All Europe
First LookGermany considers law to enforce free speech restrictions on social mediaWhile 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 ministerAna 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 weekPeace 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 familiarMonitor 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 governmentA 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 chargesLaw 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 claddingThe 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.
First LookChurch of England 'colluded' to hide sex abuse, archbishop saysArchbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby apologized to the sexual assault victims of ex-bishop Peter Ball. The Church of England helped to hide the abuse, enabling the bishop's return to ministry for years before being rightfully prosecuted.
First LookQueen’s Speech outlines Brexit policies, backed by May’s commitment to listenFollowing a humbling election, Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May promised to be a better listener to Brexit-related business concerns, as revealed in a Queen’s Speech dominated by policies aimed at leaving the EU.
Moves against Polish museum and Hungarian university stir fears of censorshipIn both countries, concerns are being raised about the health of an open society, as one government makes changes at a war museum and the other threatens to close a university.
First LookEuroscepticism waning, EU wants to be seen as a solution, says EU’s TuskThe rising tide of anti-EU sentiments since Brexit has begun to ebb, says one EU leader, as political movements characterized by eurosceptic tendencies in France and Britain lose support.
First LookFailed Brussels bombing prompts higher security in BelgiumThe incident June 20 mirrors recent attacks in other European capitals, putting Belgium on high alert for lone attackers in populated areas during the tourist season.
Terrorism in Britain: How do you build bridges when 'enough is enough'?A string of deadly attacks, the latest on a mosque in London Sunday, has frustrated both Muslim and non-Muslim Brits. In between them stand community groups and faith leaders who are trying to foster dialogue.
First LookEU's first disagreement: Who should host newly displaced regulators?The 27 remaining European Union states spar for the first time since the Brexit decision over where banking and medical regulators should be based after leaving London.
Though Macron's party rolls up wins in France, a cautionary tale next doorThe president's new party took a comfortable majority of the seats in the French Assembly Sunday. But Italy's Five Star Movement, which stormed the polls with similarly heady reformist verve, now shows that not all electoral revolutions are permanent.
First LookBrexit negotiations with EU finally beginMediation in Britain's exit from the European Union officially gets under way as Brexit negotiators gather at EU headquarters in Brussels on June 19. First issue on the docket: building trust among nations.
First LookLondon's latest attack targets worshippers near mosque, terrorist alert set at 'severe'British Muslims were the victims of an attack on June 18 when a man drove a van into a crowd leaving evening prayers outside Finsbury Park mosque.
Cover StoryRetooling the workforceRetraining programs, many steering workers toward blue-collar jobs, flourish in Europe. What can the US learn?
