COVID-19 overturns stereotypes in Italy and Britain
Italy is all chaos, while Britain epitomises civility, right? Think twice, because COVID-19 has helped to turn clichés upside down.
Soft power: Stirring symbols amid COVID-19 ravaging
China wasted no time shipping aid to Italy as the European nation struggled to contain the coronavirus — "soft power"…
Did a soccer match in Italy’s epicentre spur COVID-19?
A team from a small town in Italy made it to Europe's premier soccer tournament. Delirious fans hugged each other…
Former “Mr Nobody” leads Italy’s fight against coronavirus
Italy is now the global epicentre of the coronavirus disease, which has killed more Italians than Chinese. A political newcomer…
Italy bucks populism but egos weaken government
Italy has sidelined right-wing populism for now. But a shaky governing coalition and big egos are keeping long overdue reforms…
Populists run into trouble as Italy drifts
Populists are riding high in Italy's uneasy governing coalition and challenging Europe's status quo. Meanwhile, Italy suffers from inertia and…
Hate crimes surge as Italy cracks down on migrants
Hate crimes have surged in Italy as a new governing coalition takes a hard line on immigrants, capitalizing on citizens'…
Political earthquake in Spain rocks Europe’s boat
Spain has been hit by a political earthquake that has sent shock waves around the country and ripples of nervousness…
Historic verdict condemns Italian collusion with the Mafia
A Sicilian court has ruled politicians and police encouraged deadly car bomb attacks, shining a light into a dark chapter…
Sit up and take heed: Italy cannot be allowed to fail
Italy is struggling -- again -- to form a government. But with massive debt and a large economy, Italy is…
Corsica: A restless outlier in France’s grasp
The Mediterranean island of Corsica has seen rulers come and go through the centuries. Part of France for 250 years,…
Decoder Spotlight: SYA France stands out
School Year Abroad France students have submitted more articles to News-Decoder this year than any other program. Their engagement has…
Elections in Italy: Resurrection, hubris and lies
Italy’s election on Sunday will likely produce yet another a weak coalition government, unable to tackle the many obstacles to…
Letter from Italy: A country strangled by red tape
Suffocating bureaucracy, mountainous debt and political instability keep Italy stuck in the past, with little hope for innovative reforms.
In Italy, it’s déjà vu all over again
When U.S. baseball legend Yogi Berra uttered the tautology, “It’s déjà vu all over again,” he could have been referring…
Italy’s Lampedusa wants to spread peace through drum beat
Italy's Lampedusa island has become a symbol of the desperate flight of migrants and refugees. Now it wants to promote…
The ambiguity of the European Union dream
Students in France, Italy and Spain spent months examining the European Union. In a world in flux, they found that…
After deadly crossing, migrants test Italy’s will
Undeterred by a deadly sea crossing, African migrants fleeing war, poverty, climate change and rights abuses are testing the will…
Nationalism rears its head again in Europe
Brexit offers a glimpse of the frustration that many Europeans feel with politicians and the EU. Nationalism and populism are…
Letter from Italy: Reminders of a dark history
Few tourists enjoying Italy's summer season realize this tranquil country has survived a dark history of violence and terrorism that…
Trump and Berlusconi, cut from the same cloth
Strange hair, billions in fortune and a magical ability to climb the polls despite statements that would sink other politicians.…
Italy covers up but no hiding from brickbats
Diplomatic deference or crass kowtowing? Italy's decision to cover up nude statues during a visit by Iran's president provokes scorn,…
Giulia and the complexity that surrounds us
"The refugee crisis deserves the most attention. Not only because it is a huge humanitarian issue unlikely to get better."
Schengen, and European unity, under threat
Waves of migrants overwhelming European countries are raising questions over one of the continent's bedrock achievements, the Schengen Area.
Migrants throw question mark over EU expansion
The European Union is under siege from desperate migrants and refugees. Yet talks continue to bring in new member states,…
Letter from Italy: A frustrating place to love
Italy is vulnerable to contagion from Greece's crisis. But reminders of how things never really change are everywhere.