Europe

Why Poland’s president is invoking wartime history in a dispute with Volodymyr Zelensky

This row is more about domestic Polish politics than any diplomatic incident.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino set for fourth term – despite World Cup controversies

National football associations are lining up to endorse Infantino for a fourth term as Fifa president.

Europe's Skies: Building Stronger Air Defence Together

Across the European continent, a quiet but consequential transformation is taking shape. Nations that once relied heavily on individual national systems are increasingly pooling resources, expertise, and technological ambition to construct a more unified and resilient aerial security architecture. This shift reflects a broader understanding that collective investment in shared infrastructure yields far greater protection than fragmented, go-it-alone approaches.

England out of the World Cup, but this team may have helped redefine a nation

It could be time for a new idea of what Englishness really means – and footballers are helping to shape it.

Politics

When Leadership Gaps Shape the World's Future

In an era defined by rapid transformation, the spaces between leadership — the pauses, the transitions, the unresolved successions — carry consequences that extend far beyond the immediate moment. Increasingly, political analysts and governance scholars are turning their attention not to who holds power, but to what happens when credible leadership is absent, delayed, or structurally contested.

France Leads European Digital Governance Revolution

France has emerged as a trailblazer in digital governance transformation, with municipalities across the nation implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance citizen participation and streamline public services. The country's innovative approach combines artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and user-friendly digital platforms to create more responsive and transparent government operations.

EU steps up international support for Palestinians

EU steps up international support for Palestinians with major initiative for Gaza's early recovery and stronger international coordination. Today, the European Commission is convening the second meeting of the Palestine Donor Group (PDG), co-chaired by Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica and Palestinian Authority's (PA) Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. 65 delegations gather in Brussels for the launch of a new Initiative for early recovery in Gaza and to discuss the Palestinian Authority's Reform Agenda

Italy's New Front Against Organized Crime: Protecting Vulnerable Families from Mafia Networks

Italy has passed a landmark unanimous parliamentary law allowing the state to remove women and children from mafia-controlled family environments, offering them legal protection and a path to a life free from organized crime. The legislation marks a significant evolution of the anti-mafia framework built by legendary magistrates Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino.

Economy

Germany Weighs the Return of Coal as Energy Security Concerns Mount

Germany, long committed to phasing out coal-fired power generation, has faced renewed pressure to reconsider that trajectory following disruptions to natural gas supplies from Russia. The debate reflects broader tensions across Europe between climate commitments and the practical demands of energy security.

Business

European Startups Eye 'Nomad Citizen' Model as Alternative to Traditional Welfare Frameworks

A growing movement among European entrepreneurs is exploring portable, membership-based social protection schemes as alternatives to state-tied welfare systems. The concept, broadly referred to as 'nomad citizen' infrastructure, aims to decouple social benefits from national residency requirements.

From Fuel Prices to Investment Risk: How an Iran Nuclear Agreement Could Reshape European Finances

A renewed nuclear agreement with Iran carries broad economic consequences that extend well beyond diplomatic circles. European households and investors could feel the effects through energy markets, trade flows, and shifting geopolitical risk.

Travel

Ireland's Train Network Draws Growing Numbers of International Visitors

Rail travel across Ireland has seen a marked rise in interest from international tourists seeking an alternative to road-based itineraries. The country's passenger rail network, operated primarily by Iarnród Éireann, connects major cities and coastal regions in ways that appeal to travelers prioritizing scenery and sustainability.

Luxembourg's Geographic and Cultural Advantages Make It a Natural Choice for Short European Getaways

Luxembourg's compact size, central location, and multilingual infrastructure position it as one of Europe's most accessible short-break destinations. The Grand Duchy offers a concentrated mix of medieval heritage, modern amenities, and natural landscapes within a territory smaller than many European cities.

Beyond the Capital: Germany's Lesser-Known Cities Draw Growing Traveller Interest

While Berlin remains Germany's most-visited city, a number of regional destinations across the country offer distinct cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Cities such as Erfurt, Regensburg, and Freiburg have each built reputations as compelling alternatives for travellers seeking deeper engagement with German heritage.

Italy's Expanding Rail Network Positions Train Travel as a Viable Alternative to Flying

Italy has invested heavily in high-speed and regional rail infrastructure, connecting major cities and rural destinations with greater frequency and comfort. The shift is drawing both domestic travelers and international visitors away from short-haul flights and toward longer, scenic overland journeys.

Culinary

Polish Artisan Bakers Draw International Attention as Traditional Craft Finds New Audience

Poland's artisan baking community has gained recognition beyond its borders, with traditional bread-making techniques and regional specialties attracting interest from culinary professionals and food media across Europe and beyond. The movement draws on centuries-old methods while adapting to contemporary demand for fermented, whole-grain, and locally sourced products.

Slovenia's Wine Regions Step Onto the World Stage

Slovenian wines have attracted growing attention from international critics, sommeliers, and export markets in recent years. The country's three primary wine regions each offer distinct characteristics that have contributed to a broadening global reputation.

A Guide to the Essential Dishes of Cypriot Cuisine

Cyprus has developed a distinct culinary tradition shaped by its Mediterranean location and centuries of cultural exchange. Travelers to the island encounter a food culture rooted in fresh local ingredients, grilled meats, and slow-cooked preparations.

From Żurek to Oscypek: Poland's Regions Guard Their Culinary Identities

Across Poland's diverse regions, traditional dishes and locally produced ingredients continue to define cultural identity and attract growing interest from food tourism. Protected designation systems and grassroots culinary initiatives are helping preserve these traditions for future generations.

Culture

Where Roman Walls Meet Rooftop Bars: Croatia's Urban Heritage in the 21st Century

Croatia's historic cities, including Split and Dubrovnik, continue to function as living urban centres while preserving millennia of layered architectural heritage. The tension between cultural conservation and modern city life shapes policy, tourism, and daily existence for residents across the Adriatic coast.

At the Crossroads of Cultures: How Belgium Shapes European Identity

Belgium's position at the intersection of Latin and Germanic Europe has made it a persistent incubator of art, architecture, and institutional life. From medieval trading cities to the headquarters of major international bodies, the country continues to occupy a singular place in the European cultural landscape.

Poland's Ryneks: Medieval Market Squares That Anchor Cities Across Centuries

Poland's historic market squares, known as ryneks, remain active civic and commercial centers in cities across the country. Surviving war, partition, and reconstruction, these spaces continue to reflect the architectural and cultural layers of Polish urban history.

From Kraków to Gdańsk: Poland's Medieval Legacy Shapes European Cultural Identity

Poland's rich medieval heritage, spanning royal capitals, Gothic architecture, and Hanseatic trading towns, continues to draw scholars, architects, and travelers from across Europe. The country's historical urban centers remain active references for conservation efforts and cultural policy throughout the continent.