All Europe
First LookAll eyes on Albania ahead of crucial local electionsMonths 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 FranceThis 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 ordersThe 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 dealEU 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 snoopingInternet 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 billionairesPromises 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 policeInvestigative 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 arrestThe detention of investigative journalist Ivan Golunov has spurred the Russian news media to rally to his defense in a rare display of unity.
All of Britain's messy politics go on display in one little by-electionThe Brexit Party finished second in Peterborough, falling short of a seat in Parliament. But it still has Labour and the Tories on their heels.
First LookTheresa May steps down after years of conflict and compromiseAfter a shocking referendum, snap elections, tense negotiations, and failed votes, Theresa May is finished as the Conservative Party leader. But it's unclear whether her successor will have any new answers.
Are US tariffs pushing China and Russia together?Russia and China are feeling new incentive to expand their economic cooperation, due to the Western sanctions and U.S. tariffs they respectively face.
On D-Day, one Native American is left standing for the hundreds who foughtD-Day veteran Charles Shay returns to Normandy beach 75 years later to commemorate 500 fellow Native American soldiers.
From the archives: D-Day according to my French Resistance family
At stake in Huawei’s German bid, economic gain vs. national securityHuawei wants to build 5G infrastructure across the world. Decisions on whether to allow the Chinese firm access hinge on national security.
First LookSocialists up, populists down in Danish electionsAfter four years in opposition, the Danish Social Democrats emerged from Wednesday's elections with the largest vote share and a path toward minority government. The populist People's Party, meanwhile, lost more than half its votes from the previous election.
Russian grassroots democracy? Park-goers rally against church land grabs.In cities around Russia, the Russian Orthodox Church is scooping up parkland. But urbanites are pushing back to try and hold on to green space.
First LookNorway vouches for progress in Venezuela talksIn spite of rising tensions at home, Venezuela's political opponents embattled over who should run the country say they made progress in finding a solution during talks in Norway this week.
First LookBelgian king holds first-ever meeting with far-rightAfter large gains in Sunday's elections, the leader of the Flemish far-right met with Belgium's king on Wednesday, a first for the party in its 40-year history.
Green politics comes surging into the mainstream in EU electionsEuropean elections’ biggest surprise was not the rise of the far-right, but that of the Greens, who seem to be riding a new European environmentalism.
