Europe – Page 124 – Prologue Journal

Meta’s Ad-Free Subscription Violates Competition Law, E.U. Says

New York Times Regulators said the subscription service introduced last year is a “pay or consent” method to collect personal data and bolster advertising. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/business/eu-meta-facebook-instagram-ads-privacy.html

Ismail Kadare Dies at 88; Novels Brought Albania’s Plight to the World

New York Times He was compared to Orwell and Kafka, and walked a political tightrope with works of veiled criticism for his totalitarian state. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/obituaries/ismail-kadare-dead.html

France Reacts to Big Far-Right Wins in First Round of Snap Election

New York Times Many expressed shock that Marine Le Pen’s nationalist party was so close to power after the first round of a snap election. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/world/europe/france-snap-election-reaction.html

A Culture War Erupted Over U.K. Stately Homes. Who Won?

New York Times A battle over the history of Britain’s prized country houses offers a window into the national mood before a pivotal election. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/world/europe/uk-national-trust.html

Palestinian Fighters in West Bank Seek to Emulate Hamas in Gaza

New York Times In the towns of Tulkarm and Jenin, armed militants are flocking to more hard-line factions, such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, while the Israeli military tries to rein them in. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/world/europe/palestinian-fighters-west-bank.html

Monday Briefing

New York Times Elections in France and Iran. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/briefing/france-iran-election-biden.html

Four Takeaways From France’s Snap Election

New York Times It was a big day for the far-right National Rally. Just how big will not be clear until a second round of voting is over. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/world/europe/france-election-takeaways.html

France’s Far Right Scores Big in First Round of Elections, Polling Suggests

New York Times A surprise decision by President Emmanuel Macron to hold a snap election appears to have backfired badly, giving the National Rally a decisive victory, early returns showed. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/30/world/europe/france-elections.html

Russia Maintains Punishing Pace of Deadly Strikes on Ukrainian Cities

New York Times A barrage on Vilniansk, a town in the south, killed seven, including three children, as attacks across Ukraine in the past few days have left dozens dead, according to local authorities. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/30/world/europe/russia-missile-strikes-ukraine-war.html

In the Basque Country, Muted Cheers for Spain’s Soccer Team

New York Times The region has long seen itself as distinct from its country and disinterested in the national team. Can a Euro 2024 squad studded with Basque stars turn heads? https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/30/world/europe/euro-2024-spain-basque.html