All Europe
Politics over peace? Critics say Ukraine's president sidelining Minsk accords.President Poroshenko is set to sign a bill that will redefine the conflict between Kiev and Eastern rebels. But the goal of the legislation seems to be less about ending the fighting and more about winning upcoming elections.
First LookRussian opposition leader's disqualification sparks country-wide protestsA tide of young demonstrators took to the streets in cities across Russia on Jan. 28 to rally against the Central Election Commission's decision to disqualify opposition leader Alexei Navalny from the upcoming presidential election.
Are the famously socialist French now embracing an entrepreneurial future?The French president campaigned on reforming the French economy: a task that the public has long resisted. But this time, the country seems to be on board, with some even enthusiastic, to embrace the start-up spirit
Decades after her last dance, documentary gives flamenco star an encore‘I had things said, like, “Why would I want to watch a film about a fat old woman?”’ says director Lucija Stojevic, when she pitched potential sponsors a film about acclaimed flamenco dancer La Chana. Today her project is winning awards in Europe.
Irked by Trump's policy and posturing, Europeans find ways to push backEuropean disapproval of American policy is nothing new. But the Trump administration has roused both European governments and citizens to action in a new way.
First LookEU reform effort reopens eurozone divide in Central EuropeAs Germany and France push for reform in the European Union, Central European countries say joining the eurozone will limit their autonomy, while supporters of European integration say they risk being left behind.
First LookRomanian Roma use theater to address bigotryA feminist Roma theater company is staging plays to highlight the racism and sexism that Roma women are subjected to in Romania. The group uses art to raise awareness of the social issues facing marginalized Roma, the largest ethnic minority in Europe.
Italy's migrants teach themselves to stand up for themselvesMigrants and refugees living in the region around Caserta are vulnerable to being exploited, including by the mafia. But they’re growing increasingly aware of their rights and their power to help each other fight for fair treatment.
First LookCatalan parliament to decide if self-exiled Puigdemont can be presidentCatalonia's parliament has elected a pro-independence leader of parliament. Now the body must decide if self-exiled secessionist leader Carles Puigdemont can be considered a candidate in an upcoming presidential election.
2018: The year the European Union stands and delivers?After a year of challenges from the populist far right, Europe looks set for an opportunity to reform. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel – if she can assemble a coalition – may not get a better chance.
First LookGreece's new restrictions on the right to strike leads thousands to protestGreece's implementation of a series of new reforms has galvanized thousands of Greeks to protest and shut down the city's ability to function. Hospitals, shipping grounds, and transportation systems have been abandoned in the turmoil.
First LookMay's environmental agenda pushes Britain to forefront of cutting down on plasticsBritish lawmakers announced last week that they were considering a tax on disposable coffee cups. Now, British Prime Minister Theresa May wants to take environmental efforts further by ridding Britain of avoidable plastic waste within the next 25 years.
How to enforce gender equality? Iceland tests the watersA new law requiring Iceland's biggest companies to prove that they offer men and women pay equality went into effect on Jan. 1st. Activists say it illustrates the vital role that top-down accountability plays in effecting lasting change. Part 1 of Reaching for Equity, a global series on gender and power.
In famously slender France, can the tide turn against 'fatphobia'?Though France has a reputation as a country of slim women and slender men, nearly half of all French people are overweight. Now it is seeing a new 'body positive' movement that encourages tolerance of plus-size physiques.
First LookCatalan separatists push for Puigdemont to return as presidentThree pro-independence Catalan political parties support self-exiled Carles Puigdemont for president of Catalonia, though he has not returned from Brussels since October for fear of arrest by Spanish authorities. The legality of a Puigdemont presidency remains unclear.
Can rising Polish pride coexist with Poles' enthusiasm for the EU? So far, yes.Last month, the EU triggered a never-before-used procedure to attempt to force Poland to halt politicization of its courts, putting Warsaw and Brussels on a collision course. But while Poles back their government, they also still support the EU as well.
First LookBritain considers 'latte levy' to limit coffee cup wasteIn an effort to lessen paper waste in Britain, a committee of British lawmakers propose implementing a levy which would tax customers who used single-use coffee cups.
In Finland, a WWII film epic spurs praise, introspection'The Unknown Soldier' has been seen by more than 940,000 Finns. Some of that is due to its cinematic grandeur. But some is also due to the sober look it takes at Finland's bygone war with its powerful neighbor, even as Russia reasserts her military power today.
FocusIceland has largely kicked teen drinking. What can it teach other countries?In the last two decades, Icelandic teens have embraced sobriety under a program that asks families and communities to rethink adolescent freedoms. Some are trying to export this model to Europe and the US.
First LookItalian prime minister meets with president before dissolving parliamentPrime Minister Paolo Gentiloni defended the record of his year-old government and said he would remain in office and ensure continuity "until a new government is in place."
