Stories about Western Europe from February, 2015
Students in Amsterdam Form ‘The New University’, Demanding Reforms
Students at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) launched a protest under the name of The New University to demand the democratization of education.
French Teenagers Speak a Language All Their Own. Confused? Here's a Guide
Did you know "2m1" means "tomorrow"? Or that "C'est de la balle" means "That's great"? For anyone lost, we've collected some tips to help you understand the lingo.
Did Germany’s Süddeutsche Zeitung Newspaper Let Advertisers Dictate Its Content?
Former contributor Sebastian Heiser accused Süddeutsche Zeitung on his blog of letting advertisers influence editorial content, saying he witnessed it happening firsthand when he worked on the services supplement desk.
Spanish Mayor's 'Pearls' Inspire a Thousand Lame Excuses for Failing Class
The mayor of a small town in Spain made the dubious claim that the head of alternative party Podemos failed her in university three times "for wearing pearls."
Cologne's Carnival Parade Tones Down Its Charlie Hebdo Satire
Germany's Carnival is famed for no-holds-barred satire poking fun at politicians or social events. Festival organizers in Cologne mocked themselves for making the decision to tame its Charlie Hebdo float.
Your Mobile Privacy is Under Threat Because of US and UK Spies
"The NSA and GCHQ covertly stole millions of encryption keys used to protect your mobile phone communications."
Denmark at a Crossroad After Two People Killed in Attacks in Copenhagen
Danes are being urged to stand together after a gunman kills two people in attacks on a cafe and a synagogue in Copenhagen on February 14.
A Social Media Timeline of the Copenhagen Killings
Two people were shot dead in Copenhagen during separate events over one weekend. See how the violence unfolded through the lens of social media.
Moroccan Forces Accused of Abusing Sub-Saharan Migrants
"There were six buses waiting for us, we were ordered to climb. Then we drove for several hours into the desert. We had no indication where we were going."
Ireland's Cricket World Cup Win Against West Indies No Laughing Matter
Irish satirical website Waterford Whispers News certainly enjoyed the Ireland cricket teams’ victory over the West Indies on 16 February in Nelson, New Zealand: THERE were concerns this morning among...
Greeks See Reason for Hope After Anti-Austerity Syriza's Election
The debt crisis hit Greece hard, and the country has limped along under unpopular austerity measures. For many Greeks, Syriza's electoral win has given them a reason to hope again.
Australia and New Zealand Score Big Wins in ‘St Valentine’s Day Massacre’ at Cricket World Cup
Host countries for the Cricket World Cup 2015 New Zealand and Australia have had easy victories over Sri Lanka and England. Twitter hashtag #AUSvENG was hot during the game.
Wave of Arrests in France for ‘Advocating Terrorism’ After Charlie Hebdo Attack
Over 100 criminal charges have been filed for "terrorism advocacy" since the attacks, occasionally against minors, oftentimes for reasons that have little to do with the true fight against terrorism.
Leaving With the Hope of One Day Returning: A Dominican Man in Spain
"At first I slept on the street, always in parks, but without fear because when you have nothing you're not afraid. Then things got better."
Are We Witnessing the Death of ‘Uh'? Um, Maybe — and Not Just in English
We humans have been using expressions of hesitation for a long time. Linguists are now noting a shift in usage across a number of Germanic languages from "um" to "uh."
Latest ISIS Propaganda Video Features Some Curious Reporting by British Hostage John Cantlie
Cantlie takes viewers outdoors, where he points to drones hovering above, saying the "mujahideen really don't care how many eyes in the sky are looking down on them."
Spain's Alternative Political Parties Are Fluent in Internet
New political parties planning to run in Spain's next elections are taking full advantage of digital tools to reach voters. Headliner Podemos got its start thanks to a crowdfunding campaign.
Tens of Thousands March Through Madrid's Streets for Change
"We dream, but we take our dreams very seriously," Pablo Iglesias, the Podemos party leader who organized the "Great March for Change", said over and over at the rally.
A Bold New Prime Minister Sends Ripples Through Greece's Old Political Order
Will a bold new prime minister bring change to Greece's previously stagnant political waters? Greek netizens are abuzz with what looks like the eve of a new era.
