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.

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.

Politics

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.

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.

If Europe wants to ‘go it alone’ on security, countries need to learn to sing from the same songsheet

Splits are appearing in Europe’s approach to Russia’s aggression just when it needs to present a united front.

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.

Tech Giants Navigate EU's Digital Services Act Era

Across Europe, a fundamental shift is underway in how technology companies operate, communicate, and structure their digital offerings. The Digital Services Act — one of the most ambitious regulatory frameworks for online platforms in the world — is compelling major tech players to rethink their approach to everything from content moderation to algorithmic transparency. In recent months, this transformation has moved from boardrooms and legal departments into the visible fabric of how platforms actually function for everyday European users.

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

Austria's Mountain Railways: A Guide to the Country's Most Celebrated Scenic Rail Corridors

Austria's alpine geography has produced some of Europe's most dramatic rail journeys, connecting historic cities with remote mountain passes and lakeside valleys. Several routes carry UNESCO recognition or protected heritage status, drawing rail travelers from across the continent.

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.

Finland's National Parks: A Guide to the Country's Most Celebrated Natural Reserves

Finland's network of national parks spans vast stretches of wilderness, from Arctic fells in the north to forested lakeshores in the south. These protected areas draw visitors seeking hiking, wildlife observation, and access to some of northern Europe's most intact natural landscapes.

Enduring Draw: How Greece's Ancient Sites Continue to Shape Global Tourism

Greece's archaeological landmarks, from the Acropolis of Athens to the ruins of Delphi, remain among the most visited heritage sites in the world. Their sustained appeal reflects a combination of historical depth, UNESCO recognition, and ongoing preservation efforts.

Culinary

Sweden's Seafood Heritage Earns a Place on the World Stage

Swedish culinary traditions centered on fish and shellfish have gained growing international recognition, drawing attention to centuries-old preservation and preparation methods. The country's coastal food culture, shaped by geography and climate, is increasingly studied and celebrated beyond Scandinavia.

Portugal's Iconic Custard Tart Fuels a Broader Renaissance in Traditional Pastry

The pastel de nata, Portugal's celebrated egg custard tart, has moved beyond its Lisbon origins to become a catalyst for renewed global interest in Portuguese confectionery. Bakeries and culinary institutions across Portugal are expanding their traditional dessert offerings as demand from both domestic consumers and international visitors continues to grow.

Between Schnitzel and Sourdough: How Vienna Is Redefining Its Culinary Identity

Vienna's restaurant landscape has evolved to balance its deep-rooted Habsburg-era food traditions with a growing appetite for contemporary, internationally influenced cuisine. The Austrian capital now hosts a diverse range of dining establishments that draw on both local heritage and global culinary movements.

From Forest to Fork: How Latvia's Wild Larder Is Shaping a New Baltic Culinary Identity

Latvia's deep foraging traditions, rooted in centuries of rural life, are finding renewed expression in contemporary restaurants across Riga and beyond. Chefs across the Baltic region are increasingly drawing on native woodland ingredients to define a distinctly Northern European cuisine.

Culture

Across Europe, Local Festivals and Folk Customs Are Finding New Audiences

Regional traditions ranging from Alpine cattle drives to Balkan folk music gatherings are attracting renewed interest from younger generations and international visitors alike. Scholars and cultural organizations point to a combination of digital preservation, tourism investment, and post-pandemic identity politics as key drivers of this revival.

Preserved in Stone and Tradition: The Enduring Appeal of France's Historic Villages

France's rural villages, many bearing architectural features dating back several centuries, continue to attract visitors and residents drawn to their cultural continuity. Strict heritage protections and longstanding community practices have played a central role in keeping their character largely intact.

From Chatbots to Conservation: European Museums Integrate Artificial Intelligence

Cultural institutions across Europe are adopting artificial intelligence tools to enhance visitor engagement, streamline collection management, and expand access to cultural heritage. The shift represents one of the most significant technological transformations the museum sector has seen in decades.

Between Cathedral Spires and Startup Campuses: Germany's Cities Navigate Centuries of Change

Germany's major urban centers have long served as crossroads of European history, architecture, and commerce. In recent decades, many of these cities have layered modern technology districts and innovation hubs onto foundations that stretch back to the medieval period.