All Europe
First LookIs Poland's democracy eroding? Big crowds protest government.A march on Sunday drew hundreds of thousands of Poles to the nation鈥檚 capital to protest a conservative government that critics say has eroded democratic norms. The march was held on the 34th anniversary of the country鈥檚 first democratic elections in 1989.
First LookSerbia-Kosovo tensions are back on the rise. Why?Serbia-Kosovo tensions flared up this week after Kosovo police fired tear gas on Serb protesters after a local election boycott. Clashes between Serbs on one side and Kosovo police and NATO peacekeepers on another have pushed Serbia to shore up its troops.
Not partners, but on same page: Russia, West push Armenian-Azeri peaceEven while starkly divided over the war in Ukraine, Russia and the West show hints of being able to find common ground on other issues of importance, as evidenced by an imminent Armenian-Azeri peace treaty.
Letter from Moscow: When war suddenly explodes over your roofIn Moscow, it can be easy to ignore the devastating but faraway war in Ukraine. But that changes quickly when drones and聽anti-aircraft missiles start exploding in the skies overhead one morning.
For Turks in Germany, 鈥榟ome鈥� is a complicated conceptGermany鈥檚 large Turkish population often feels caught between two worlds: a physical home and a psychological home. How much is Germany fostering that by banning dual citizenship?
First LookWagner's retreat: Russian contractor pulls out as conflict ragesWagner, the Russian private military contractor, claims to be withdrawing from Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine and transferring control to the Russian military by June 1. Still, independent verification is unavailable amidst ongoing heavy fighting in the city.
First Look鈥楾he Digital Gulag鈥�: Kremlin鈥檚 new technology to control RussiaRussian activists face escalating government scrutiny through digital surveillance, social media monitoring, and facial recognition systems. President Vladimir Putin's administration utilizes technology to control and censor citizens.
In shadow of Ukraine war, Latvia turns wary eye on local RussiansSince the Ukraine invasion, Russian speakers in Latvia are being wrongly stigmatized wholesale as pro-Moscow, deepening mistrust among ethnic Latvians.
For Ukrainians in a Russia-tied church, war brings a crisis of faithFor its sheer destructiveness and unpredictability, war challenges faith. In Ukraine鈥檚 conflict, the fault lines cut directly through a religion that for centuries was synonymous with identity.
Drafted at the DMV? Military conscription goes digital in Russia.Russia is integrating its military draft with its digitized, pervasive bureaucracy. That could make new mobilizations for its war in Ukraine more efficient聽鈥� and much harder to evade.
In Sweden, recycled fabrics turn old clothes into new fashionTo address the fashion industry鈥檚 rampant waste problem, innovators are processing old clothes into brand-new textiles.
First LookRussia claims Bakhmut, yet hope remains within the city wallsRussia claims it has control of Ukraine鈥檚 eastern city of Bakhmut, after a grinding nine-month conflict. Top Ukrainian military leaders say the battle is not over, but Ukrainian officials acknowledge they now control only a small part of Bakhmut.
First LookEU draws the line on privacy: Meta hit with $1.3 billion fineThe European Union fined Meta $1.3 billion, ordering to end the transfers of European data to the United States by October. Fine pertains to user data used for targeted ads, following Edward Snowden's surveillance disclosures.聽
First LookGreek economy finally finds its strength. But how will elections go?As Greeks prepare for elections on Sunday, their economy is the best it has been in over a decade. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is seeking a second term as spending limits end and Greece has lower unemployment.
Russia鈥檚 top mercenary leader turns on Kremlin. What鈥檚 behind rift?Wagner mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin has been engaged in very public criticism of Russia鈥檚 war effort. Experts say that it鈥檚 not a challenge to Vladimir Putin, but positioning for the post-war order.
First LookSpurred by shootings, protesters march against Serbia鈥檚 populist leadersMany chanted slogans against Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic, whom they blame for creating an atmosphere of hopelessness and division in the country.
At Ukrainian training ground, growing confidence about coming battleUkrainian forces training for the critical spring counteroffensive know what they lack and need, but also what they have. Among their assets is growing confidence.
First LookRussia鈥檚 Victory Day: Ukraine war challenges May 9 celebrationsRussians mark the anniversary of their 1945 triumph over Nazi Germany with Victory Day聽parades. But this year, the war in Ukraine undermines the image of Russia鈥檚 military strength. Some regions have canceled celebrations in fear of Ukranian attacks.
First LookKing Charles III crowned with regal pomp, cheers, and shrugsAt a time when the monarchy is striving to remain relevant in a fractured modern Britain, King Charles III was crowned Saturday at Westminster Abbey.
First LookWhy the coronation of King Charles III still holds significanceThe coronation of King Charles III on Saturday will formally confirm his role as head of state. Despite controversies that have plagued the Royal family in recent years, the event聽will celebrate an institution that has long drawn global fascination.
