Deutsche Welle: DW.com - Europe

European cities seek ways of boosting affordable housing In many major urban centers of Europe, the housing shortage has become an explosive social issue. DW looks into various models that have been put in place across the continent. Backlash over data centers tests Europe's AI ambitions Massive data centers needed to run AI are triggering protests across Europe. Their operators counter that they boost digital sovereignty and energy independence. Russia expected to intensify hybrid war on Europe Drone explosions, airspace violations, arson attacks: Poland, Romania, and Moldova are now regularly targeted in Russian attacks against Ukraine. More governments are calling these attacks deliberate acts of aggression. Russian students: Propaganda in school prepares them to die The Russian government wants children to learn about patriotism from an early age. DW spoke to students in Siberia about their views on propaganda at school on the war in Ukraine and their future. 'Lithuanian skies are NATO skies': DW speaks with Lithuanian premier Mindaugas Sinkevicius In a DW interview, Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius discussed threats to Lithuania from Russia and Belarus, NATO's need for stronger air defense and why military spending alone cannot ensure security. How Bulgaria become a global leader in battery storage and what this means for the country's grid and energy market? In under two years, Bulgaria has become one of the world's most battery-intensive energy markets. Can the surge last — and what will it mean for conventional power generators? Italy to ban burqa in schools, limit foreign pupils Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has passed new school rules capping the number of students who don't speak fluent Italian and banning face coverings. Czech PM Andrej Babis reiterates importance of NATO for his country but rejects calls to increase defense spending The US and NATO want Czechia to spend more on defense. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis says Prague cannot afford faster increases, despite growing warnings about the threat from Russia. 'Pope fever' takes hold as Pope Leo visits France Pope Leo XIV is expected to draw huge crowds during his visit to France. As part of his trip, he's also set to address Europe's future and some of the challenges ahead. Slovakia: PM Robert Fico's NATO Article 5 remarks spark criticism and raise questions about his country's NATO commitment Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico says he fears war and will do everything he can to keep his country out of one. Critics say his remarks risk weakening NATO, the alliance that was designed to prevent such a war.