All Europe
- First LookFrance the first major economy to regulate cryptocurrencies
An international leader in tech oversight, France became the world's first major economy to regulate cryptocurrencies – attempting to stabilize a potentially disruptive new industry.
- First LookDjokovic wins epic 2019 Wimbledon battle with Federer
In the longest men's singles finals ever, Novak Djokovic claimed his fifth Wimbledon title and the second in a row.
- Poland and Hungary need people. Do more benefits lead to more births?
Birthrates are down in Eastern Europe, so governments are trying to incentivize women to have more children. But their success has been limited.
- First LookBritain's Labour officially backs second Brexit referendum
After a lack of a clear policy led to disappointing returns in recent elections, the U.K. Labour party has announced its support for a second Brexit referendum and would campaign to stay in the EU.
- EU as world power: Brussels has the tools, but does it have the will?
With the U.S. and China facing off, the EU has been left to fend for itself on the global stage – and perhaps become a world power in its own right.
- First LookConservative party takes helm of troubled Greek economy
Kyriakos Mitsotakis' New Democracy party won 39.8% of the vote, giving him 158 seats in the Greek parliament, a comfortable governing majority.
- First LookU.S. women take 2019 World Cup, set sights on equal pay
Led by Megan Rapinoe, the U.S. won its record fourth Women's World Cup title and second in a row, beating the Netherlands 2-0 Sunday night.
- A rape trial sparked outrage. A year later, Ireland grapples with reform.
In Ireland, a highly publicized rape trial of two rugby players last year may be changing the way the island handles rape and sexual abuse cases.
- Putin flexes as ‘good czar,’ but can he remake Russia?
Behind the drama of Vladimir Putin’s televised town hall meeting lies an expansive yet controversial project to remake Russian society.
- First LookEU summit suspended over leadership stalemate
After a full night of negotiations, European leaders failed to agree on new candidates for some of the EU's top jobs. With talks suspended for a day, many worry that the impasse may signal gridlock.
- First LookYankees and Red Sox bring baseball across the pond
With the first regular season games in Europe this weekend, Major League Baseball makes its foray into a world dominated by Premier League football.
- First LookAll eyes on Albania ahead of crucial local elections
Months of domestic unrest will crescendo Sunday when Albania holds municipal elections – or not. The opposition plans to boycott, and the president has said the vote is canceled. Meanwhile, the government remains committed to this important democratic test.
- No longer sidelined, women’s soccer attracts players and fans in France
This year’s Women’s World Cup seems to be a breakthrough moment for host France, amid record TV viewership and public interest.
- First LookGerman rescue ship arrives in Italian waters against orders
The captain says her migrant passengers deserve safety. Italy’s interior minister has threatened arrest. He argues Italy, a prominent entry point into Europe for asylum seekers, has the right to defend its borders.
- How do you challenge the mainstream media? Czech startups are finding out.
The Czech Republic media landscape is dominated by oligarchs, so journalists are starting independent outlets to keep the free press alive.
- First LookEU refuses to renegotiate Brexit deal
EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker restated that the bloc unanimously refuses to renegotiate its thrice-rejected deal with Britain. His statement comes as the Conservative party enters the final stages of selecting the U.K.'s new prime minister.
- Russian internet giant Yandex takes rare stand against state snooping
Internet company Yandex is key to Russian economic success, but it has encryption keys that the FSB wants. Can Russia balance security and economy?
- First LookNotre Dame restoration pushes on as US donors replace French billionaires
Promises from wealthy French businessmen for extravagant donations to rebuild the Notre Dame Cathedral have yet to materialize. The billionaires blame French bureaucracy. Meanwhile, U.S. donors are largely funding clean-up efforts.
- First LookRussian journalist freed, authorities pledge to discipline police
Investigative reporter Ivan Golunov was freed June 11 as authorities, in a rare admission of error, pledged to take action against the police who framed him. His arrest had received international attention and raised concerns over the difficulties Russian journalists face.
- ‘We are Ivan Golunov’: Russian media fights back after reporter's arrest
The detention of investigative journalist Ivan Golunov has spurred the Russian news media to rally to his defense in a rare display of unity.