All Europe
Across Spain, tough questions about what binds a nationThe 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 governmentAfter 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 crisisAs 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 ItalyOpera 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 gamesAfter 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 reelectionLast 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 preventionProtesters 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.
First LookAmid business departures, London mayor pushes for a Brexit transition dealMayor Sadiq Khan warns that international companies will follow through on their promises to take their business elsewhere if a Brexit transition deal is not agreed to soon.
First LookFrance reevaluates its culture of romance in wake of allegations against WeinsteinThe Harvey Weinstein scandal, which sparked the #squealonyourpig campaign in France, pushes French lawmakers to consider cracking down on sexual harassment.
Moscow gets a much needed facelift. But is it worth the cost?Russia's capital is finally seeing the fruits of its 3-year, $2 billion beautification campaign – and the results are impressive. But critics still abound, arguing that the public was underconsulted and the project overpriced.
First LookEU leaders to reaffirm support for Iran nuclear deal even as US reconsidersPresident Trump has given Congress 60 days to review economic sanctions on Iran. If the US walks away from the deal, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said he would 'shred' it.
First LookSpain poised to use constitutional powers to bring Catalonia back under controlIn response to a threat of an independence bid by Catalonia's leadership, the central Spanish government has said it will enact article 155 of Spain's constitution that would revoke the region's semi-autonomous powers.
As jobs, workers return to Spain and Portugal, so does a sense of self-worthAfter years of going abroad to find employment, the Iberian Peninsula is experiencing a resurgence in both economy and popularity. And that is bolstering Portuguese and Spanish psyches as well as wallets.
First LookMerkel attempts to unite Germany through multi-party coalitionGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel leads exploratory talks between her party, the Christian Democrats, and the Bavarian Christian Social Union, Free Democrats, and Greens. The parties are under pressure to compromise and form a government by January.
First LookAustria's snap election shifts parliament to the rightThe conservative, anti-immigration Austrian People's Party won the country's snap election. The party is led by the young Sebastian Kurz who may be looking to ally with the anti-Islamic Freedom Party.
In Catalan family’s debate, an intimate view of independence sagaDiscussing the pros and cons of Catalonian independence, a friendly argument reveals the complexity of their region's political conundrum.
First LookEU-Britain future relationship stalled in deadlockBrexit talks haven't hit any key issues including trade. Many businesses are worried that Britain could leave the EU without a trade deal in place, which would mean tariffs on exports from both sides, reams of red tape, and chaos at ports.
Catalonia secession bid: Will a pause change the prospects?Catalonia's separatist government has averted a potentially disastrous clash with the Spanish authorities, putting off its declaration of independence. But is Madrid ready to take up the secessionists' offer of talks?
