Deutsche Welle: DW.com - Europe

'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. Bulgaria's battery boom: From zero to global leader 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. Famine threatens the Ukrainian town of Oleshky in the southern Kherson region as Russia delays creating a humanitarian evacuation corridor Food supplies to the town of Oleshky, in the occupied part of the southern Kherson region, have been cut off since May. Efforts by Kyiv to negotiate the evacuation of civilians with Moscow have been largely unsuccessful. Military aircraft crashes near US air base in Spangdahlem, Germany The F-16 pilot was able to safely eject from the plane and was taken to receive medical care. The incident occurred near Spangdahlem Air Base in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. 'Swan Song': New book by Princess Diana's brother drops A memoir penned by Charles Spencer on his older sister's life has been released, opening old royal wounds nearly three decades after Princess Diana's death. Ukraine steps up measures to protect railways As Russia increases its attacks on Ukraine's rail infrastructure, the Ukrainian government has called for help to replace destroyed locomotives and is making plans to keep passengers safe.