AfD Leads in Saxony-Anhalt, but a Governing Majority Is Another Matter
Exit polls gave the party a commanding lead in Sunday's state election. Whether it can assemble a coalition is a separate and much harder question.
Europe
Le Pen Leads Early French Presidential Polling as Bardella Courts Reform
Polls put the far-right veteran on course for the presidency, while Jordan Bardella met Nigel Farage in Birmingham to discuss cooperation on migration.
Six Member States Demand Hundreds of Billions Cut From the EU Budget
Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland and Sweden rejected new common borrowing and called for spending to be redirected toward defence and competitiveness.
Five Countries Agree a Shared Model for Migrant Return Hubs by 2027
Denmark, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Greece have settled on a common approach to deportation centres, targeting 2027 for the first transfers.
Spain Matches Its September Heat Record at 45.7C
Extreme heat gripped the country after a summer of repeated heatwaves, in a season that also produced deadly fires across the southern Mediterranean.
Iceland votes on restarting EU accession talks
An election worker assists a voter at a polling station inside Reykjavik City Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026.
Pogačar Wins 2026 Tour de France — Fifth Victory
Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, rides during the last stage of the Tour de France cycling race with start and finish in Paris, Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Josh Kerr breaks 27-year mile world record
Josh Kerr of Team Great Britain celebrates after winning the 1 Mile Men's Final and setting a new World Record during the Novuna London Athletics Meet, part of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League, at London Stadium on July 18, 2026 in London, England.
Spain stuns France 2-0 to reach World Cup final
Spain's Pedro Porro celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the World Cup semifinal against France on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images Spain is going back to the World Cup final, after defeating France 2-0 in a dominant semifinal performance.
Cologne Cathedral to charge €12 from July 1
Cologne's Catholic Cathedral will begin charging tourists €12 (about $14) for entry from July 1. The renowned gothic church and UNESCO world heritage site first announced its plan to introduce entry fees in March, becoming one of comparatively few German places of worship charging for admission.
Two-day London Tube strike disrupts services
Parts of London's underground, known as the Tube, will be shut for two days this week, after transport union leaders announced a strike on Monday. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) said workers will be encouraged to walk off the job on Tuesday and Thursday for 24 hours each day.
Alevis in Germany: Preserving Faith and Culture
Alevis make up around 13% of Muslims living in Germany today. Members of this religious community once predominantly lived in rural Anatolia, Turkey, passing on their spiritual beliefs and rites orally.