Europe

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.

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.

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.

Politics

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.

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

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.

Andy Burnham is the Labour leader – third time lucky for the UK’s prime minister-in-waiting

His rise this time seemed unstoppable – but Burnham’s route to the top wasn’t always so clear.

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

Ancient Footpaths and Pilgrim Routes Put Italy on the Global Hiking Map

Italy's network of historic trails, from the Via Francigena to the Sentiero Italia, continues to attract long-distance walkers from across the world. The country's combination of cultural heritage, varied landscapes, and well-maintained route infrastructure has positioned it as a leading destination for hiking tourism in Europe.

Hungary's Medieval Castles Draw Growing Numbers of International Visitors

Hungary's network of medieval and Renaissance castles has become a significant driver of cultural tourism across the country. Sites ranging from the royal palace complex at Visegrád to the hilltop fortress at Eger attract visitors from across Europe and beyond.

Beneath the Mediterranean: Malta's Waters Draw Divers From Across the Continent

Malta has established itself as one of Europe's premier scuba diving destinations, offering a combination of warm, clear waters, dramatic underwater topography, and accessible wrecks. The archipelago's position in the central Mediterranean gives it conditions that attract both novice and experienced divers year-round.

Lithuania's Capital Draws Growing Wave of European Travellers

Vilnius, the baroque-rich capital of Lithuania, has seen rising interest from short-break travellers across Europe in recent years. Affordable flights, a compact old town recognised by UNESCO, and a broadening hospitality scene have positioned the city as an increasingly visible destination on the continent's travel map.

Culinary

Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The Dish Behind a Viral Culinary Phenomenon Sweeping European Home Kitchens

A one-pot pasta dish known as 'Marry Me Chicken' has gained widespread popularity across Europe, drawing on classic Mediterranean ingredients to produce a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce paired with chicken and pasta. The recipe's simplicity and dramatic name have contributed to its sustained presence on cooking platforms and in home kitchens across the continent.

Short Supply Chains and Local Sourcing Reshape Europe's Food Landscape

Across Europe, a growing network of farmers, chefs, and consumers is pushing food systems toward greater transparency and regional self-sufficiency. Policy shifts at both the national and European Union level are accelerating what was once a niche culinary movement into mainstream agricultural practice.

The Caprese Salad: How a Simple Dish from Southern Italy Became a Global Culinary Standard

The caprese salad, composed of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves, traces its origins to the Italian island of Capri and remains one of the most recognizable dishes in Mediterranean cuisine. Its enduring presence on restaurant menus across Europe and beyond reflects both the simplicity of its construction and the cultural weight carried by Italian culinary tradition.

Burgundy's Snail Tradition: How a French Regional Dish Became a Global Culinary Landmark

Escargots à la Bourguignonne, a preparation of land snails baked with garlic butter and parsley, has evolved from a centuries-old Burgundian staple into one of France's most recognizable culinary exports. The dish occupies a distinct place in European food culture, bridging rural agricultural tradition with haute cuisine.

Culture

Guardians of the Past: How German Museums Shape Europe's Cultural Memory

Germany's extensive network of museums serves as one of Europe's primary custodians of art, history, and shared heritage. From Berlin's Museum Island to regional institutions across the country, these collections represent centuries of acquisition, preservation, and scholarly stewardship.

From Painted Monasteries to Saxon Fortresses: Romania's UNESCO Heritage Spans Centuries

Romania holds a diverse collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that document the country's layered history, from medieval religious art to ancient Dacian citadels. These protected sites draw visitors and scholars from across Europe and beyond, cementing Romania's place on the global cultural map.

Constantin Brâncuși Remains a Cornerstone of Romania's Global Cultural Identity

The work of sculptor Constantin Brâncuși continues to shape Romania's standing in the international arts community decades after his death. His monumental sculptures and modernist philosophy attract scholars, tourists, and institutions worldwide.

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.