviets stifled volunteerism in Russia. Torrential flooding may be reviving it.
The idea of volunteers organizing to help in a crisis is not new in the West. But when it happened amid recent massive flooding in Russia, it was a surprise.
- First LookRishi Sunak vows tax cuts as UK Conservatives fight to close polling gap
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is urging UK voters to support the Conservative Party in the upcoming July 4 election, promising tax cuts. Despite trailing Labour in polls, Mr. Sunak is emphasizing the party’s economic policies to regain voter confidence.
- Where the wildflowers grow ... in a Ukrainian war zone
When a Ukrainian dam blew up a year ago, floods destroyed homes and farmland across swathes of the south. But nature is reclaiming its rights.
- First LookKey takeaways from the 2024 EU parliament elections
The European Parliament elections June 6 through 9, saw major shifts. President Emmanuel Macron’s party in France faced a defeat, Germany’s ruling coalition lost ground, and Italy’s far-right gained influence.
- In Ukraine’s south, marines are waging a grueling battle that could decide the region
Initially seen as a launching point to reclaim Crimea, the east bank of the Dnieper River is now a bastion against Russian incursion into Kherson.
- First LookAs EU elections near, migrants surge again at Poland-Belarus border
Poland accuses Belarus and its ally Russia of pushing migrants toward the EU, sometimes as many as 400 a day. Poland claims that this is part of Moscow’s plan to disrupt the EU just before the elections.
- The ExplainerEurope is set to pick a new Parliament. Here’s why the far right will likely do well.
The far right has been making political gains across Europe. This weekend’s European elections could set a modern high-water mark for its influence.
- First LookItaly and Albania have an unusual agreement to shelter migrants. Could it inspire other nations?
Albania is building two migrant centers to shelter asylum-seekers rescued from international waters each month, giving Italy time to review their cases. The agreement is based on gratitude for Italy’s role in protecting Albanians after the fall of communism.
- The Paralympics are coming to Paris. Will Paralympians be able to get around?
The Olympics aren’t the only event coming to Paris this summer. So are the Paralympics, and the city is trying to change how the French see accessibility, so that athletes and visitors with disabilities can feel welcome – now, and in the future.
- First LookBritish women were banned from World War II combat. Read how they helped win the war.
As the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaches on June 6, hundreds of thousands of women who worked behind the scenes in crucial non-combat jobs for the Allied forces are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
- First LookEnergy shutdowns hit Ukraine after Russian attacks target infrastructure
Ukraine has imposed emergency power shutdowns in most of the country a day after Russia unleashed large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure and claimed it made gains in the eastern Donetsk province. Attacks on Ukraine’s power grid in recent weeks have forced the government to institute rolling blackouts.
- Kharkiv hails Biden’s OK to strike inside Russia: ‘We’ve been waiting’
Throughout the war in Ukraine, a recurring theme has been Kyiv’s gratitude for U.S. military aid tinged with impatience over its timeliness. President Biden’s decision to allow some use of U.S. weapons against targets in Russia fits the pattern.
- Some Ukrainian soldiers are struggling with a personal foe: gambling addiction
Soldiers do what they can to relieve the stress of the battlefield. For some Ukrainian troops, that has meant gambling – and gambling addiction. Now the government is trying to help them get back control.
- First LookBend it like a Balkan. Serbia and Albania want to put feuds aside and host a soccer tournament.
Albania and Serbia have teamed up in an attempt to bid for the 2027 men’s Under-21 European Championship. It has been almost 10 years since a fan riot ended a Serbia-Albania soccer game in Belgrade. Reactions from fans and players are still mixed.
- How a lethal Ukrainian sea drone is protecting the global food supply
One lesson of the Russia-Ukraine war is that Ukrainian farmers’ prosperity and the world’s food security are very much linked. Now, in David-and-Goliath fashion, a Ukrainian sea drone has been deployed in the Black Sea to help keep the grain flowing.
- In Europe, moderate conservatives seek to steal hard right’s thunder
In Europe, traditionally moderate conservative parties are adopting increasingly hard-right policies, so as to appeal to extremist voters.