All Europe
- First LookGermany faces new challenge of a minority rule after parliamentary election
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is in need of a new alliance as the Social Democrats, the traditional partner for Ms. Merkel's party, have decided their role is in opposition.
- First LookUber loses its license in London, deemed not safe enough
London's transportation regulating body revoked Uber's license to operate today over concerns of safety and security, dealing a large blow to the company. With 40,000 drivers in the city, Uber has become serious competition for the city's iconic black cabs.
- Beneath Germany's staid election, inequality stirs a 'moderate' populist revolt
Germany's economic success makes the political status quo seem unassailable. But for a growing number of Germans, jobs and the social safety net are growing more precarious, defying their basic sense of 'fairness.'
- First LookWhat could Germany look like post-election?
Though Chancellor Angela Merkel is likely to be reelected, it is unclear with whom she will rule. Germany's upcoming election could be an opportunity for an unlikely coalition to form.
- Is it the Kremlin’s turn to get WikiLeaked?
The online activist group this week leaked documents from a company that provides ‘solutions’ for Russian telecom giants and state agencies. The dump could signal new scrutiny of Russia from the long-time US bugbear.
- In Germany's east, populist vote finds root in reunification woes
The anti-immigration AfD party is set for its best-ever national election Sunday, largely due to its popularity in the former East Germany. There, voters say they were left behind during reunification – and resent efforts to integrate immigrants while they still feel like second-class citizens.
- Kremlin frets as Russia's once restive Islamist region takes up political Islam
Strongman Ramzan Kadyrov was installed by Putin to squelch Chechnya's Islamist insurrection. But Kadyrov's adoption of sharia and political Islam in the region is challenging Russia's secular constitutional order.
- First LookSpain arrests Catalan officials as tensions over 'illegal' referendum rise
Catalan officials intend to move forward with its secession vote, spiking a tense standoff with Spanish authorities and drawing crowds protesting the arrests in Barcelona.
- Not mad, just adventurous: Cyclist completes trip around the world in 80 days
Mark Beaumont set a world record, cycling 16 hours every day on his 79-day trip through 16 countries. The hardest part of the challenge, he said, was sleep deprivation.
- Cover StoryReading, writing and empathy: How Denmark is a leader in teaching social skills
The country's status as a leader in teaching social skills is one reason it’s often ranked as the world’s ‘happiest’ country. Do Danes know something the rest of us don’t?
- First LookRussian war games in Belarus raise international concerns of possible invasion
The start of the Russian war games in Belarus are increasing tensions in the Baltic region as European states doubt Russia's assurances that the games are not foreshadowing a military invasion. Thousands of troops have moved into Belarus in preparation for the games, and Baltic and NATO leaders are concerned some are there to stay.
- Why strikes and poor polling aren't derailing Macron's reform plans
Despite his showy numbers in French presidential elections earlier this year, Emmanuel Macron's actual support has always been fairly limited. But his campaign promises were clear, and he is moving quickly to follow through on them.
- First LookDespite Brexit, European economy shows signs of momentum
Bolstered by consistent economic growth the EU is looking toward a brighter future. Plans for greater security, a halt to new membership, and a revamped approach to the refugee crisis are a few of the items on the new agenda.
- First LookParis looks to make the 2024 Olympics more sustainable
As Paris enters the planning process for the 2024 summer games, the organizers are looking for ways to make the games more practical. By only building two new venues and utilizing the resources at the city's disposal, Paris hopes to host a more productive games.
- First LookIn face of drought, Portugal officials set priority to provide drinking water
Portugal is facing the country's worst drought in more than 20 years. The dire situation might lead to a ban on the irrigation of farmland, which uses up 80 percent of the region's available water.
- FocusItaly sees major drop in migrant crossings from Libya to Europe. But is the cost too high?
The number of migrant arrivals in August was down more than 80 percent from last year, thanks to Rome's partnership with Libyan authorities. But those sent back to Libya face torture and rape in the detention centers where they are held.
- First LookGermany's Merkel wants to roll up the EU welcome mat for Turkey
German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced her opposition for Turkey's accession talks, citing President Erdogan's recent crackdown and Turkey's shift away from the EU in recent months. But not all EU leaders agree.
- In anti-establishment era, German youth opt for status quo: Angela Merkel
Upstart parties across Europe have been buoyed by the young's dissatisfaction with mainstream politics and parties. Except, that is, in Germany, where Chancellor Merkel looks set for a fourth term, thanks in part to youth support.
- In capitalist Russia, a socialist garden flourishes
While its peers were snapped up by land developers and agricultural giants in the post-Soviet era, the Lenin Sovkhoz collective farm used capitalist means to create a socialist success story.
- First LookHungary requests EU funding for border fence
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban became the latest world leader to request outside financing for anti-migrant infrastructure.