Europe
European parliament with anti-European parties
After the Second World War many said, ‘Never again’. For decades extreme nationalism was considered a threat. In 2019 it has re-emerged with European far-right parties forming a new alliance led by US…
Bulgaria: Pope urges ‘welcome refugees’
Bulgaria’s prime minister welcomed Pope Francis when he visited Bulgaria on 5 May, saying it reflects his interest in the peaceful economic development of the Balkans. Francis’ tour included a visit to a…
Russia: internet censorship
Reporters Without Borders and nine international human rights NGOs called on Vladimir Putin not to sign the 'sovereign internet' bill into law because it would take Russia across a major threshold in online…
Spain: far-right politics
The Socialists won the recent Spanish election, but far-right party Vox will enter parliament for the first time. Vox opposes multiculturalism, migration, and feminism. Italy's deputy PM from the right-wing League party congratulated…
Europe: Praying for the Parliamentary Elections 23-26 May 2019
Christian Responsibility for Europe Uniting in prayer, hope, reflection and action Shaping Europe’s future – the European Parliament The European Parliament can seem remote from daily life but it helps to shape the…
Russia: Religious Clampdown Spreading
MOSCOW - In Verkhnebakansky, a town just outside Novorossiisk on Russia's Black Sea Coast, Baptists gather in a small house with a set of windows in the shape of a Christian cross. Their…
Ukraine election result: Russia’s reaction
Russia's prime minister says there is a chance for improved relations with Ukraine after Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a comedian with no political experience, was elected president in a landslide victory. Russian state media presented…
Russia: Kim’s visit
President Vladimir Putin was ‘pleased’ with the outcome of his 25 April meeting in Vladivostok with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, saying he would discuss the results with his Chinese counterparts when he…
France: damaged but still standing
otre Dame suffered desecration during the 1789 French Revolution and was restored by 1804, when it was the venue for Napoleon’s coronation as emperor of France. A restoration project between 1844 and 1864…
EU: Macron and US animosity
Emmanuel Macron is launching a bid to block EU/US trade talks because of Donald Trump’s refusal to sign up to the Paris climate agreement. Trump enraged Brussels when he described the EU as…
