europe

Ahead of Poland’s national election, many who struggled against communism feel they are fighting for democracy again

By Vanessa Gera, Associated Press

In recent years, Poland has seen democratic backsliding, following a path first taken by Hungary.

Machinery from New York-based company used to build Russian weapons used in war on Ukraine

By Simon Ostrovsky

After Russia invaded Ukraine last year, the U.S. and Europe imposed strict sanctions against the Russian government. But as Russian manufacturers work to replace tanks destroyed on the battlefield, they are doing it with the help of a machine part…

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Slovakia’s ex-premier with pro-Russian stance leads his leftist party to election win

By Karel Janicek, Associated Press

A populist former prime minister and his leftist party have won early parliamentary elections in Slovakia, staging a political comeback after campaigning on a pro-Russian and anti-American message, according to complete results announced Sunday.

Young activists from Portugal take 32 governments to court for failing to address climate change

By Barry Hatton, Helena Alves, Associated Press

Six Portuguese children and young adults are set to take 32 European governments to court Wednesday for what they say is a failure to adequately address human-caused climate change in a violation of their human rights.

Visiting France, Pope Francis challenges European nations to open ports to migrants

By Nicole Winfield, Sylvie Corbet, Trisha Thomas, Associated Press

For a second straight day in the French port city of Marseille, Francis took aim at European countries that have used “alarmist propaganda” to justify closing their doors to migrants, and tried to shame them into responding with charity instead.

Wildfires, heat waves deliver blow to southern Europe’s vital tourism industry

By Michael Varaklas, Kelvin Chan, Associated Press

Mediterranean destinations like Greece, Italy and Spain that have been hit by heat waves and wildfires are now weighing how the crisis will affect the tourism sector fueling much of their economies.

Pope Francis urges Europe to settle conflicts and ignite hope while on Portugal trip

By Nicole Winfield, Helena Alves, Associated Press

Francis was spending five days in Lisbon, blending a state visit and pilgrimage to the Catholic shrine at Fatima with the raucous trappings of World Youth Day, the Catholic jamboree that aims to rally young Catholics in their faith.

As Europeans swelter in summer heat, some turn to a part of U.S. culture — air conditioning

By Colleen Barry, Nicole Winfield, Associated Press

Floriana Peroni's vintage clothing store had to close for a week during Europe's heat wave last month.

Spain’s conservative party wins general election, but falls short of absolute majority

By Ciarán Giles, Joseph Wilson, Associated Press

Spain appears headed for political gridlock after Sunday's inconclusive national elections left parties on both the right and left without a clear path toward forging a new government.