All Europe
First Look'Macho' Spanish bull festival feels heat from #MeToo, animal rights activistsYoung 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 tournamentAs 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 thawDespite 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 crisisChancellor 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 vagueThe 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 referendumMeasures 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 rightsHuman 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.
First LookMerkel says EU meeting will be focused on solutions to migrant issuesAmid tensions over whether or not migrants should continue being admitted into Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel is heading an upcoming meeting with European nations to discuss potential paths forward to help ease problems associated with migration.
As OPEC watches nervously, Russia and Saudi Arabia create a new axis – of oilRussia is trying to be friends with everyone at once, and wielding growing influence as a global giant in weaponry and oil production. Some of its success could be at the US's expense.
First LookSyrian family one of fortunate few to find a new home in BritainCommunity members in Kingston upon Thames, a town in southwest London, have opened their homes and hearts to Syrian refugees who have escaped from their war-torn hometowns. Britain has resettled 7,000 refugees so far in the country.
One answer to the bee crisis: Turn everyone into backyard breedersA steady decline in the bee population has prompted two biologists to sell and oversee bee homes in Switzerland and now France.
Cooperative communities keep Spanish seniors cared forEldercare is a mounting problem in Spain as younger people move away from their traditional homes. So older people are taking care of the problem themselves – in self-managed cooperatives.
Trudeau in Europe? Leftist governments find footing in Spain and PortugalAs much of the European south strikes a dour tone on economic and migration woes, Spain and Portugal test a new vision for open, socialist government in Europe.
In Switzerland, giving children a say in life-changing decisionsSwitzerland has made a strong international commitment to defending the rights of its children. And one group is committed to making sure the country abides by that promise.
Tomato workers fight exploitation by making their own sauce in ApuliaIn southern Italy, a region with chronic unemployment, SfruttaZero is fighting illegal practices of the agromafia that take advantage of workers all along the production chain.
Online matchmaker pairs donors with charities in GreeceDesmos’s platform has connected donations – from computers to playground equipment – to hundreds of organizations, and has also launched a service for employers and job-seekers. Five women launched the nonprofit during the Greek debt crisis.
As World Cup kicks off, Russia aims to prove a world-class host againThe world's most popular single sporting event starts Thursday, but it's more than just a game for Russia. It's an opportunity to bolster infrastructure, stir national pride, and spotlight Russian modernity.
A newly populist Italy tests Europe's bondsWhile the very public spat with President Trump during the Group of Seven meeting has been dominating headlines, the biggest threat to European cohesion does not come from outside the continent but from within. A biweekly column on patterns in diplomacy.
