All Europe
Romania gets serious about ending its notorious corruptionRomania's anticorruption taskforce is making great strides in one of Europe's most corrupt nations. Among the thousand-plus convicted last year are 24 mayors, five MPs, two ex-ministers, and a former prime minister.
Moscow, Kiev locked into another gas dispute 鈥� who pays rebels' billsRussia is threatening to turn off the taps, claiming that Kiev needs to pay for the gas that Russia's Gazprom is directing to rebel-held eastern Ukraine. Europe's own gas supplies could be affected if a shutdown occurs.
With wary eye on Russia, Lithuania to reintroduce the draftPresident聽Grybauskaite聽announced the measure 鈥� pending parliamentary approval 鈥� amid concerns over Russia's expanding sphere of influence in the region. Other Baltic nations, like Latvia and Estonia, have similar concerns.
With Ukraine cease-fire at stake, eyes turn to MariupolKiev claims the Ukrainian port is next on the list of targets for Russia-backed rebels, who argue they have no plans to attack the city. Mariupol's fate could determine whether the country's tenuous cease-fire holds.
Lone gunman kills eight in Czech town restaurant, mayor saysThe town of Uhersky Brod in the eastern part of the Czech Republic, site of Tuesday's shooting, is southeast of the capital Prague.
Passport control: Two cases test new anti-terrorism tactics in France, UKBoth countries now allow officials to seize the passports of those suspected of planning travel to join a militant group. France has confiscated the passports of six individuals, but the UK was too late to stop three schoolgirls.
Ukraine says pro-Russian separatist forces shell southeastern villagesThe Kiev government says it can't withdraw heavy weaponry from the front line while its troops are under attack.
Islamic State not just a Western problem, says top Russian spyThe head of Russia's FSB security agency said today that some 1,700 Russians are in Iraq and Syria fighting for IS forces 鈥� and that Russia and the West need to work more closely together to deal with jihadis.
Too Russian? For Russian lawmakers, Oscar-hopeful 'Leviathan' stingsThe tale of a man crushed by an omnipotent, corrupt state is a leading contender for this year's Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. But its unrelenting, bleak critique of modern Russian life has irked politicians.
Soccer fans shove black man on Paris Metro. Will their team be penalized?The racist incident was condemned by witnesses and soccer organizations alike, including Chelsea F.C., whose fans were the perpetrators. Experts say that punishing the team directly can influence fan behavior, but only helps so much.
Cover StoryHow is Europe countering radical Islam?From mosques to family kitchens, Muslims and non-Muslims alike are trying to stem the tide of young Europeans signing up to fight for the self-declared Islamic State. Leaders from around the world are at the White House today for a summit on battling violent extremism.
Denmark gunman: Could more have been done to stop him?The suspect in two fatal attacks in Copenhagen last weekend, Omar Abdel Hamid El-Hussein, appears to have traveled a path from criminal to jihadist in prison.
Putin takes 'Russia still has friends' tour to HungaryThe Russian president's visit to Hungary is part of a greater diplomatic offensive to prove he is not boxed in by sanctions. The trip's political significance for Moscow far outweighs the projected deals with Prime Minister Orban.
Copenhagen attacks: Why an eight-year-old cartoon continues to inflameOne of the apparent targets of the Copenhagen shootings was a cartoonist who drew an unflattering depiction of the Prophet Mohammad back in 2007.
FocusPutin's 'hands-on management': How the Russian leader makes it personalThe Kremlin has been able to make its decisions without public scrutiny, despite the disparate Russian elites jockeying for the president鈥檚 ear. Even those directly involved have no idea with whom else Putin may be consulting.
FocusPutin's pals: Who is helping steer the Kremlin now?Russia鈥檚 leader keeps his relationships in the Kremlin's halls of power private. But military and security types seem to be gaining favor over once-prominent oligarchs and ideologues.
Neo-nazis no-show their annual march in Dresden. Is Pegida to blame?Counter-protesters, expecting to face off against neo-Nazis, were able to speak for inclusiveness unopposed in Dresden today. The far right's absence may be a result of the rise of anti-Islamization group Pegida.
From the Monitor archives: Allies firebomb Dresden in WWIIThe firebombing of Dresden, which killed tens of thousands and left most of the city leveled, was one of the most controversial city attacks of World War II. 海角大神 reported as it happened, seventy years ago today.
'Not right now, Jason Bourne': Paris puts a hold on action film shootsAt least for the moment, the city has issued a moratorium on the sorts of Parisian action scenes that helped make 'The Bourne Identity,' 'Inception,' and other movies famous. The move could add up to millions of dollars, both in Paris and Hollywood.
Kiev, rebels sign cease-fire, but Ukraine's path to peace remains steepThe deal, backed by leaders from Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany, includes a withdrawal of heavy weapons and a prisoner exchange. But it also retains the problems that led to the collapse of a similar deal in September.
