All Europe
First LookWhy is Finland closing crossing points along its Russia border?Finnish authorities say that Russia has started allowing undocumented travelers to access the border zone and enter crossing stations between the two countries. To curb this influx,聽four crossing points on its border聽will be closed Friday.
As world patience thins, Israel, Ukraine race against timeVolodymyr Zelenskyy and Benjamin Netanyahu are fighting against not only their enemies but also the clock, on which international patience is ticking.
First LookUK determined to send migrants to Rwanda, despite 鈥榰nlawful鈥� rulingThe British government鈥檚 response to the growing number of migrants arriving from around the world was to give them a one-way ticket to Rwanda. Britain鈥檚 Supreme Court ruled the plan unlawful. The government vows to make changes and press on with the plan.
Protesters of Israel-Hamas war fear nuance is getting lostIsrael鈥檚 war against Hamas has unleashed a torrent of responses from Westerners, both positive and negative. Many are finding it a challenge to express their feelings without being co-opted by darker forces in society.
Recovery in Ukraine: When horses do the whisperingHippotherapy, using horses to help heal traumatized soldiers, is a new treatment in Ukraine, but the mental relaxation it offers is bringing relief.
First LookMarches against antisemitism draw 180,000 in FranceAmid a large increase in anti-Jewish acts since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war, at least 182,000 French citizens nationwide marched on the streets to denounce antisemitism. The demonstrations also attracted a number of French politicians.
First LookIn surprise move, David Cameron returns to U.K. governmentFormer British prime minister David Cameron, who resigned after the Brexit vote, was named U.K. foreign secretary on Nov. 13. Home Secretary Suella Braverman, divisive for her hard line against pro-Palestinian protests, was fired.
First LookMacron on Israel-Hamas war: Fighting terrorism has to have rulesFrench President Emmanuel Macron opened a Gaza aid conference Thursday, reiterating calls for a pause in Israel鈥檚 operations against Hamas and addressing the Palestinian enclave鈥檚 growing needs for food, water, health supplies, electricity, and fuel.
First LookOlive police? Century-old trees chopped by chainsaw-wielding thieves.In the Mediterranean鈥檚 olive-growing countries, the extreme weather caused by climate change is taking a toll. Olive oil prices have soared, sparking a rise in thievery, including cutting down century-old trees. Greek farmers have asked for police help.聽
In Italy, a school teaches reconciliation over revengeA unique Italian school puts students from warring parties together for two years, teaching them to see the human being behind the nationality.
To counter teen suicide, French schools turn to lessons in empathyA series of teen suicides has reignited debate in France about the dangers school bullies pose, and focused new efforts to curb school harassment.
Russia鈥檚 nuclear saber rattling: A threat or wake-up call for the West?Threats would appear to signal conflict. But the Kremlin鈥檚 nuclear diplomacy, seen by the West as risking escalation, is categorized as a longer-term strategy of deterrence in Russia.聽
First LookRussian activists brave backlash to honor Soviet victimsRussian activists are fighting to remember the millions of victims of Soviet repression, even as Vladimir Putin鈥檚 government seeks to downplay the historical crimes of the USSR.
First LookCreeping abortion restrictions in Russia spark outrageRecent proposals by authorities to restrict access to abortion have struck a nerve across Russia. While abortion remains legal, new regulations and mandates from the Health Ministry are designed to discourage women from seeking terminating pregnancies.聽
For victorious Polish democrats, restoring democracy is top challengePoland鈥檚 opposition won recent elections, showing autocrats can be beaten, but the established authorities retain the influence they have sown in society.
Seeking neutrality, Kremlin stays on sidelines of Israel-Hamas warRussia has cultivated warm ties with both Israelis and Palestinians, which it does not want to jeopardize by any involvement in the Israel-Hamas war.
As corruption costs lives on battlefield, Ukrainians demand changeAmid the conflict with Russia, Ukraine is fighting its own chronic corruption. But while corruption usually grows in war, Ukraine is beating it back.
First LookWinter is coming. But this year, Ukrainians are better prepared.Last winter, Ukrainians had to learn to survive without electricity after nearly half the country鈥檚 energy capacity was affected by Russian strikes. They are expecting the same, if not worse, conditions this year, but Ukrainians have spent months preparing.
First LookRussia detains U.S. journalist Alsu Kurmasheva. Why she faces jail.Alsu Kurmasheva, a聽Russian-American journalist working for a U.S. government-funded media company, has been detained in Russia. Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty editor Alsu Kurmasheva is the second American journalist to be held in Russia this year.聽
First LookChinese EV sales are soaring in Europe. The EU doesn鈥檛 love it.Chinese automakers are winning over drivers in Europe鈥檚 electric vehicle market 鈥� a key industry in Europe鈥檚 green energy transition. The European Union says China is artificially driving down its prices, adding tensions between the West and China.
