All Europe
In LGBT-welcoming Britain, Church of England tries to find its pathAnglican membership in Britain has shrunk radically in recent decades, particularly among youth. One cause is Britons' embrace of LGBT issues, which has outpaced the church's. But the church's efforts to respond are causing internal tensions.
First LookEU outlines final Brexit transition dateThe European Union has set January 2021 as the exit date for Britain to leave the EU. Throughout the transition period, Britain is expected to maintain a non-voting spot in meetings, but will not be included in EU treaties.
First LookHoliday cheer persists in Germany despite a long government transitionEven as Angela Merkel has failed to form a government and coalition talks have collapsed, Germans and the interim government are continuing with business as usual. Experts worry a crisis is looming but most citizens are unperturbed.聽
Trolls, ogres, and giant cats: How Iceland celebrates ChristmasIceland's Christmas traditions derive from Norse paganism and a time when people, without electricity, were desperate to fend off darkness. With less than five hours of sunlight a day in winter, that longing remains, staved off by candles and the 'Christmas book flood.'
First LookBritain and EU leaders enter second stage of Brexit talksBritain and the European Union are poised to move forward with Brexit discussions after coming to agreements on the UK-EU land border in Ireland and Britain's bill for leaving the EU.
In Romania, royal funeral prompts regretsThe former King Michael of Romania, who will be buried on Saturday, ruled during World War II and was exiled by the Communists. Amid political unrest today, mourners are nostalgic about what he came to represent.
Kremlin's four-hour presser leaves key question unanswered: after Putin, what next?Russia's 2018 presidential election will likely not be a cliffhanger. What happens in 2024, when President Putin could end an unprecedented fourth term, is far less clear. He聽does have a plan, experts say聽鈥� but it's not necessarily handing off power.
First LookNew Polish prime minister meets with EU leaders, aims to solidify tiesPoland's new prime minister聽Mateusz Morawiecki met with EU leaders for the first time in an effort to strengthen ties between Poland and the EU. Poland's controversial stance on refugees and issues of governance and rule of law have strained relations in recent years.聽
Brexit: Could Britain change its mind?In a show of what the press has dubbed 'Bregret,' more British voters now think it was the wrong choice to leave the EU than still think it was the right decision.
French rock star played on American personaFor three generations of French people, rock 'n' roll star Johnny Hallyday was a window on America and a chance to dream. A million people attended his funeral cortege in Paris this weekend.
First LookPoland breaks norms and grants greater power to ruling partyPolish lawmakers approved two bills that give the ruling party more power over the courts, despite warnings from EU officials that the laws is not common democratic practice.聽
First LookBrexit negotiations poised to move forward after major roadblocks clearedA breakthrough in Brexit negotiations was announced by聽Prime Minister Theresa May and EU leaders after a long night of negotiations. Issues such as the border with Ireland, money paid to the EU, and citizens rights have been resolved, paving the way for the next round of talks.
In Trump era, US-UK 'special relationship' faces 鈥� and causes 鈥� new trialsPresident Trump is deeply unpopular in Britain, and the multiple diplomatic flareups on his watch have put a unique strain on relations with Britain and Prime Minister Theresa May. But the 'special relationship' also limits how May can respond.
Russia's doping plot: Symptom of a deeper Olympic malaise?While the extent of Russia's doping efforts was unique, it may indicate a greater issue for the Games than cheating athletes. Rather, it may show a loss of the Olympic ideals themselves 鈥� and a need to reset the Olympic project accordingly.
Berlusconi's improbable return to politics: Why Italy is giving him another lookThe bombastic billionaire's reentry into the political arena 鈥� despite his history of corruption charges and tawdry parties 鈥� says much about the current state of Italian politics, and where the public's mores lie.
First LookBrexit negotiations slow as Britain and EU debate Irish borderBritain's plan to exit the European Union is complicated by its relationship with Northern Ireland, Britain's only land border with the EU. Brexit negotiations stalled after the Democratic Unionist Party declared it would not support an open Irish border.
First LookPolish prime minister may be replaced by her partyThe conservative Polish Prime Minister Beata Sydzlo of the Law and Justice party hinted in a tweet that she may soon be replaced. Speculations are finance minister Mateusz Morawiecki will likely take the helm to ease tensions with the European Union.
An end to the treaty that ended the cold war? US-Russia spat puts INF at riskWashington and Moscow accuse each other of violating the landmark nuclear arms treaty severely enough that it could collapse. If it does, the sense of safety that it brought to Europe 鈥� the region primarily in range of the weapons the treaty bans 鈥� could evaporate as well.
First LookBritain and EU make slow progress toward BrexitBrussels wants three issues resolved before moving forward: how debts will be paid off, guaranteeing the rights of expatriates, and settling the聽EU-UK land border in Ireland.
First LookTrafficking of African migrants becomes key issue at AU-EU summitFollowing footage of a slave auction in Libya, European leaders vow to work with African countries to address illegal migration in Africa during an AU-EU summit. European leaders also hope to stem the tide of migrants heading to Europe.