All Europe
First LookItalians use unsold food to feed hungry, cut food wasteAt open-air markets, some Italians are collecting and distributing leftover food to those in need. These initiatives 鈥� in a country renowned for its food and markets 鈥� are part of Italy's push to cut back on food waste.
FocusRussia's media scene: not just a state affairDespite Western preconceptions of a Soviet-like puppet media, the Russian news landscape is quite diverse, with outlets public and private, big and small. But government influence remains a critical concern.
First LookUkrainian electronic register shames fathers into paying for child supportDubbed the 'wall of shame,' Ukraine has implemented an electronic register identifying fathers who haven't paid child support. The list strips those on the register of certain privileges such as keeping their driving license and traveling abroad.
The ExplainerBriefing: Is Macron set to finally smooth Franco-African relations?For decades, French presidents have promised to end the special business and political relationship known as 'Fran莽afrique,' which has allowed France to exercise outsize influence on the continent 鈥� to African dictators' benefit. Macron may finally change that.
As Macron looks to control migration, line between economic migrants, refugees blursThe French president is under fire at home for adopting an immigration policy that critics say shirks the human rights he has espoused. But implementation of that policy may be difficult, as聽once-distinct definitions of migrant increasingly overlap.
Is running against Putin pointless? Why some candidates say no.There is no doubt that Vladimir Putin will win a fourth term in Russia's presidential election on March 18. But despite the Kremlin's orchestration of the proceedings, the race provides also-rans with opportunities to shape Russia's path.
First LookBBC denies female staff claims of unequal payBBC is being rocked with allegations of unequal pay based on gender bias. A slow internal process has hindered review of complaints of unequal pay from 170 female staff members. Lawmakers are due to hear evidence on the issue on Wednesday.
Politics over peace? Critics say Ukraine's president sidelining Minsk accords.President Poroshenko is set to sign a bill that will redefine the conflict between Kiev and Eastern rebels. But the goal of the legislation seems to be less about ending the fighting and more about winning upcoming elections.
First LookRussian opposition leader's disqualification sparks country-wide protestsA tide of young demonstrators took to the streets in cities across Russia on Jan. 28 to rally against the Central Election Commission's decision to disqualify opposition leader Alexei Navalny from the upcoming presidential election.聽
Are the famously socialist French now embracing an entrepreneurial future?The French president campaigned on reforming the French economy: a task that the public has long resisted. But this time, the country seems to be on board, with some even enthusiastic, to embrace the start-up spirit
Decades after her last dance, documentary gives flamenco star an encore鈥業 had things said, like, 鈥淲hy would I want to watch a film about a fat old woman?鈥濃�� says director Lucija Stojevic, when she pitched potential sponsors a film about acclaimed flamenco dancer La Chana. Today her project is winning awards in Europe.
Irked by Trump's policy and posturing, Europeans find ways to push backEuropean disapproval of American policy is nothing new. But the Trump administration has roused both European governments and citizens to action in a new way.
First LookEU reform effort reopens eurozone divide in Central EuropeAs Germany and France push for reform in the European Union, Central European countries say joining the eurozone will limit their autonomy, while supporters of European integration say they risk being left behind.
First LookRomanian Roma use theater to address bigotryA feminist Roma theater company is staging plays to highlight the racism and sexism that Roma women are subjected to in Romania. The group uses art to raise awareness of the social issues facing marginalized Roma, the largest ethnic minority in Europe.
Italy's migrants teach themselves to stand up for themselvesMigrants and refugees living in the region around Caserta are vulnerable to being exploited, including by the mafia. But they鈥檙e growing increasingly aware of their rights and their power to help each other fight for fair treatment.
First LookCatalan parliament to decide if self-exiled Puigdemont can be presidentCatalonia's parliament has elected a pro-independence leader of parliament. Now the body must decide if self-exiled secessionist leader Carles Puigdemont can be considered a candidate in an upcoming presidential election.
2018: The year the European Union stands and delivers?After a year of challenges from the populist far right, Europe looks set for an opportunity to reform. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel 鈥� if she can assemble a coalition 鈥� may not get a better chance.
First LookGreece's new restrictions on the right to strike leads thousands to protestGreece's implementation of a series of new reforms has galvanized thousands of Greeks to protest and shut down the city's ability to function. Hospitals, shipping grounds, and transportation systems have been abandoned in the turmoil.
First LookMay's environmental agenda pushes Britain to forefront of cutting down on plasticsBritish lawmakers announced last week that they were considering a tax on disposable coffee cups. Now, British Prime Minister Theresa May wants to take environmental efforts further by ridding Britain of avoidable plastic waste within the next 25 years.
How to enforce gender equality? Iceland tests the watersA new law requiring Iceland's biggest companies to prove that they offer men and women pay equality went into effect on Jan. 1st. Activists say it illustrates the vital role that top-down accountability plays in effecting lasting change.聽Part 1 of Reaching for Equity, a global series on gender and power.
