Deutsche Welle: DW.com - Europe

Unseasonal May heat wave grips Europe The UK and France have registered record May temperatures as western Europe swelters under a "heat dome." Such extremes are occurring more often as the planet warms. Why are Europe's biggest defense projects in trouble? Disputes over leadership, military priorities and industrial control are threatening to fracture Europe's €100 billion fighter jet project — with tensions now spilling into a Franco-German tank project as well. Madrid protesters decry rising rents and housing shortage Housing has long ranked among the top concerns in Spain, where demand has risen because of tourism and immigration-driven population growth. Displaced Ukrainians risk home seizure under Russian law Russia is tightening control over property in occupied Ukrainian territories, requiring owners to register under Russian law. Many Ukrainians say returning to do so would put their safety and freedom at risk. Serbia: Police clash with protesters urging early elections Officers fired teargas and stun grenades as tens of thousands rallied against President Aleksandar Vucic's government. The demonstration went ahead despite the state rail operator canceling trains to and from Belgrade. Cyprus election expected to shake up national politics Cyprus goes to the polls to elect a new parliament on Sunday. The vote is expected to reshape the country's political landscape, weaken traditional parties and accelerate the rise of new anti-establishment movements. Czechia: Uproar over Sudeten German gathering in Brno The first gathering of Sudeten Germans in Czechia since World War II is happening this weekend, despite a political backlash that has exposed tensions over one of Central Europe's most painful historical legacies. What happened to jailed Belarus dissident Raman Pratasevich? In 2021, Belarus diverted a Ryanair plane to seize opposition journalist Raman Pratasevich. What has happened to him since, and why is he now seemingly supporting the Belarusian regime? Turkey: DW's Alican Uludag released, but trial continues A Turkish court has allowed DW reporter Alican Uludag to leave detention as his contentious trial opens. He is accused of having "insulted" President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which in Turkey can carry a jail sentence. Latvia scrambles NATO jets in drone alert, the latest of several in Baltic Latvia's military said NATO planes responded to at least one drone flying in its airspace. It's the latest in a string of such incidents in the Baltic, one of which eventually toppled Latvia's government.