All Europe
First LookDenmark poised to join other European nations in burqa banThe proposal is receiving widespread support and many are calling it a restriction of facial masking, rather than an infringement of religious freedoms.
First LookBurned landscapes turn Portugal toward forest management solutionsPortugal faces the reality of summer forest fires as local leaders push for forest management reform through consolidating abandoned plots of land, getting rid of undergrowth, and growing fire-resistant plants and trees.
First LookAs Germans celebrate Unification Day, a 'mental Berlin wall' persistsAs the nation commemorates the anniversary of the falling of the Berlin Wall, the recent election reveals how little East and West Germans understand each other.
First LookTheresa May aims to refocus Britain's attention on social justice reformAfter a series of setbacks surrounding Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May is pushing an agenda that addresses 'uncomfortable truths' in health care, education, and the criminal justice systems.
First LookCatalonia votes yes for independence, what's next for Spain?Despite determined efforts to stop the vote, the Spanish government has a constitutional crisis on its hands after a vote of overwhelming support for Catalonia to move forward on secession.
In Spain, Catalans try independence path that Basques feared to treadA referendum Sunday will ask residents in the northeastern region if they want a Catalonia free from Spanish rule. In the Basque region, nearly 800 people died during ETA’s long fight for independence.
Where Romulus suckled, wolves roam againRome's founder was suckled by a she-wolf, but Canis lupus has not been spotted there for a century. Now a small pack has made its home near the airport.
First LookMacron dreams of a unified eurozone, but can he get others on board?In a speech at the Sorbonne, French President Emmanuel Macron shares his vision for a joint finance minister, legislature, and budget. And he doesn't want to wait for the Brexit to take effect before bringing Europe closer together.
Could Merkel's losses and populism's gains be therapeutic for German democracy?Chancellor Angela Merkel's party lost significant support in federal elections, as did her coalition partners, the Social Democrats. But the end of that bloc could mean healthier democracy and weakened fringe politics like that of far-right AfD.
First LookGermany faces new challenge of a minority rule after parliamentary electionGerman 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 enoughLondon'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 revoltGermany'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 woesThe 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 IslamStrongman 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 riseCatalan 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 daysMark 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 skillsThe 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 invasionThe 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.
