All Europe
- First LookJustice denied? Russian court convicts American of spying.
U.S. ambassador calls the Russian trial of an American security executive Paul Whelan “a mockery of justice.” Mr. Whelan's brother expresses hope for a U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange.
- First LookEurope reopens for Europeans. No outsiders allowed yet.
Germany, like France and others, is lifting remaining border checks on Monday. Austria is opening up Tuesday to most European neighbors.
- First LookEU urges members to open domestic borders closed during pandemic
The European Union, seeing coronavirus cases dip, asked member states to open up their shared borders in a bid to boost the economy and protect freedom of movement.
- ‘Say Their Names’: Why the George Floyd protests resonate globally
Protesters around the world are reacting to the killing of George Floyd by demanding that police violence in their own countries be stopped.
- Coronavirus shortages give Russia’s charity sector a new spark
Russia’s charity sector is new, but the shortages caused by the coronavirus pandemic have given it a boost that could last beyond the crisis.
- The Dogs of Chernobyl: Are virtual tours the future of tourism?
The coronavirus dealt a heavy blow to many industries, but few have been as thoroughly undone as tourism. Here’s how it's adapting.
- For sports fans, German soccer is the best – and only – game on TV.
Professional sports fans and players globally are watching the relaunch of the German Bundesliga soccer league amid the coronavirus pandemic.
- First LookWas the Swede virus approach best? Chief scientist backtracks.
Sweden's chief epidemiologist, Anders Tegnell, has shown some contrition over the country’s hotly debated approach to stay open amid virus: Evidence suggests an early lockdown could have saved more lives. The country will now ramp up both tracing and testing.
- Nuclear arms control: What happens when US and Russia let it lapse?
With President Trump’s decision to pull out of Open Skies, only one nuclear arms control treaty, New START, remains – and it will expire in February.
- Brexit’s benefits? How food security prep set up UK for pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic tested the U.K.’s food security, but Brexit preparations had already built up the system’s strengths – though weaknesses remain.
- First LookBubbles and teddy bears: dining out in a pandemic
From space-holding mannequins to disposable menus to plastic domes suspended over tables, restaurateurs worldwide are getting creative in order to protect their patrons from the coronavirus.
- How Berlin is trying to avoid becoming another San Francisco for renters
By implementing a rent freeze, the government of Berlin is hoping to keep from following renter-unfriendly cities like London and San Francisco.
- Lacking seasonal workers, Italy elevates its long-shunned migrants
The coronavirus crisis has cut off Italy from the seasonal workers it needs to man its fields. So it is granting a six-month amnesty to migrants.
- Past crises brought change. What will this pandemic bring?
Those who have lived through past global crises found opportunities to change for the better. Today’s coronavirus pandemic offers similar hope.
- First LookAs pandemic ebbs, Europe slowly reopens for summer
As churches, zoos, schools, beaches, and hairdressers reopen, all eyes will be on Europe over the next few weeks as countries navigate protecting people and reviving their economies. China dedicated $2 billion to fight the coronavirus worldwide.
- FocusEurope’s schools face new test: Teaching safely in a pandemic
Europe’s schools are beginning to reopen as the coronavirus lockdowns end in a number of countries. But they face new challenges.
- For ‘grandfluencers,’ age isn’t a social media hindrance – it’s a hook
The coronavirus lockdown is largely about protecting the elderly, but some are taking advantage of social media to share their experience and get by.
- FocusFor refugees, a plea: You can’t beat a pandemic by leaving people out
How can refugees – the world’s most vulnerable – cope with the coronavirus threat? There is no safety net, no margin for error.
- First LookA taste of Brexit: Virus locks out UK migrant farm workers
Who will harvest Britain's produce? Virus lockdowns are keeping out tens of thousands of migrant Eastern European workers. As spring produce begins to ripen in the fields, farmers worry about finding the labor they need.
- Wary Europe welcomes China’s help – but not its disinformation
While the EU and NATO have laid accusations of coronavirus disinformation campaigns against several nations, evidence is strongest against China.