Europe – Page 273 – Prologue Journal

Oil Companies Expand Offshore Drilling, Pointing to Energy Needs

New York Times Shell and others say they plan to drill for oil and gas in the Gulf of Mexico in part because doing so releases fewer greenhouse gases than drilling on land. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/03/business/energy-environment/shell-offshore-oil-gulf-of-mexico.html

At Venice Biennale, Artists Make a Case for Returning Looted Artifacts

New York Times For years, activists and politicians have led discussions about whether disputed museum objects should go back to their countries of origin. At this year’s Biennale, artists are entering the fray. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/03/arts/design/venice-biennale-restitution.html

The Premier League Title Race the Whole World Is Watching

New York Times A three-team race is deciding this year’s Premier League champion. The competition’s global reach means a significant portion of the world’s population is following along. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/03/world/europe/a-race-the-whole-world-is-watching.html

U.K. Conservatives Suffer Sharp Setbacks in Early Results of Local Elections

New York Times The governing Conservative Party trails badly in national opinion polls. The municipal races offer a clue to its fate in an upcoming general election. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/03/world/europe/uk-elections-labour-conservatives.html

Friday Briefing

New York Times Hamas considers a cease-fire. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/03/briefing/hamas-ceasefire-russia-chemical-weapons.html

Court Says Italy Is Rightful Owner of Bronze Held by Getty Museum

New York Times The European Court of Human Rights has found that Italy’s claims to a contested Greek statue are legitimate. But the museum says its continued possession is appropriate and lawful. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/02/arts/design/getty-museum-bronze-greek-statue.html

John Swinney Looks Likely to Be Scotland’s Next First Minister

New York Times Amid a political crisis, John Swinney, who led the Scottish National Party two decades ago, is in line to become Scotland’s first minister. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/02/world/europe/scotland-snp-first-minister.html

Protests Swell in Georgia Over ‘Foreign Interests’ Bill

New York Times The authorities in the Eastern European nation said security forces had used water cannons and tear gas as demonstrators took to the streets over divisive legislation advanced by Parliament. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/02/world/europe/georgia-protests.html

U.S. Accuses Russia of Using Chemical Weapons in Ukraine

New York Times The State Department said Russia had used chloropicrin, a poison gas widely used during World War I against Ukrainian forces, an act that would violate a global ban signed by Moscow. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/02/world/europe/us-russia-chemical-weapons-ukraine.html

A Portrait Artist Fit for a King (but Not a President)

New York Times Jonathan Yeo, about to unveil a major new painting of King Charles III, also counts Hollywood royalty (Nicole Kidman) and prime ministers (Tony Blair) as past subjects. But George W. Bush eluded him. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/02/world/europe/jonathan-yeo-portrait-artist.html