All Europe
First LookStep to recovery: German government gives millions in flood aidIn response to massive floods in Germany last week, the worst in living memory in the region, the federal government has approved a $472 million aid package to support rebuilding. While flood insurance will be taken into account, even those without it will receive aid.
As floodwaters recede in Europe, helping hands come rushing inThe aftermath of last week鈥檚 flooding in Germany, Belgium, and neighboring countries has seen Europeans of all stripes helping to rescue and recover.
Russia worries: Will US exit from Afghanistan bring back bad old days?Afghanistan was the Soviet Union鈥檚 Vietnam War, and its effects still linger in Russia. So the U.S. withdrawal is disconcertingly familiar to Moscow.
First LookSearch and recovery underway after severe flooding in EuropeGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel toured a devastated village on Sunday and pledged quick financial aid in the wake of the flooding.聽
First LookMassive flooding in central Europe puts all hands on deckAfter heavy storms caused flood gates to burst in Germany and Belgium, many people have been pronounced dead or missing. The German army has deployed soldiers to assist in the rescue operation.
Russians say Marvel鈥檚 鈥楤lack Widow鈥� is 鈥榢lyukva.鈥� That鈥檚 not flattering.Marvel鈥檚 latest blockbuster is about former Soviet superheroes in Russia. But for Russian filmgoers, 鈥淏lack Widow鈥� doesn鈥檛 feel very Russian.
First LookMigrants caught in the middle of Belarusian-EU tensionsWaves of migrants are entering Lithuania in what officials term a tactic of 鈥渉ybrid war.鈥� After recent EU sanctions, Belarus refused to help curb illegal immigration. As a result, Lithuania is swiftly deporting migrants in procedures critics call a violation of human rights.
Gender-based murder stats differ starkly in France and Spain. Why?Spain and France have both tried to tackle gender-based violence with varying success. The results show there鈥檚 no one-size-fits-all strategy.
Will the Greens lead a post-Merkel Germany into the future?The German Greens party could herald a changing of the generational guard, driven by new values on everything from taxes to the environment.
First LookEngland defends Black national soccer players from abuseAfter Black players on England鈥檚 national soccer team missed penalty kicks at the high stakes Euro 2020, racist attacks proliferated online. A聽police investigation is underway, but some critics say British lawmakers aren鈥檛 doing enough聽to support anti-racist efforts.
First LookEuro 2020: Why Italy's soccer victory feels like redemptionItaly won the European Championship (Euro2020) for the second time by beating England 3-2 on penalties on Sunday.聽
In England鈥檚 Euro success, so much more than just a soccer winEngland is in the 2021 European Championships final, and the country is overjoyed. For many Britons, it鈥檚 not just about the football.
Can French law rein in cyberbullying? A court case may tell.The trial of 13 people who harassed online a teen who condemned Islam could indicate how France will punish the crime of cyberbullying.
First LookIn Finland, Sami people protect native land against loggingIn the northern forests of Finland, the semi-nomadic Sami people's way of life is under threat.聽Under a draft revision of Finland's main forestry certification program, logging could increase by 30%, shrinking the forests that the Sami depend on for reindeer grazing.聽
First LookPost-Brexit, migrants at home in the UK must now apply to stayAll migrants currently living in the U.K., including decades-long residents, must file a settlement application by Wednesday to retain the right to work, housing, and health care. The uncertainties brought on by the deadline reveal the continued ripple effect of Brexit.聽
First LookFrench far right fails to gain control in key regional electionsMarine Le Pen鈥檚 far-right National Rally suffered a stinging setback in French regional elections on Sunday after they were shut out from winning control of any regional government, blunting her momentum ahead of the 2022 presidential vote.
Croatia needs tourists, but are tourists ready to return to Croatia?As people begin to feel safe enough to travel abroad again, tourism-dependent Croatia could be a major beneficiary of the change in mood.
First LookFrench regional elections: Far-right and center parties fall shortMarine Le Pen鈥檚 far-right party and French President Emmanuel Macron's centrists did poorly amid low voter turnout in regional elections Sunday.聽
FocusBelarus is becoming Europe鈥檚 鈥楴orth Korea.鈥� What can EU do about it?The West has dramatically failed to alter President Alexander Lukashenko鈥檚 cost-benefit analysis. The people of Belarus are paying the price.
First LookHungary bill barring LGBTQ content for minors tests EU acceptanceThe party of Prime Minister Viktor Orban is taking increasingly tough stands on social policy, particularly against LGBTQ people and immigrants. But the EU is likely to impose sanctions on Hungary if the ruling party鈥檚 bill becomes law.