All Europe
Kremlin labels some Russians ‘foreign agents.’ What happens to them?The Kremlin named five Russians “foreign agents” at the end of 2020, the first time individuals have been officially stigmatized.
Difference MakerAs Canary Islands face migration crisis, former migrants step up to helpSpain’s Canary Islands saw a spike in new arrivals last year, causing a local crisis. Those who were migrants in 2006 are helping to manage it.
First LookPutin critic Navalny sentenced to more than 2 years in prisonA Moscow court has sentenced Alexei Navalny to prison for two years and eight months, based on a 2014 conviction. Russia has dismissed international criticism and said Mr. Navalny’s situation is a procedural matter for the court, not an issue for the government.
Cover Story30 years after Soviet collapse, breaking up is still hard to doHow the collapse of the Soviet Union 30 years ago continues to roil Russia, the former East bloc, and the world.
First LookPro-Navalny street protests erupt across Russia, againMass rallies were held in cities across Russia on Sunday in support of opposition activist Alexei Navalny, prompting more than 5,000 arrests.
First LookWill France confront racist policing? New lawsuit emerges.The United States is not the only country grappling with systemic racism. On Wednesday, six nongovernmental organizations opened a class-action lawsuit against the French government, formally denouncing racial profiling by French police.
As food delivery booms in Russia, couriers try a Soviet-era tactic: a unionLike their counterparts around the globe, Russian food delivery workers are in high demand during the pandemic. But they also risk being exploited.
First LookHow will Balkan nations respond to a lake covered in trash?A Serbian lake blanketed by a thick layer of waste is just one result of decades of neglect and inadequate waste-management policies. Balkan states aspiring to join the European Union must join forces to solve their shared environmental problems.
First LookThird time’s a charm? Italian PM resigns to build new majority.Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte resigned Tuesday after a key coalition ally pulled his party’s support over Mr. Conte’s handling of the pandemic, causing him to lose his absolute majority in the Senate.
First Look'Criminal violence': Anti-lockdown riots roil the NetherlandsRioters clashed with police across the Netherlands over coronavirus lockdown measures in what was the worst violence to hit the country since the pandemic began. Politicians condemned the riots, with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte calling it “unacceptable.”
First LookRussian protests: 3,000 arrested demanding Navalny’s releaseRussian police arrested more than 3,000 people in nationwide protests demanding the release of Putin critic and opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
Navalny wants to take on the Kremlin. Are Russians listening?Alexei Navalny is back in Russia and calling for protests against Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin. But his sway with the Russian public remains modest.
COVID-19 versus Brexit: Pandemic wins by a knockoutBritain’s final departure from the EU trade bloc on Jan. 1, after years of bitter debate, stirred little interest; COVID-19 took precedence.
For the French, distrust of vaccines predates COVID-19France has one of the most skeptical populations in Europe when it comes to vaccines, even around the COVID-19 vaccine. Why is that?
First LookPoisoned Kremlin critic Navalny arrested upon return to RussiaAlexei Navalny, the leader of Russia’s opposition, had spent five months abroad recovering from nerve agent poisoning. The lawyer has been a thorn in the Kremlin’s side for a decade.
Europe criticizes Trump Twitter ban – but not for reason you'd expectIn Europe, social media platforms like Twitter aren’t seen as having the right to bar speech. Rather, that ability should be limited to governments.
War in Afghanistan: What has NATO learned from 20 years of fighting?The war in Afghanistan appears to be drawing to a close. What has NATO learned from its experiences in the twenty-year conflict?
First LookAs new COVID strain emerges, Johnson tells England to stay homeEngland and Scotland are joining Northern Ireland and Wales in imposing strict lockdowns as health care systems reach capacity. The National Health Service “is going through probably the toughest time in living memory,’’ says a health care analyst.
First LookAssange to remain in UK as US extradition request deniedA British judge rejected a request by the United States to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in order to face espionage charges, citing concerns that Mr. Assange’s mental health could deteriorate should he be returned.
In Sweden, hawkish defense and feminist diplomacy make odd bedfellowsConcerned about Russia, Sweden has boosted its military spending to historic levels. Critics say that conflicts with Sweden’s foreign policy goals.
