Europe – Page 268 – Prologue Journal

In Budapest, Xi Hails China’s ‘Deep Friendship’ With Hungary

New York Times The Chinese leader met with Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, one of China’s most fervent admirers and protectors in Europe. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/09/world/europe/xi-jinping-china-hungary-orban.html

At Russia’s Victory Day Parade, Putin Keeps Ukraine in the Distance

New York Times A fighter fly-past returned to Russia’s World War II commemorations, where President Vladimir V. Putin permitted himself a single reference to his “special military operation.” https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/09/world/europe/russia-putin-victory-day.html

Fencing Rattled by Suspensions and Accusations Ahead of Olympics

New York Times Concerns about refereeing integrity and preferential treatment for top saber competitors have cast a shadow over a sport decided by the finest of margins. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/09/world/europe/fencing-olympics-turmoil.html

Milan Cracks Down on Nightlife After Campaign to Lure Visitors

New York Times City officials worked to make Milan attractive to visitors, but now that some neighborhoods are overwhelmed by rowdy crowds and noise, they’re trying to scale back. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/09/world/europe/milan-nightlife-crowd-control.html

Luis Rubiales, Ex-Soccer Chief, to Be Tried in Spain for Unwanted Kiss

New York Times Luis Rubiales, the former head of Spanish soccer, is charged with two different counts in connection with the unsolicited kiss of a star player. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/world/europe/spain-soccer-luis-rubiales-sexual-assault.html

Sunak to Urge University Leaders to Protect Jewish Students on Campus

New York Times Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will meet with a group of British university leaders on Thursday to discuss ways to tackle antisemitism, as pro-Palestinian protests on campuses spread. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/world/europe/sunak-uk-university-campus-protests.html

Ukraine’s Parliament Passes Bill Allowing Some Convicts to Serve in Army

New York Times The measure, which must still be signed into law, echoes a practice used by Russia, which has drafted tens of thousands of inmates into the war. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/world/europe/ukraines-convicts-army.html

U.K. to Expel Russian Defense Attaché as Diplomatic Feud With Moscow Escalates

New York Times The British home secretary, James Cleverly, accused Russia’s foreign intelligence service of a pattern of “malign activity” in Britain and Europe. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/world/europe/britain-russia-defense-attache-moscow.html

Olympic Flame Arrives in Marseille

New York Times The flame will be carried on a 79-day journey across France and its territories, culminating in Paris with the start of the Olympic Games on July 26. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/world/europe/olympic-torch-france-marseille.html

Israel’s Eurovision Entrant Faces Down Her Critics

New York Times Campaigners have unsuccessfully urged the Eurovision Song Contest to ban Eden Golan because of her country’s war in Gaza. “I won’t let anything break me,” she said. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/arts/music/eurovision-israel-eden-golan-hurricane.html