Europe

vigil with candles

Russian lawyer Alexei Navalny, who was clear-eyed about the dangers in prison, has died

The World's Carolyn Beeler talks with Michael McFaul, a former ambassador to Russia and friend of Navalny's, about what his death means for the country and for his family.

Russian lawyer Alexei Navalny, who was clear-eyed about the dangers in prison, has died
collapsed building

Parents seek justice for children crushed in collapsed hotel during Turkish earthquake

Parents seek justice for children crushed in collapsed hotel during Turkish earthquake
A group of people crowded onto a small open boat in the deep blue sea

Europe makes another move to outsource border control with Mauritania deal

Europe makes another move to outsource border control with Mauritania deal
shepherd with sheep amid rubble

A year on, a Kurdish village near Turkey’s earthquake epicenter says it's been overlooked

A year on, a Kurdish village near Turkey’s earthquake epicenter says it's been overlooked
children and woman with a mic onstage

Latvian conference takes on issue of Russia kidnapping Ukrainian children

Latvian conference takes on issue of Russia kidnapping Ukrainian children
A woman in a black shirt holds up her arm on which there is a tattooed number.

Why some descendants of Holocaust survivors choose to replicate a loved one’s Auschwitz tattoo

Alice Bloch talks about her research with the descendants of Holocaust survivors who have replicated the Auschwitz tattoo.

Why some descendants of Holocaust survivors choose to replicate a loved one’s Auschwitz tattoo
Military gear compiled on ground

NATO launches largest military exercises since the Cold War

This week, NATO launched its largest military exercise since the Cold War. The military drills are taking place across Germany, Poland and the Baltics and will continue through May. European officials and military leaders have warned that if Russia’s military isn’t stopped in Ukraine, a NATO country could be targeted next.

NATO launches largest military exercises since the Cold War
play

John Malkovich directs epic play 'Leopoldstadt' in Latvia

“Leopoldstadt” is a gripping play about the changing fortunes of a Jewish family in Austria. In 2023, it won a number of Tony Awards, including for best play. Now, a new production of “Leopoldstadt” is being performed in Riga, Latvia. And the choice of director has helped it draw a lot of attention.

John Malkovich directs epic play 'Leopoldstadt' in Latvia
Small canoes piled next to each other on a waterway

'I put myself in their shoes': Migrants to Europe find empathy on a small island

While most of Europe is getting tough on migrants and asylum-seekers, residents on one Canary island are taking a more friendly approach to newcomers. The people of El Hierro, part of the Spanish archipelago, say they can relate to the long journey many people make in search of a better life — because it reflects their own recent history.

'I put myself in their shoes': Migrants to Europe find empathy on a small island
In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda, left, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attend a welcoming ceremony in Presidential Courtyard, Vilnius, Lithuania, Jan. 10, 2024.

Zelenskiy visits Baltic states to rally support for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy just wrapped up a two-day tour of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia. His trip is part of a wider diplomatic effort to shore up support for his country.

Zelenskiy visits Baltic states to rally support for Ukraine
sanctuary

‘I just got completely blasted by love’: People in the UK attest to the ways that spirituality is evolving 

In the United Kingdom, 7 in 10 people under the age of 30 say they don’t identify with any particular religion. The World met with clergy members, pagans, atheists, Muslims and others to hear about how they look at religion today in the UK.

‘I just got completely blasted by love’: People in the UK attest to the ways that spirituality is evolving 
The village of Vallehermoso on La Gomera

Residents of lush La Gomera Island aim to protect it from over-tourism

In the Canary archipelago, the Laurel forest of La Gomera island looks like something from the age of the dinosaurs. Because it is from the age of the dinosaurs. It's lush and eerie, with “trees” that grow horizontally along the ground like enormous vines. In recent times, the UNESCO-protected forest has been threatened by building, forestry and tourists. Locals are figuring out ways to protect this special place.

Residents of lush La Gomera Island aim to protect it from over-tourism
Lower reservoir on El Hierro island

Spanish island dumps diesel for wind, water and sunshine

El Hierro, a tiny island in the Canaries, is halfway to the UN goal of ditching fossil fuels. But finding just the right renewable energy mix is proving tough.

Spanish island dumps diesel for wind, water and sunshine
A couple embrace during a protest in Trafalgar Square, London, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. They are demanding the release of all hostages allegedly taken by the militant group Hamas.

'A link with my ancestors': Britons reconnect with Jewish roots for EU passports

Since the Brexit vote of 2016, hundreds of thousands of Britons have applied for citizenship of European countries, allowing them to continue to work and travel freely while holding onto their British passport. Thousands have been able to acquire passports of other European nations through sometimes distant Jewish roots.

'A link with my ancestors': Britons reconnect with Jewish roots for EU passports
Lt. Col. Manuel E. Lichtenstein interacts with children in southern Italy, 1945.

American World War II doctor in Italy captures scenes of wartime beyond the front lines 

Lt. Col. Manuel E. Lichtenstein was a doctor in southern Italy during World War II. He met with top generals and won prestigious awards. Stories about his three harrowing years there were passed down in his family. But an old box of photos he took — of simple moments with everyday people — reveal a different view of life during wartime, away from the front lines.

American World War II doctor in Italy captures scenes of wartime beyond the front lines