All Europe
- He calls it a 'hustle,' but this Russian’s cryptocurrency empowers a village
Cryptocurrencies are associated more with hard-to-understand financial investments than small farms producing potatoes and eggs. But in ruble-poor, rural Russia, Mikhail Shlyapnikov created a system to help his community trade real goods and services.
- First LookEU fines Google $5 billion for anticompetitive behavior
The European Union imposed a record fine on Google for forcing Android mobile phone producers to pre-install Google Search and browser apps as conditions for licensing its app store. Google claims the sale of content and apps is a critical part of its revenue.
- Russia chalks up Trump-Putin summit as success. But is there a hidden cost?
For all the backlash in the US to President Trump's comments in Helsinki, there are pressing issues that Moscow and Washington need to discuss. And the Kremlin was very happy with how the summit addressed them.
- By staying on the job, Poland's top judge fights the right-wing government
Poland is in the midst of a battle over its Supreme Court, which the ultraconservative ruling party is trying to remake. And by quietly coming to work, Judge Małgorzata Gersdorf has become the face of resistance.
- Why a nearly 30-year-old list of names is roiling modern Latvia
As a nation transitions from occupied state to democracy, is it better to reveal or destroy the identities of informants in order for a nation to move on? Latvia is still deciding which way to go.
- The ExplainerAs clock ticks down, Britain finally reveals its plan for Brexit. What now?
Nine months before the deadline to leave the EU, British Prime Minister Theresa May has finally, officially, backed a policy of a “soft” Brexit, but it is not clear that she has made enough concessions to convince Brussels to do a deal.
- US-Europe ties and the audacity of July 1948
- The ExplainerImmigration deal saves German government, points to European future
Angela Merkel has held her fragile government together and found a compromise with rebels on immigration policy. Will it last?
- First LookBoris Johnson resigns in midst of UK Brexit crisis
Hours after the resignation of Brexit Secretary David Davis, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson announced his resignation as well as junior Brexit minister Steve Baker. The resignations come only days after Prime Minister Theresa May announced her plan for Britain to continue free-trade with the European Union.
- The vicious circle of Islamist terrorism and far-right extremism
While Islamist terrorists get close scrutiny, their far-right counterparts often do not. But that is changing, especially as studies show jihadists and the far-right not only reflect each other, but feed off each other.
- First LookTheresa May tries to unite fractious ministers on Brexit trade plan
Prime Minister Theresa May gathered nearly 30 Cabinet ministers for marathon-talks today to hash out a plan for trade with the European Union after Britain leaves the bloc in nine months.
- First Look'Macho' Spanish bull festival feels heat from #MeToo, animal rights activists
Young feminists and animal rights activists are infusing new life into the annual pro-animal rights protest on the eve of the popular bull festival, calling for a 'sexual-abuse' free festival. Reported sexual assaults at the festival increased from two in 2008 to 22 last year.
- First LookChurch of England's outreach effort may mean end of 'snobbishness'
The Church will likely make it easier for people from other denominations to perform sermons, meaning that more expressive, evangelical preaching styles, like Bishop Michael Curry's passionate sermon at the recent royal wedding, could make their way to more pulpits soon.
- First LookRefugees in Ireland find their footing with soccer tournament
As national soccer teams battle for the World Cup title in Russia, refugee communities in Ireland are lacing up to compete in the Fair Play World Cup in Dublin, a yearly tournament that aims to raise awareness of the plight of immigrants and help them integrate.
- Upcoming Trump-Putin summit gives Russians hope for US thaw
Despite its early hopes, the Kremlin has found the Trump presidency to be soberingly antagonistic. So the fact that Russians are upbeat about the Helsinki summit suggests a real opportunity for diplomacy.
- First LookGerman leaders agree on one approach to mitigating migrant crisis
Chancellor Angela Merkel and Interior Minister Horst Seehofer met to discuss the issue of whether Germany should open its borders to migrants. The result: open "transit centers" for migrants to be evaluated before entering the country.
- First LookEU agrees on migrant plan, but details vague
The deal proposes a screening process for migrants in North Africa for asylum eligibility, although no North African nations have signed on to the plan yet.
- In Merkel's moment of crisis, a chance to seize middle ground on migration?
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has seen her coalition shaken as close allies turn against her migration policies. But the crisis could be the opportunity needed to reform Europe's approach to immigration.
- First LookSwiss government's rejection of burqa ban prompts binding referendum
Measures against the wearing of Islamic veils will go to a nationwide vote in Switzerland, even though the government opposed a grassroots campaign for a national burqa ban. Similar bans have been implemented in other European countries, sparking a debate over the symbolism of the facial coverings.
- Populist wave, 'crisis overload' weaken global voices for human rights
Human rights, long a guiding force in world affairs, are under attack from a new generation of populist and authoritarian leaders, and traditional rights champions have vacillated.