All Europe
- As Britain battles a pandemic, a volunteer spirit stirs
Britain has been riven by Brexit, and the coronavirus has only added new uncertainty. But the U.K. is finding common cause against the pandemic.
- From democracy to authoritarianism: Hungary under Orbán (audio)
When Viktor Orbán first took charge, Hungary was an exemplar of post-Soviet democracy. But he has slowly transformed it into an authoritarian state. Part of our series “Navigating Uncertainty.”
- On lockdown with an abuser: When staying home brings threat of violence
The coronavirus pandemic has necessitated stay-at-home orders across Europe, but that is forcing some women to go into isolation with their abusers.
- Premier for a pandemic: How millennial Sanna Marin won Finland’s approval
Sanna Marin’s four-month-old cabinet of mostly young women is managing one of Europe’s lowest COVID-19 rates, earning high marks from constituents.
- First LookIn the United Kingdom, a monarch's message of hope
In a rare televised address, Queen Elizabeth II offered support to her nation, saying they would rise to the challenge and overcome the pandemic.
- First LookNational Orchestra of France delivers rousing 'Boléro' from home
The National Orchestra of France may be stuck home, but that didn't stop the 50 musicians from stitching together a performance of "Boléro," by Maurice Ravel. "We are starting to realize that we really need each other," a kettle drum player said.
- First LookAs virus cases surge, nations set aside differences to help
Russia sent medical equipment and masks to the United States. Cuba sent doctors to France. Turkey dispatched masks, hazmat suits, goggles, and disinfectants to Italy and Spain. Rich nations staggering to meet health care demands are welcoming help from less wealthy ones.
- First LookDemocracy test: Hungary, Serbia leaders expand emergency powers
In Hungary, Serbia, and elsewhere, populist leaders are restricting civil liberties in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus. But critics say harsh measures like cellphone surveillance and jail sentences are over reach.
- First LookAngela Merkel rises to the coronavirus leadership challenge
Germany's Chancellor Angel Merkel gave a rare televised national address: the tone was calm, reasoning, and created a message that inspired.
- First LookIn France, buying baguettes daily becomes a moral choice
“A life without bread ... is not French,” one baker said. Steering a path between their love for baguettes and staying at home to beat the virus, French residents are trying new approaches from going without to freezing fresh loaves.
- Why for pandemic parents, the bathroom is the only escape
The coronavirus is a global pandemic, but it is also a family-level challenge in countries under lockdown.
- First LookSweeter than hand sanitizer: handmade French soaps get a boost
Traditional Marseille soapmakers are enjoying a resurgence of interest in their product as hand sanitizers are getting harder to find across Europe. Each bar is crafted by hand using an abundance of local oils, soda, and salt.
- First LookRussia continues disinformation tactic, this time with coronavirus
Russia is attempting to "aggravate the public health crisis" by spreading coronavirus disinformation on social media, similar to tactics used in the U.S. presidential 2016 election, according to a European Union document.
- Cover StoryExploring Russia’s forgotten land: The North Caucasus
Our reporter revisits the rugged Caucasus to see how the region has emerged from an era of tumult and revived local cultures.
- [special project]How to deal with the climate emergency? Ask your neighbor.
Climate change is a divisive issue. But some say people could unite around it – if they worked through their differences with deliberative democracy.
- Why coronavirus crisis may keep Putin in office until 2036
Vladimir Putin appears to be set for another two terms as Russia’s president, amid reforms weakening the position. What is driving the move?
- First Look'A hope for all women': Greece swears in first female president
Katerina Sakellaropoulou became the president of Greece on Friday. She is the first woman in the nation's 200-year history to occupy one of its highest political offices.
- Germany without Merkel: Where does Europe’s engine go next?
Angela Merkel has guided Germany and Europe for two decades. But with her tenure nearing its end, the vision of Germany’s future is suddenly unclear.
- First LookGermany designates a wing of far-right AfD party 'extremist'
Known as "The Wing," the radical group of German's far-right AfD party is under surveillance and branded an "extremist entity" by the German intelligence agency. Germany continues to respond to increasing acts of racism and anti-semitism.
- First LookHow the EU is trying to prevent a virus-induced recession
As the WHO designated COVID-19 a "pandemic," European countries are passing short-term financial measures to support health care, businesses, and labor markets in the hope of averting long-term economic effects from the coronavirus.