All Europe
- Facing Orbán's 'Death Star,' Hungary's protesters strike back
Protests in Hungary show the strength of Viktor Orbán's grip on power. But they also highlight the stakes – as the media monopoly that has stifled the opposition leaves them feeling they have no other options.
- First LookEU considers contingency plans for a no-deal Brexit
European Union officials announced plans to ensure that financial services, flights, and other necessities between the United Kingdom and EU member nations continue even if the UK leaves the EU in March without a withdrawal deal in place.
- As no-deal Brexit risk rises, so do odds of monster traffic jams
In the villages along Britain's critical supply route to France, a “no deal” Brexit is not just a political issue. It could have very real ramifications – not least turning southeast Britain into a tractor trailer parking lot.
- First LookCatalan politicians awaiting trial undergo hunger strike
The hunger strike of four detained Catalan separatist leaders entered its third week as pressure mounts on the central government in Madrid to contain the restive Catalonia region. The defendants want to appeal their upcoming trial to the European Court of Human Rights.
- In Armenia, a democratic revolution that no one noticed
Violence and bombast tend to dominate headlines. In Armenia, however, residents staged a quiet, grass-roots revolution while the world was looking elsewhere.
- First LookMay survives no confidence vote, but future of Brexit still unclear
Prime Minister Theresa May staved off a rebellion by her fellow Torries, but emerged weaker after failing to guarantee a majority of votes in Parliament for her Brexit plan. Ms. May is heading back to Brussels for more EU negotiations, but the bloc is resisting substantial changes.
- A reporter's backstory – finding a way to humanize a global crisis
Seventy million people have been displaced by political violence, war, and persecution, emptying their savings and risking their lives to reach new lands. The Monitor told some of their stories in our series On the Move: the faces, places, and politics of migration, with 10 journalists covering more than a dozen countries.
- First LookBritish lawmakers prepare for no-confidence vote on May leadership
Disagreement over Brexit negotiations has spurred the British Parliament to a no-confidence vote on Prime Minister Theresa May. Results of the vote are expected to be announced by the end of day on Wednesday, Dec. 12.
- In a bid to save Soviet-era art, Kiev activists preserve a slice of history
Eager to erase its communist past, Ukraine recently launched a campaign to destroy Soviet-era symbols. But efforts to preserve these works point to the value of art as an important relic of history.
- First LookSpain's unexpected wave of migrants: teenagers
Following an uptick of teenage migrants traveling from Morocco to Spain, the European nation is grappling with unprecedented numbers of unaccompanied – and vulnerable – minors who are looking for work.
- As Theresa May fumbles Brexit, a far-right backlash is brewing
The protests France is witnessing don't suit the British – unless they're pushed too far. As rightist supporters of Brexit channel a more overt nativism, many worry the country is moving into uncharted waters.
- France’s ‘yellow vests’ only have one common message: anger at government
France’s “yellow vest” protesters have been highly visible, but their motives have been cryptic, thanks in large part to their lack of leaders and structure.
- No haven from hardship: Why some Syrians return from Europe
Why would refugees who emptied their savings, took on debt, and risked their lives to reach Europe just a few years ago head back to a perilous Syria? Part 10 of On the Move: the faces, places, and politics of migration.
- First LookAs European soccer clubs push gender equality, Real Madrid falls behind
Real Madrid is one of the increasingly few top European soccer clubs that don't have a professional women's team and the club says among its plans to launch into esports and build a theme park, it won't field a women's team any time soon.
- Witty repartee still features in Parliament. But does it persuade anymore?
After watching the oratory in the British House of Commons, American congressional speechmaking seems like an inferior method of debate. But is Parliament truly as persuasive as it seems?
- Book lovers fill gap left by tainted prize, but will Nobel be back in 2019?
The New Academy’s recognition of Maryse Condé has covered for the lack of a Nobel Prize in Literature in 2018. But the Nobel Committee is still recovering from the issues that waylaid this year’s award.
- Trump Tower Moscow: doomed by cultural divides?
Much is being made about the legality over then-candidate Donald Trump's attempts to put a Trump Tower in Moscow in 2016. But just how close was he to breaking into Moscow's real estate market?
- First LookIn France, mass demonstrations are part of the cultural fabric
Though French President Emmanuel Macron has backpedaled on a controversial fuel tax, protests are expected to continue in France over perceived inequality at large. Historically, direct action has been a consistent part of French political culture.
- First LookIn a first step toward peace, Yemen factions meet in Sweden
Leaders from both sides in the Yemen conflict – the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels and the US-sponsored internationally recognized government – will come together Dec. 6 in Sweden to find solutions toward ending a catastrophic three-year war.
- First LookBelgian Africa Museum to take a more nuanced look at colonial past
After more than 10 years of renovation, the Africa Museum in Belgium will reopen Dec. 8 with a new perspective on Belgium's influence in Congo. The museum, built by colonialist King Leopold II, will now address Belgian abuses in Africa along with the development sponsored by the European nation.