All Europe
- Black Pete no more? Tide turning against Dutch Santa's blackfaced helper.
The controversy over Black Pete, Santa Claus's helper long portrayed in blackface, seems to be as much a tradition in the Netherlands as the holidays themselves. But the debate may have reached a tipping point.
- The ExplainerWill British politicians OK a Brexit bill that few are happy with?
With MPs pulling in different directions, the only guarantee is that Britain’s relationships with the rest of the EU will be different regardless of Parliament’s vote Dec. 11.
- First LookAs 'yellow vest' protests ramp up, Macron suspends fuel-tax increases
In response to a wave of sometimes violent protests in France, President Emmanuel Macron has suspended planned fuel tax increases for at least six months. The move has done little to placate protesters, who see Mr. Macron as representing big business and the urban "elite."
- First LookIn third week of protests, 'yellow vests' demand economic change from Macron
Nationwide protests over the weekend in France turned violent as popular anger against fuel increases metastasized into a larger social movement against declining living standards for the country's middle and working classes.
- As odds of Corbyn government grow, British Jews eye anti-Semitism in Labour
As a no-deal Brexit looks increasingly possible, so too does the swap of Theresa May’s Conservative government for a Labour one led by Jeremy Corbyn. That possibility worries – and may hinge on – Britain’s Jews.
- Russia-Ukraine crisis turns on Kiev politics, irreconcilable views of Crimea
Kiev and the West have been quick to cast blame for last weekend’s naval incident at the Kerch Strait on Russia. But a major cause may be Ukraine’s own internal politics and unstable democracy.
- Art lessons: Why France is giving countries back their cultural treasures
“It belongs in a museum,” as Indiana Jones once said of an artifact. But which museum? From Easter Island to Greece, countries are asking for their cultural treasures back – and, in a sign the tide may be shifting, a leader of a colonial power has said yes.
- Behind Ukraine-Russia naval tensions, a more brutal economic war
Trade ties with western Europe haven't matched Ukraine's hopes. That gives Russia extra leverage over a neighbor with whom historic bonds run deep, even amid the current situation off the shores of Crimea.
- First LookEU approves May's Brexit deal as its fate heads to Westminster
European leaders met on Sunday to approve UK Prime Minister May's Brexit deal after a year and a half of negotiations. It will face stiff opposition in the British Parliament from the Labor Party, Scottish nationalists, and conservative Torries.
- First LookRussia attacks Ukrainian navy in Black Sea – Kiev to vote on martial law
Three Ukrainian naval ships were attacked by Russia near Russian-annexed Crimea on Sunday, escalating tensions between the two countries. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has called for parliament to enact martial law ahead of March elections.
- In nationalism and patriotism, a battle over words and ideas
Nationalism shapes the politics of both Europe and the United States, but their historical experiences with it differ. In Europe, the distinction between “nationalism” and “patriotism” defines the continent’s past and, perhaps, its future.
- Think again? Calls mount for British to vote again on Brexit.
In a democracy, when have the people really decided? Disappointment with the British government's negotiated terms for withdrawal from the European Union is fueling a campaign for a second Brexit referendum.
- First LookNew fears of Russia politicizing Interpol and targeting dissidents
Russian prosecutors this week laid criminal charges against British financier Bill Browder, a Kremlin critic and key backer of sanctions against Russian officials. The move comes as Russia bids for Interpol's presidency.
- Why Brexit compromise hasn’t defused political tensions in Britain
Reactions to Theresa May’s deal on Brexit, which sought to balance national sovereignty and economic interdependence, raise the question of whether that’s even possible in today’s Britain.
- In Sweden, conscription and a leaflet on how to prepare for war – just in case
Since its intervention in Crimea and Ukraine, Russia has been a growing concern for its neighbors in the Baltics and Scandinavia. But is it moving Sweden to truly step away from a longtime pacifist, neutral stance?
- First LookMay's ministers resign over Brexit, new fears of no confidence vote
As the divorce deal Britain negotiated with the European Union gains approval and heads to the British Parliament for a vote, Pro-Brexit ministers unhappy with the outcome are resigning. The future of Prime Minister May's government hangs in the balance.
- From nationalism to 'fake news,' legacies of World War I still relevant
World War I may have ended a century ago, but many of the issues that swirled around it remain highly relevant even now. Monitor writers took a look at nine of those topics and how they still reverberate today.
- US midterms make Putin’s rocky road to Trump even rockier
Americans weren’t the only ones closely watching US midterm results. Much of the world was too, including Russia. A Democratic House will complicate Vladimir Putin’s efforts to cut deals with President Trump.
- First LookHolocaust survivor looks back on 'Night of Broken Glass' 80 years later
As Germany holds memorial events for the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht, Walter Frankenstein returned to the site of the orphanage where he witnessed the beginning of the wave of violence that terrorized Jews in Germany and Austria.
- First LookMother to challenge Northern Ireland's abortion laws in court
A woman who bought abortion pills for her teenage daughter in 2013 faces up to five years in prison after her doctor reported the case to the police. But she is choosing to challenge her prosecution in an attempt to reform the country's strict anti-abortion laws.