All Europe
- The Kremlin is all-in on war in Ukraine. That includes transforming Russia’s economy.
Despite Western sanctions, Russia has persevered. Now the Kremlin appears to be consolidating its economy fully toward the waging of war in Ukraine.
- First LookDecades after being looted, $65 million worth of antiquities are brought back to Italy
Antiquities that were looted years ago have been returned to Italy. Italy’s carabinieri art squad says the 600 items have a value of around 60 million euros or $65 million.
- First LookGeorgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill clears parliament despite presidential veto, protests
The Georgian parliament overrode a presidential veto on Georgia’s “foreign agents” legislation on May 28, stirring another round of massive protests in Tblisi. President Salome Zourabichvili has five days to endorse the bill or the parliament speaker will sign it into law.
- First LookThe British elections are coming. Here’s what is at stake.
The United Kingdom will hold its first national election in five years on July 4. The nation faces a cost-of-living crisis, the fallout from the Israel-Hamas war, and deep divisions over how to deal with migrants and asylum seekers.
- First LookG7 officials make progress on plan to fund Ukraine from frozen Russian assets
Finance officials from the Group of Seven rich democracies left a final agreement to squeeze more money for Ukraine from Russian assets frozen in their countries to be worked out ahead of a June summit.
- How history led three countries to recognize a Palestinian state
The move by three European countries to recognize Palestinian statehood may not immediately facilitate diplomacy seeking lasting Mideast peace. But the nations maintain that it’s a matter of moral urgency.
- Political assaults aren’t just a Slovakia problem. Germany is seeing them, too.
When political vitriol stirs violence, how does society get the temperature back down? That’s a question Europe is struggling with right now amid a wave of attacks on politicians, including the prime minister of Slovakia.
- On Ukraine’s battlefields, this group respects fallen soldiers – no matter which side
When soldiers are lost on the battlefield in Ukraine, it leaves unanswered questions back home. Some go to great lengths to answer those questions.
- As Paris preps for Olympics, safety of the iconic River Seine remains in question
The River Seine is going to be a centerpiece of the Paris Olympics this summer. Authorities are in an urgent rush to make sure it’s swimmable for athletes and secured for attendees.
- First LookPrime Minister Sunak sets July 4 date for national election
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said a national election will be held early July. His announcement follows a sharp drop in inflation in the U.K. – but voters aren’t likely to give him another chance.
- ‘Golden visas’: Europe tightens residency rules for the rich
Some European countries that offered residency rights to rich foreign investors have backed off the schemes, over doubts about fairness and security.
- First LookHungary and Serbia welcome Xi – and Chinese investment – to Europe’s struggling economy
While many European countries are distancing their economies from Chinese financing, Hungary and Serbia have invited investment from China’s President Xi Jinping. They believe the support of the world’s second-largest economy is vital to Europe’s success.
- First LookHere’s how the latest overhaul of EU’s migration system will work
The European Union has a new set of rules to update a decades-old migration system. Proponents hope the reforms will divide the burden among host countries more equally.
- First LookSpain election reveals independence is no longer a priority for Catalonians
The Socialist Party is angling to build a coalition to take control of Catalonia’s government after its first regional election win on May 12. The race saw pro-independence parties lose their majority and their hold on power in the region.
- First LookUkrainian civilians flee as Russia says it has captured 5 villages
Russia's renewed assault on the Kharkiv region, which Ukraine says has forced more than 1,700 civilians residing in settlements near the fighting to flee, seeks to exploit ammunition shortages before Western supplies promised to Ukraine can reach the front line.
- On rare visit, Xi Jinping tries to rescue China’s relationship with Europe
Beijing once hoped Europe’s quest for independence from Washington would lean the Continent toward China. Nothing could be further from the truth.
- Young Poles led a political revolution. Now they need to learn patience.
Six months ago, young Poles helped vote out eight years of backsliding conservative rule. But will their enthusiasm persist amid the realities of governance?
- For Moscow, the war in Ukraine is a rerun of World War II
The Kremlin presents its war in Ukraine as a continuation of Moscow’s fight against Nazism in World War II. An exhibition of captured arms illustrates how.
- First LookRishi Sunak tried everything to keep UK’s Conservatives in power. It isn’t working.
Labour Party candidates saw broad success in Britain’s May 2 local elections, a sign of resurgence after 14 years in the minority. The results may portend defeat for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives in general elections later this year.
- Facing Russian threat and an uncertain America, Europe rearms
Washington has long urged European nations to spend more on their own defense. Russia’s Ukraine invasion, and European doubts about America’s role in tomorrow’s world, have had the desired effect.