All Europe
- First LookEU considers blacklisting 'Paradise Papers' tax havens
The European Union debates creating a blacklist of countries that do not cooperate on taxes. France urges the EU to consider cutting international funding of states that serve as tax havens.
- First LookBelgian judge grants conditional freedom to Catalan Five
A Belgian judge ruled that the five central leaders including Catalonian president Carles Puigdemont who fled to Belgium before surrendering themselves to authorities have been granted conditional freedom pending their participation in the upcoming court proceedings.
- Cover StoryOne family’s divergent views of the Bolshevik revolution tell a tale of Russia’s complicated past – and present
As the world prepares to mark that seminal moment of the 20th century, perspectives on the consequences and costs to Russia of that earthshaking event are deeply complicated. Such splits are everywhere – in opinion polls, at family dinner tables, in the commentary of guides at history exhibits in the capital.
- In Italy, migrant welcome cools
In Italy, a country traditionally tolerant of immigrants, the public mood has shifted against them. That has prompted the government to take a harder line in a bid to stem the rise of right wing, anti-Muslim parties ahead of national elections.
- The Explainer'Brexit': what's happened, what's next
Negotiators are meeting each month and already appear to be working against the clock. Even the broad outlines of Britain's planned exit from the European Union are still unclear.
- First LookBritish defense secretary steps down after sexual harassment allegations
In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, Michael Fallon resigns after being accused of sexual harassment. As allegations against members of British parliament increase, Prime Minister Theresa May calls for a change in political culture.
- Russia's independent media cite intimidation as the new censorship
Being a journalist has never been easy in Russia. Three hundred reporters have been killed since the Soviet Union collapsed. But a new climate of fear is forcing liberal opposition journalists to flee the country.
- Catalans find European status quo means 'States Rule'
Catalonia's breakaway president is seeking European Union support for his independence bid. He is not going to find it; EU leaders are rallying round the established order.
- First LookFrance ends state of emergency, introduces new security legislation
France is ending its two-year state of emergency following the Paris terror attacks, but under new anti-terrorism laws police will retain expanded power. Critics worry that civil liberties are at risk although 80 percent of the public supported the bill.
- In Britain, families fear post-Brexit future
If you live in Britain and marry someone from outside the European Union, you have to earn a decent wage to be allowed to bring your spouse to join you. Now Brexit threatens to make that the case no matter where your bride or groom comes from.
- First LookItaly pairs child migrants with 'guardians' to aid transition process
A new program in Italy is connecting adults with unaccompanied child migrants to help them enroll in school, apply for healthcare and gain legal status. Participants and organizers say that beyond practical guidance, the emotional support is making a difference for the children.
- Across Spain, tough questions about what binds a nation
The Monitor asked an array of Spaniards to weigh in on the showdown over Catalonia's bid for independence from Spain.
- On Reformation's 500th anniversary, a German town buzzes with 'Luther mania'
A visit to Wittenberg is about more than Martin Luther and the creed that split the Christian world. It sheds light on German thinking about politics, values, traditions – and language.
- First LookSpain dissolves Catalonia's government
After Catalonia's lawmakers declared independence on Friday, Spain responded swiftly to stop the wealthy region's secession, calling it illegal.
- As Madrid and Catalonia argue, Spaniards ask, 'What about our say?'
Spaniards are generally opposed to Catalonia's attempt to declare independence from Spain, but also are not happy with how the central government has handled the situation. And they feel that they aren't being heard on an issue that involves them.
- First LookEuropean Central Bank cautiously emerges from the shadow of its financial crisis
As debt crises ease in Europe, the European Central Bank plans to slowly withdraw from its stimulus program and buy fewer bonds in coming months.
- Opera in the living room: an old tradition sees restoration in Italy
Opera is a serious pastime in the birthplace of world famous composer Verdi. But to increase accessibility, performances are being held in private homes.
- First LookItaly uses Anne Frank's diary to combat anti-Semitism at sports games
After anti-Semitic stickers were strewn around Italian soccer club Lazio's stadium, the team and the Italian soccer federation are taking steps to combat racism and anti-Semitism at games, including reading a passage aloud from Anne Frank's diary before matches.
- With celeb-journalist's candidacy, stage is set for Putin's 2018 reelection
Last week, journalist Ksenia Sobchak threw her hat into the ring for Russia's upcoming election. Experts say that while her candidacy is likely sincere, it fills a desired role in the campaign that Vladimir Putin is all but certain to win.
- First LookPortuguese government promises aid and effort toward wildfire prevention
Protesters filled a square in the nation's capital after a summer of deadly fires as the Portuguese government promises more than $470 million in aid, which will include the reconstruction of devastated areas.