All Europe
- Do the US and Russia need clearer rules of engagement?
Trump and Putin's recent attempt at rapprochement already appears to be falling apart. And even as relations seethe, Washington and Moscow lack shared understanding of what is permissible in the diplomacy, cyber, and political spheres.
- First LookBritish repeal bill severing EU ties faces uphill battle
A bill published Thursday would dissolve Britain's ties to the EU if passed. Prime Minister May hopes to find compromise between the parties as legislation moves through Parliament and onto the negotiation table.
- In brief visit, Tillerson changes the conversation on Ukraine
Analysis: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited Ukraine last weekend and signaled clearly that the US is engaging more robustly with the pro-Western Kiev government.
- To handle Trump's isolationism, France takes lessons from World War I
Before leading the US into World War I a century ago, President Wilson won reelection on a familiar slogan: 'America First.' That era's American isolationism bears similarities to that of today.
- First LookParis 2024 Olympic Games bid lauded by Macron as chance to uphold ‘values’
Having lost bids to host the 1992, 2008, and 2012 Games, Paris is eager to win the honor of hosting the Olympics in 2024. President Macron strongly supports the bid as ‘the best moment to defend’ French values, which he describes as ‘threatened.’
- On eve of Trump-Putin meeting, Russia asks: 'Can Trump deal?'
The Kremlin sees the G20 meeting as an opportunity to gauge whether Trump 'is able to deliver on anything he talks about' – a possibility that Russian analysts increasingly doubt.
- On world stage, Germany cautiously moves to the center as US eyes the wings
Germany has been reluctant to assert itself globally. But as relations with the US come under strain, Germans increasingly see the necessity of taking a leading international role – particularly with Angela Merkel as the steady hand.
- First LookGermany legalizes same-sex marriage
German Chancellor Angela Merkel encouraged lawmakers to be guided by their 'conscience' rather than by party affiliation. Although she did not vote in favor of the measure, she opened the way for members of any party to support its passage.
- First LookGermany passes censorship law to fight online hate speech
As hate crimes increased by a reported 300 percent in the past two years, German lawmakers passed a law Friday requiring media organizations – including Facebook, Google, and Twitter – to remove 'fake news' from their sites.
- Europe's Muslims start to grapple with touchy issue: Islamic terrorism as a community problem
Muslims reject the idea that Islam is somehow to blame for terrorism by Islamic radicals. But Muslim leaders are beginning to tentatively acknowledge that their communities cannot shrug off all liability.
- First LookCardinal leaves Vatican to face sexual abuse charges in Australia
Cardinal Pell is the highest-ranking Vatican official to face charges of sexual assault, adding to the church's long-running sexual abuse scandal and complicating Pope Francis's efforts toward reform amid 'zero tolerance' for sex crimes against children.
- First LookGermany considers law to enforce free speech restrictions on social media
While a proposed German law may have noble intentions – enforcing existing limits on free speech, such as Holocaust denial – critics object that it would pressure online giants such as Facebook and Twitter to delete questionable content before it’s deemed illegal.
- First LookSerbia looks toward modernization with its likely first female prime minister
Ana Brnabic wants to 'move boundaries' as future prime minister of Serbia if confirmed this week, which could include bringing the nation out from the shadow of Russia's influence.
- First LookWould France's counter-terrorism bill violate public freedoms or protect its citizens?
In an attempt to end the nation's state of emergency in effect since the 2015 terror attack, a proposed bill wants to expand police power. But Human Rights Watch says the law will lead to anti-Muslim rhetoric and fan societal prejudices.
- First LookCan a divided Cyprus finally be unified? Peace summit begins this week
Peace talks will commence Wednesday in Switzerland to discuss the reunification of ethnically-divided Cyprus, and to hash out the related security oversight and territorial disputes, among other issues.
- Portugal's forest fires, though never before as deadly, are all too familiar
Monitor correspondent Catarina Fernandes Martins grew up in the region of central Portugal being ravaged by forest fires – a chronic problem there. But despite the understanding of the cause, few preventative measures have been taken.
- First LookPrime minister May strikes deal with Northern Ireland for a stronger government
A new deal with Northern Ireland's DUP could help Prime Minister Theresa May recover after a disastrous election. The announcement also sparks concern from Scotland and Wales about the deal's fairness.
- First LookLondon police intensify investigation around Grenfell fire, with possible manslaughter charges
Law enforcement officials consider charges of manslaughter after a criminal investigation exposes the tragic Grenfell Tower inferno was touched off by a refrigerator fire, in addition to exterior cladding that failed safety tests.
- An offer Finns can't refuse? Helsinki woos car owners to give up their autos.
Other cities have tried legal limits on when and where cars can drive. But in the Finnish capital, officials are trying to make a transit system so easy that it's preferable to car ownership.
- First LookAfter London fire, hundreds of tower blocks tested for flammable cladding
The Grenfell Tower fire sparked safety concerns among London residents. Government inspections and a criminal investigation to examine cladding panels often added to the exterior of tower blocks is now under way.