All Europe
- First LookAs COVID-19 cases resurge, will the UK learn from its mistakes?
Britain's poor handling of the coronavirus pandemic has exposed inefficiencies in the government and public health care system. As cases rise again in the U.K., critics are skeptical that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will do anything differently this time.
- Why does Germany make so little room for working moms?
When it comes to working mothers, German society retains a conservative view that keeps women from workplace success.
- First LookBelarus president takes oath of office in surprise ceremony
Belarus President Lukashenko was sworn in during an unannounced ceremony after weeks of mass protests. Critics say the secrecy of the event was “telling” and his election has been denounced by regional and opposition leaders as illegitimate.
- Once struggling, Britain’s corner shops give comfort to UK shoppers
Corner stores, a business once threatened by the internet and big-box stores, have seen business boom amid the pandemic in Britain.
- First LookThe surprise victor in a pandemic-defying Tour de France race
Tadej Pogacar won the 2020 Tour de France, cycling’s biggest race Sunday. The rookie is the first Slovenian to win the race, and also the second-youngest winner ever.
- Why Russian aid for Lukashenko doesn’t end Belarus crisis
Alexander Lukashenko, the disputed president of Belarus, has won new backing from Russia. But no solution to the nation’s political crisis in in view.
- Internet slowness: Is it hampering the pandemic recovery in Britain?
Britain’s internet speeds lag smaller nations. That could be a real problem as more remote parts of the country try to recover from the pandemic.
- With or without Lukashenko, ‘Belarus will never be the same again’
A month of protest against Alexander Lukashenko has reshaped Belarusians’ vision of what their country should be.
- First LookFires, protests at refugee camp signal wake-up call for Europe
European Union leaders and Greek officials are grappling not only with the fallout of fires allegedly set by migrants at the Moria camp, but also with larger questions about the camp’s cramped conditions and Europe’s migration policies.
- First LookBritish government bans gatherings of more than six
London announced a new limit on social gatherings in England to no more than six people. Lockdown restrictions have been easing since late spring, but a recent spike in coronavirus cases prompted the new measures.
- First LookMigrants homeless after refugee camp burns down in Greece
Several European nations have pledged to help after fire destroyed much of a refugee camp in Greece, while aid groups decried what they say were dire conditions in the camp. Tensions were reported between fleeing refugees and neighboring townspeople.
- To the Russian manor born: Public gets a rare chance to walk historic halls
An investment banker has restored the once ruined aristocratic Kurakin palace to glory – and opened it to the Russian public, a rarity in the country.
- First Look'Proof without doubt' that Navalny was poisoned, says Germany
Germany said that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent, prompting outrage from Western leaders and denial from Russia. The same chemical was used in a 2018 attack on a former Russian spy.
- First LookMigrants trying to reach Europe squeezed by pandemic and the sea
Spain has successfully halved the number of migrants arriving at its shores. But landings in the Canary Islands have increased by 550% this year. Most migrants are not prepared to undertake the perilous journey.
- The ExplainerMediterranean frenemies face off: Greece, Turkey at ‘the abyss’
Turkey’s military play for Mediterranean oil and gas reserves challenges Greece’s maritime borders. Neither side wants war, but tensions have soared.
- Black Britain’s biggest festival hit pause. But the music didn’t stop.
This year’s Notting Hill Carnival was canceled due to the pandemic. But it remains a fixture for those of Caribbean heritage in Britain.
- FocusYoung workers hit hardest in global downturn. What’s the answer?
In Sweden and Colombia, the jobless rate is about 30%. In Germany, with a strong tradition of building school-to-work pipelines, it's below 6%.
- First LookStrikers and journalists are Lukashenko's latest targets
Belarus’s authorities detained a top strike organizer on Monday, and revoked the accreditation of dozens of journalists over the weekend. Recent industrial plant strikes are a challenge to President Lukashenko’s hold on the economy and blue-collar base.
- First LookGermany's far right protest COVID rules and storm parliament
Hundreds of people protesting pandemic restrictions in Germany stormed the Reichstag Saturday but were intercepted by police and forcibly removed.
- As coronavirus threatens again, countries call in contact-tracing cavalry
Germany and Israel seemed to have the coronavirus under control, but are experiencing new hot spots. Now contact tracing is proving critical.