Europe – Page 378 – Prologue Journal

‘The Crown’: The History Behind the Final Episodes

New York Times To close the show’s six-season run, the episodes open in 1997 and depict a heartthrob prince, an offensive party costume, several deaths and a marriage. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/15/arts/television/the-crown-history-season-six.html

Missing Boy Who Was Found in France Is Expected Back in U.K. Soon

New York Times Alex Batty vanished six years ago when he was 11 on a family trip. The police want to question his mother and grandfather about his disappearance. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/15/world/europe/alex-batty-missing-boy-france-uk.html

Prince Harry’s Phone Was Hacked by U.K. Tabloid, Judge Rules in Landmark Case

New York Times The civil suit has been part of a long-running effort by the royal to hit back against the British news media over its coverage of him and his family. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/15/world/europe/prince-harry-tabloid-hacking-lawsuit-ruling.html

E.U. Accession Talks Lift Morale in Ukraine

New York Times The E.U.’s willingness to open accession talks will lift morale, but the more immediate issue of financial support from allies for the war is cloudy. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/15/world/europe/ukraine-eu-membership.html

Ukraine Military Recruiters Use Harsh Tactics to Fill Ranks

New York Times Ukrainian men are reporting incidents of wrongful draft notices, unprofessional medical commissions and coercive mobilization tactics. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/15/world/europe/ukraine-military-recruitment.html

Friday Briefing

New York Times A U.S. response as conditions deteriorate in Gaza. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/15/briefing/gaza-israel-biden-ukraine-hungary.html

German Spy Official Goes on Trial Accused of Selling Secrets to Russia

New York Times The trial, held under stringent security conditions and expected to last months, caps one of the gravest espionage scandals in recent German history. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/14/world/europe/germany-spy-trial-russia.html

Putin Suggests He Has a Winning Hand in His War in Ukraine

New York Times The Russian leader, in his annual news conference, said he was open to peace talks but showed no hint of compromise. “Peace will come when we achieve our goals,” he said. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/14/world/europe/putin-news-conference-russia-ukraine.html

A British Boy, Missing for 6 Years, Turns Up in France

New York Times Alex Batty, who is from Oldham, England, was found by a delivery driver. His mother and grandfather are wanted in connection with his disappearance. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/14/world/europe/british-boy-alex-batty-missing-found-france.html

Finland Closes Border With Russia Again

New York Times The country accused Russia of resuming an effort to funnel mostly African and Middle Eastern migrants into Finland in an effort to destabilize it. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/14/world/europe/finland-border-russia.html