Europe – Page 70 – Prologue Journal

Why Britain Has So Many White Christmases (Technically)

New York Times Bing Crosby dreamed of it and Charles Dickens romanticized it, but the truth about a white Christmas in Britain may surprise you. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/weather/uk-white-christmas-snow.html

Volkswagen Reaches Labor Deal, Avoiding Germany Plant Closures

New York Times The automaker agreed to keep all 10 of its factories in Germany open and to guarantee workers’ jobs until the end of 2030. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/business/volkswagen-union-deal-germany.html

Musk Expresses Support for Far-Right Party in Germany’s Election

New York Times It was not the first online intervention by Elon Musk, the entrepreneur and adviser to Donald Trump, on behalf of once-fringe anti-immigrant parties in Europe. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/world/europe/elon-musk-afd-germany.html

Romanian Court Blocks Andrew Tate’s Case From Heading to Trial

New York Times An indictment against Mr. Tate, the online influencer facing accusations of human trafficking and sexual misconduct, was sent back to prosecutors, an appeals court said. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/world/europe/andrew-tate-trial-romania.html

At 23, Surviving Scandal to Take a Green Seat in the E.U. Parliament

New York Times Lena Schilling, the youngest lawmaker in Brussels, faced a harsh questioning of her character and credibility before winning a chance to fight against climate change in the halls of power. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/world/europe/lena-schilling-austria-greens.html

Friday Briefing

New York Times The rape trial that horrified France. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/briefing/gisele-pelicot-syria.html

During Pelicot Trial, Avignon’s Ramparts Give a Platform to Denounce ‘Rape Culture’

New York Times A feminist collective, the Amazons of Avignon, has been plastering the walls of the city with testimony from the trial of the 51 men who were convicted in the Gisele Pelicot rape case. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/world/europe/avignon-france-pelicot-trial.html

Ukrainians Mourn the Loss of Viktoria Roshchyna and Her Stories

New York Times Viktoria Roshchyna died in September in Russian custody. The reporter had been well-known for her stories about life in parts of occupied Ukraine. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/world/europe/ukraine-journalist-viktoria-roshchyna-dead.html

Looking for the Restless Soul of Nella Larsen in Copenhagen

New York Times The celebrated Harlem Renaissance author was inspired by her experiences as a mixed-race teenager and young adult in the Danish capital, a time that informed her 1928 novel, “Quicksand.” https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/travel/nella-larsen-harlem-renaissance-copenhagen.html

Its Syrian Bases in Doubt, Russia Sends Cargo Flights to Libya

New York Times A Libyan officer said the stepped-up flights from Russia and Syria delivered military gear. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/19/world/middleeast/russia-flights-libya-syria.html