All Europe
- Civil activism: Are Russians exiting the Soviet eclipse?
The Russian public largely believes that it is up to the state to organize everything – a notion the Kremlin is happy to encourage in the political sphere. But in the nonpolitical realm, grassroots projects are shooting up in ways they never have before.
- On one tiny Greek island, a warm welcome for Syrian refugees
On Tilos, where fewer than 500 people live (and they're outnumbered by goats 45 to 1), locals have given shelter, jobs, and education to twelve families – and want them to stay.
- Swimming in the Seine by 2024 Games? Yes, we canal!
Swimming in Parisian waterways has been officially banned since 1923, due to poor water quality, heavy traffic, and strong currents. But the city has promised to clean the water in preparation for the 2024 Olympics.
- First LookGerman diesel industry feels local and global pressure to go electric
As Australia and other major European powers push gas and diesel bans, German lawmakers and auto manufacturers convened Wednesday with hopes to salvage diesel, an industry that fuels 800,000 jobs and comprises the nation's largest export.
- First LookParisians weigh the pros and cons of winning the 2024 Olympic bid
As probable host for the 2024 Olympic Games, some Parisians welcome the opportunity for urban renewal as others raise concerns over rising rents and the effect on low-income residents.
- Russia’s diplomatic reprisals put relations with US in deep freeze
Though not ideologically or militarily hostile toward the US in the same way as during the cold war, Moscow appears to have given up on any Trump detente and is digging in for extended tensions with Washington.
- First LookBritain asks tech and social media giants to censor militant content
Supporting Britain's effort to combat militant attacks, Home Secretary Amber Rudd will attend the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, which partners Google, Twitter, Microsoft, and Facebook.
- First LookCourt orders France to improve living conditions for migrants
Only months after the demolition of 'the Jungle,' a migrant camp near Calais, France, watchdog groups have demanded that the migrants have access to drinking water and bathroom facilities.
- First LookFree EU movement for British citizens to end in 2019
The announcement Monday sparked skepticism among other officials, including the Archishop of Canterbury, who said that the chances of such a quick and smooth transition were 'infinitesimally small.'
- First LookTreasury chief says Britain will take its time after Brexit
Philip Hammond revealed that Britain may take up to three years to gain full independence from EU rules, leading some to complain about mixed signals given by the government on the speed and extent of the divorce.
- First LookBBC women journalists want wage reform now – not in 2020
Several prominent women TV journalists wrote an open letter to the BBC's top manager demanding that the gender pay gap reform must be enacted immediately after it came to light that the network's highest-paid woman earns less than a quarter of the highest-earning male star.
- How do refugee students make the jump to Germany's universities?
Many of the asylum seekers in Germany are university students looking to continue their studies. Various organizations are trying to help them navigate the country's particular challenges, including a big one: German.
- First LookDivided Britain agrees, a bumpy Brexit ride for both sides ahead
The divorce from Europe has slowed to a crawl as the British government works to sort out its disagreements over complex goals.
- First LookGerman citizens warned about travel to Turkey following ‘absurd’ arrests
Six human rights activists were arrested in Turkey as part of President Erdogan’s widespread terrorism crackdown, leading Germany to issue travel warnings against the nation.
- First LookCents and sensibility: Jane Austen graces British 10-pound note
The famed British author is only the third woman to feature on a modern-day British bank note, after medical innovator Florence Nightingale and social reformer Elizabeth Fry.
- Europe's female imams challenge Muslim patriarchy – and fight Islamophobia
The 'imamas' see their mosques as home for young, liberal Muslims who feel out of place at more conservative mosques with imported imams. And they think they can change the narrative of Islam in Europe.
- What is stirring Russia's youth to rally around Alexei Navalny?
Tens of thousands of youths have answered the would-be presidential candidate's call to rally against corruption, often resulting in their mass arrests. Their reasoning shows political sophistication – and not necessarily agreement with Navalny.
- First LookPro-Russia rebel leader suggests breakaway region could become 'Little Russia'
Alexander Zakharchenko described his plan to create a new state as a ‘peaceful’ solution to Ukraine-Russia relations, though the announcement drew swift outcry.
- Why 'son et lumiere' shows light up French summer nights
The genre of son et lumiere, usually involving light shows projected onto architecture accompanied by music, was invented some 65 years ago in France. And it is increasingly complex and popular today.
- First LookDuring Trump's Paris visit, Macron positions himself as intermediary between Europe and president
French President Emmanuel Macron invited President Trump and his wife Melania as his guests of honor to Friday's Bastille Day celebration. Though he noted their political divides, Macron made a point to affirm the historical US-France alliance.