All Europe
First LookWeekend election to suggest the future of nationalism in BosniaIn the lead up to Bosnia's Oct. 7 election, nationalist politics have dominated the discussion, with a pro-Russian Serb nationalist running for the country's three-member presidency. Across positions, many campaigns have focused on post-war ethnic tensions, rather than comprehensive reforms.
As Russia courts India, help from a surprising corner: US sanctionsFrom challenges come opportunity? That may well be President Vladimir Putin's mantra in New Delhi as he seeks to reinsert Russia into India’s diversified portfolio of relationships.
First LookParis plans zero-carbon future with first 'eco neighborhood'The City of Lights has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050. To that end, it has renovated a former industrial wasteland into an "environmentally responsible" neighborhood while still remaining affordable. Could it become a model for other cities?
First LookGermany reaches out to US public as relations strainPresident Trump's combative foreign policy against long-standing American allies has led Germany to spearhead a hearts-and-minds campaign directly to the American people called Wunderbar Together to celebrate Germany's cultural contributions.
First LookOne year after vote, Catalan separatists demand actionOn Oct. 1, hundreds of Catalan activists blocked roads, occupied railway tracks, and protested outside of the Spanish delegation's local headquarters. The activists continue to demand independence from Spain one year after a divisive referendum vote took place.
Macedonians vote on their country's name. Will they follow heart or head?This Sunday, a referendum will decide whether to ditch the country's wordy official name for the more concise “North Macedonia.” It could be the key to unlocking access to the European Union and NATO.
One reporter's fascination with Siberia leaves readers asking for moreAs a subscriber you’ve probably seen plenty of our Moscow Bureau Chief Fred Weir’s stories probing the geopolitical storms swirling out of Moscow. But we were all recently reminded how Fred’s 30-plus years of living in Russia have blessed him with a curiosity that can take you beyond the news cycle and into everyday Russia. One in a series of monthly profiles of Monitor journalists.
With new missile defense for Syria, Russia shifts its relationship with IsraelDespite working closely with Israel's traditional enemies, Syria and Iran, during Syria's civil war, Russia has managed to maintain a good relationship with Israel. But it could be about to sour.
In a first for Russia, Moscow agrees with locals that their election was riggedWesterners often assume that Russian politics is wholly corrupt. But the response to blatant ballot stuffing in Russia’s Far East shows some limits to what Russia will tolerate – and such fraud may be on its way out.
First LookItaly seeks to limit asylum seekersA decree approved by Premier Giuseppe Conte and his Cabinet tightens criteria by which migrants can receive humanitarian protection. The movement was driven by Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, whose right-wing League party associates migrants with crime.
First LookHungary continues to stifle independent journalismDozens of media outlets critical of Prime Minister Viktor Orban have changed hands in the past four years. Those that toe the government line receive more state advertising spending, media researchers say. The EU has sent a warning to Hungary for violating rules on media freedom.
With stalled talks between EU and May, Labour Party searches for its pathNegotiations between the European Union and Prime Minister Theresa May have stumbled, and the future of Brexit looks more uncertain. At its party conference this week, divided Labour will debate merits of forcing another referendum to reverse Britain's course.
First LookEU rejects May's exit plan as Brexit loomsIn a series of meetings between the EU and the UK, both sides left empty-handed as Prime Minister Theresa May's government feels increasing political pressure in London and the final date for Brexit approaches in March.
In struggle over Ukrainian Orthodox communion, a political hornet’s nestOrthodox leaders in Ukraine are attempting to create a national church. But their success would likely result in a political schism, as parishes that were once spiritually allied to Moscow would be forced to orient toward Kiev.
First LookWith Catalan politicians still in Spanish prison, dialogue stumblesIt has been almost one year since Catalans voted to separate from Spain. The government in Madrid reacted by imprisoning many Catalonian political leaders, and that continues to be a source of tension for a resolution over the issue of independence.
Putin's war games send signal to West, but Russia-China alliance unlikelyThe Vostok 2018 war games in Siberia may look to some like an indicator of an impending Sino-Russian alliance. But experts say the exercises are not as grand as they appear and are less an omen than a word of warning to the West.
First LookAnti-Putin protests now led by Russian youthUnder Russian President Putin's leadership, protests have been primarily dominated by middle-aged people, but anti-Western attitudes, alleged corruption, and strict moral doctrine have left young people frustrated.
First LookBaptist pastor starts nonprofit to restore post-Holocaust cemeteriesSteven Reece has been cleaning up forgotten cemeteries in Eastern Europe for years. He hopes to honor victims and the current Jewish community, while also building understanding between Christians and Jews.
In Albania, new Turkish mosque stirs old resentmentsAlbania is short of mosques, and Turkey is building one in the capital for free. So why are Albanian Muslims not all happy about this?
First LookSteve Bannon hopes to unite Europe's populists under 'The Movement'Following his exit from the Trump White House, Steve Bannon is heading to Europe to forge a coalition among Europe's right-wing to take control of the European Parliament and challenge the future of the EU.
