Western Europe
The EU's New Migrant Crisis
The international community has been aware of the migrant crisis in Europe for a decade.
Finland First: Sweden still seeks a path to NATO Membership
On March 17th, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave Finnish President Sauli Niinisto the green light to apply for NATO membership, signaling a shift in Erdogan's policy.
Italy’s Fight Against Russian Aggression, on Two Fronts
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discussed the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Two Women Are Now Italy’s Most Powerful Politicians
After winning a primary vote on Feb. 27, Elena Ethel "Elly" Schlein was elected the leader of Partito Democratico (the Democratic Party of Italy), or PD.
United Kingdom and European Union Strike New Deal regarding Ireland
The European Union and United Kingdom reached a historic deal on Monday regarding post-Brexit legal issues.
German Parliament to Vote on Purchase of F-35 Fighter Jets
On Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, the German Parliament announced its intent to vote on the proposed plan to set aside €10 billion (or $10.5 billion) to purchase the F-35 stealth fighter jets from American company Lockheed Martin.
UK-China Tensions Rise as BBC Journalist is Arrested During Protests
Nov. 27, 2022, BBC journalist Edward Lawrence was arrested whilst covering protests against coronavirus lockdowns in Shanghai, China.
EU Sparks Debates at COP27 Over Loss and Damage Fund
Global climate talks at the COP27 conference in Egypt have dragged on as countries continue to debate the best way to help nations most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
The UK Awaits as Sunak and Hunt Announce their Economic Plan for the Country
On Nov. 17, 2022, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt will announce the government’s new spending plan.
Lisbon Climate Protests Intensify in the Midst of the COP27 Conference
On Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022 climate protesters organized in the streets of Lisbon, Portugal and stormed the building where Antonio Costa Silva, Portugal’s Economy Minister, was speaking.
Sweden and Finland Unlikely to Join NATO Soon
What was expected to be a smooth transition into NATO has turned into a long-winded diplomatic negotiation as Sweden and Finland face difficulties joining the organization due to Turkey’s persistent opposition.
Standoff Ends as Italian Government Allows Migrants to Disembark Rescue Ships
On Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, the Italian government finally let two ships of migrants disembark in Rome: the Humanity 1, run by the charity SOS Humanity, and the Geo Barents, run by Medicins Sans Frontiers (MSF).
Italian Prime Minister Bans Raves, Allows Fascist March
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of the Brothers of Italy party announced a decree banning unlicensed raves on October 31, but allowed Mussolini admirers and fascist supporters to march to the dictator’s burial grounds, signifying a potentially dangerous new chapter for Italy.
Who is Rishi Sunak? Meet Britain’s New Prime Minister
Rishi Sunak of the Conservative Party officially became England’s prime minister on October 25, following the resignation of Liz Truss. He is the country’s third prime minister in seven weeks and its first non-white.
Giorgia Meloni Addresses the Italian Parliament for the First Time as Prime Minister
On Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, Giorgia Meloni gave her first speech as the new Prime Minister of Italy, the first woman to hold the position in the country’s history.
France Leaves Controversial Energy Treaty
France is the latest country to pull out of the Energy Charter Treaty, which protects fossil fuel investments from policy changes that pose threats to profits.
Liz Truss Resigns as British Prime Minister
Liz Truss of the Conservative Party stepped down as British Prime Minister. She made the announcement outside 10 Downing Street on October 20th.
European Union Approves Training Plan for Ukrainian Soldiers
The European Union’s plan to assist Ukraine in the war against Russia has finally been approved by foreign ministers.
French Oil Strike Rages On As Shortages Worsen
Strikes by fuel refinery workers in France are leaving the country in turmoil, with motorists in every part of the country struggling to get gas for their vehicles. The strike first began on Sept. 20, 2022, when workers at the ExxonMobil refinery went on strike. The labor shortages were then exacerbated when TotalEnergies workers joined the strike on Sept. 26, 2022. The French government ordered workers to begin work again, yet the labor unions leading the strike decided to extend them as recently as Oct. 12, 2022, as their conditions have not been met. With an energy crisis already affecting the continent, this strike could not come have at a worse time.
Concerns Rise as Giorgia Meloni’s Far-Right Coalition Wins in Italy
Giorgia Meloni, a far-right candidate for Italy’s 2022 election, won and claimed her position as the new prime minister. As the first female prime minister in Italy, Meloni leads a strong far-right government which is expected to be the most far-right in Italy since World War II.