All Europe
- Europe ponders prospect of life after Merkel
For more than a decade, Europe has been accustomed to relying on German leader Angela Merkel for strength and stability. But with her bid to form a new government in tatters, the continent may have to look elsewhere for leadership.
- First LookAfter German coalition talks fail, Merkel looks for a way forward
Chancellor Angela Merkel failed to form a three-part coalition and now faces an uncertain future for German politics. Political pathways could include a renewed effort to form a coalition between former political partners or a parliamentary vote for chancellor.
- Wounded vets force disability rethink in Ukraine
People with disabilities have long been hidden away in Ukraine. But former soldiers who lost limbs in the war with Russian-backed rebels are winning medals in international sports events and giving them new status.
- First LookEU leaders reaffirm commitment to social rights
At a European Union summit, leaders laid out standards for fair labor markets and welfare systems. With the newly created European Pillar of Social Rights, leaders aim to emphasize the EU's commitment to social, not just monetary, issues.
- First LookMerkel continues attempt to form three-way coalition
In order to maintain power, German Chancellor Angela Merkel aims to form a three-way coalition between the Free Democrats, the Greens, and her own Christian Democrats. Failure to clinch a deal could lead to new elections and another opportunity for the political far-right.
- First LookLebanon's Hariri expected in France to end speculations he is being held against his will
French President Emmanuel Macron extended an invitation to the Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri in efforts to end tensions with Saudi Arabia and begin the resolution process.
- As ban on 'Il Duce' trinkets looms, Mussolini's hometown eyes educational future
Italy is poised to ban sales of memorabilia featuring Benito Mussolini, which will affect shops in Predappio, a place of pilgrimage for neo-Fascists. But Predappio's mayor hopes to turn the town into a center for understanding what Fascism wrought in Italy.
- First LookSpanish authorities claim Russian interference in Catalonia vote
Following an investigation into the Oct. 1 referendum, Spanish authorities announced speculations that Russia spread pro-independence propaganda across social media in an effort to destabilize Spain.
- Paid leave to care for pets? For more Italians, the answer is 'sì!'
A university employee in Rome was granted a paid sick day by her employer to care for her English Setter earlier this fall – showing how pets are increasingly seen as members of society.
- First LookEU coordinates defense operations with joint defense pact
The newly signed pact on permanent structured cooperation, or PESCO, will allow 23 countries within the EU to collaborate on military operations and defense spending.
- First LookCould other nations follow France's example and export their culture as a brand?
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the most recent example of France selling its food, luxury fashion, and fine art as a recognizable lifestyle abroad.
- First LookSpanish judge frees Catalan parliament's speaker on bail
Supreme Court's decision will see Carme Forcadell Alcala Meco prison outside Madrid pending her payment of 150,000 euros bail. Four other Catalan lawmakers were also freed on 25,000 euro bail, while a fifth was released without bail.
- As Weinstein aftershocks hit Westminster, a watershed for British politics?
Women across Britain's political spectrum began speaking out about harassment by their male peers. Now, after a key minister's resignation and multiple MPs facing accusations, they are looking to change the culture of British politics.
- First LookEuropean Union ramps up pressure Britain for real progress in Brexit talks
EU ramps up pressure on Britain calling for substantial progress in talks on Britain's exit from the union if it wants negotiations to move onto future trade relations next month.
- First LookIn less than a decade, Poland's massive far-right march has gone global
The rally, which has drawn tens of thousands from across Europe in recent years, is scheduled for Nov. 11 – Polish Independence Day. Expert says it may be the world's largest gathering of far-right extremists.
- With Louvre Abu Dhabi, France displays new vision for global influence
The grand opening of the French-branded museum in the midst of the Arab world allows France to retain a presence internationally through cultural means, even as its political and military influence ebbs.
- Why Trump's efforts on North Korea aren't apt to win over Putin
Russia and the US both want to see North Korea's nuclear ambitions constrained, but the Kremlin views Trump's hard line on Pyongyang as fruitless. And it is skeptical about Trump's recent, more diplomatic overtures.
- First LookIn Germany, intersex is now an option on official records
A German court ruled that there should now be a third option on birth certificates and official records for those who do not identify with either sex. The new category, inter/diverse, was created to help protect the personal rights and sexual identity of all citizens.
- First LookTwenty EU countries to combine forces with new joint defense pact
In a post-Brexit European Union, EU countries commit to strengthening security by improving joint operations via a new defense pact agreement.
- First LookFormer Catalan leader fights extradition, encourages European leaders to speak out
Carles Puigdemont, ex-leader of Catalonia, urges European politicians to support secessionist leaders as these leaders are jailed by Spanish officials for allegedly acting on a plan to secede from the country.