All Europe
First LookCould Ukrainian prisoner exchange signal progress toward peace?On Wednesday, Russian-backed separatists exchanged 74 captives for the release of 233 people detained by the Ukrainian government.
As Spanish ham goes global, will Spaniards be priced out of a holiday delicacy?Jamón ibérico de bellota is a staple of Spanish holiday fare from Christmas through Epiphany. But as international demand and local shortages cause prices to spike to almost $50 per pound, many are being forced to rethink their menus.
First LookBanned from Russian election, Alexei Navalny calls for boycottAlexei Navalny, an anti-corruption campaigner and President Putin's most prominent rival, called for a boycott. The Kremlin hinted that the call might be illegal.
A pastoral lost: the withering of Russia's old Soviet farms and villagesState farms like Komsomolskoye were once building blocks of the Soviet system, and heirs to Russia's ancient village culture. But today they are almost ghost towns, with mere handfuls of pensioners still calling them home – risking the loss of a whole way of life.
In LGBT-welcoming Britain, Church of England tries to find its pathAnglican membership in Britain has shrunk radically in recent decades, particularly among youth. One cause is Britons' embrace of LGBT issues, which has outpaced the church's. But the church's efforts to respond are causing internal tensions.
First LookEU outlines final Brexit transition dateThe European Union has set January 2021 as the exit date for Britain to leave the EU. Throughout the transition period, Britain is expected to maintain a non-voting spot in meetings, but will not be included in EU treaties.
First LookHoliday cheer persists in Germany despite a long government transitionEven as Angela Merkel has failed to form a government and coalition talks have collapsed, Germans and the interim government are continuing with business as usual. Experts worry a crisis is looming but most citizens are unperturbed.
Trolls, ogres, and giant cats: How Iceland celebrates ChristmasIceland's Christmas traditions derive from Norse paganism and a time when people, without electricity, were desperate to fend off darkness. With less than five hours of sunlight a day in winter, that longing remains, staved off by candles and the 'Christmas book flood.'
First LookBritain and EU leaders enter second stage of Brexit talksBritain and the European Union are poised to move forward with Brexit discussions after coming to agreements on the UK-EU land border in Ireland and Britain's bill for leaving the EU.
In Romania, royal funeral prompts regretsThe former King Michael of Romania, who will be buried on Saturday, ruled during World War II and was exiled by the Communists. Amid political unrest today, mourners are nostalgic about what he came to represent.
Kremlin's four-hour presser leaves key question unanswered: after Putin, what next?Russia's 2018 presidential election will likely not be a cliffhanger. What happens in 2024, when President Putin could end an unprecedented fourth term, is far less clear. He does have a plan, experts say – but it's not necessarily handing off power.
First LookNew Polish prime minister meets with EU leaders, aims to solidify tiesPoland's new prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki met with EU leaders for the first time in an effort to strengthen ties between Poland and the EU. Poland's controversial stance on refugees and issues of governance and rule of law have strained relations in recent years.
Brexit: Could Britain change its mind?In a show of what the press has dubbed 'Bregret,' more British voters now think it was the wrong choice to leave the EU than still think it was the right decision.
French rock star played on American personaFor three generations of French people, rock 'n' roll star Johnny Hallyday was a window on America and a chance to dream. A million people attended his funeral cortege in Paris this weekend.
First LookPoland breaks norms and grants greater power to ruling partyPolish lawmakers approved two bills that give the ruling party more power over the courts, despite warnings from EU officials that the laws is not common democratic practice.
First LookBrexit negotiations poised to move forward after major roadblocks clearedA breakthrough in Brexit negotiations was announced by Prime Minister Theresa May and EU leaders after a long night of negotiations. Issues such as the border with Ireland, money paid to the EU, and citizens rights have been resolved, paving the way for the next round of talks.
In Trump era, US-UK 'special relationship' faces – and causes – new trialsPresident Trump is deeply unpopular in Britain, and the multiple diplomatic flareups on his watch have put a unique strain on relations with Britain and Prime Minister Theresa May. But the 'special relationship' also limits how May can respond.
Russia's doping plot: Symptom of a deeper Olympic malaise?While the extent of Russia's doping efforts was unique, it may indicate a greater issue for the Games than cheating athletes. Rather, it may show a loss of the Olympic ideals themselves – and a need to reset the Olympic project accordingly.
Berlusconi's improbable return to politics: Why Italy is giving him another lookThe bombastic billionaire's reentry into the political arena – despite his history of corruption charges and tawdry parties – says much about the current state of Italian politics, and where the public's mores lie.
First LookBrexit negotiations slow as Britain and EU debate Irish borderBritain's plan to exit the European Union is complicated by its relationship with Northern Ireland, Britain's only land border with the EU. Brexit negotiations stalled after the Democratic Unionist Party declared it would not support an open Irish border.
