All Europe
First LookPutin cinches term extension to 2036 in disputed voteElection officials say 78% of Russians voted to extend President Vladimir Putin's term limits to 2036. Voters were affected by suspect polling stations and proffered prizes, and critics argue the results are inflated.
As tourist drought idles workers, Spain weaves a makeshift safety netThe tourism industry in Spain has particularly suffered during the coronavirus lockdown. So Madrid has created a raft of options to help workers.
Putin set to get his new constitution. But Russians ask, ‘Why now?’Russia is expected to approve a raft of constitutional reforms that will allow Putin to stay in office until 2036. But it is not without controversy.
Why does World War II still hold such a grip on Russia?As Russia celebrated the Soviet victory in WW2 Wednesday, the Russian preoccupation with the war was never more apparent.
'Immunity passports' could help against pandemic – or harm societySome have proposed granting coronavirus pandemic survivors “immunity passports” to grant them special privileges. But ethicists warn of risks.
As Russia reopens, Putin takes a back seat to local leadersAs Moscow comes out of its coronavirus lockdown, Vladimir Putin is stepping back and letting local leaders make the decisions about how to reopen.
‘The pandemic has united us’: A media divide fades in the BalticsAs politicians in Latvia and Estonia ceded the stage to medical experts, Russian speakers became a new audience for local news in Latvia and Estonia.
First LookChokeholds or Tasers? Critics question France's compromise.France announced it will start testing stun guns for law enforcement, making it the latest European country to adopt the controversial weapon. Amnesty International reports that 500 people died in the U.S. after being hit by stun guns between 2001 and 2012.
First LookAs statues topple elsewhere, French leader won't 'erase' historyPresident Emmanuel Macron balked at taking down statues of colonial-era figures as he faces heat from both racial injustice protesters and police unions.
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 pandemicThe 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 globallyProtesters 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 sparkRussia’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 pandemicFrom 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.
