Europe

An independence supporter with a flag of the Socialist Kanak National Liberation Front (FLNKS) on October 1, 2020.

New Caledonia might be about to break from France. Here's why the world is watching

5:00am December 11, 2021

by Ashley Westerman

Many voters in the French territory of New Caledonia go to the polls this Sunday to vote on a referendum on independence. It's a moment not lost on China and the United States.

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A line chart showing the rapid rise of COVID-19 test positivity driven by the omicron variant.

What omicron's fast spread could mean for the U.S. – and the world

7:57pm December 10, 2021

by Will Stone

The variant has spread through South Africa with remarkable speed — and been detected in at least 60 other countries. Specialists are trying to figure out the next stage for this unwelcome variant.

"What happens on social media doesn't stay on social media," Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa said on Friday, as she accepted the award in Oslo's city hall.

World News

Nobel Peace laureates blast tech giants and warn against rising authoritarianism

6:05pm December 10, 2021

by Frank Langfitt

"If you're working in tech, I'm talking to you," Rappler CEO Maria Ressa said. She later added, "What happens on social media doesn't stay on social media."

World News

'We will fight for our independence,' says Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S.

4:24pm December 10, 2021

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Amb. Oksana Markarova, ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, on relations between the two countries and increased pressure from Russia.

British court permits Julian Assange extradition to the U.S. on spying charges

8:40am December 10, 2021

NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to journalist Willem Marx about the court opening the door for Assange to be extradited. It ruled U.S. assurances were enough to guarantee Assange would be treated humanely.

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EU official holds talks with U.S. officials, who are grappling with big tech firms

6:25am December 10, 2021

NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to the European Union's top competition official, Margrethe Vestager, about how governments should be handling big tech firms.

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A Ukrainian soldier walks at the line of separation from pro-Russian rebels near Popasna, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Tuesday.

Ukrainian military is long on morale but short on weaponry

5:23am December 10, 2021

by The Associated Press

Military experts say Russia would face stronger resistance from Ukraine than it did when it annexed the Crimean Peninsula seven years ago

Presidential race in France shaken up as far-right TV commentator launches campaign

5:02pm December 09, 2021

by Eleanor Beardsley

An extreme-right TV commentator has thrown the political world in France into turmoil by launching a presidential campaign ahead of next April's election.

World News

U.K.'s Boris Johnson on blast for holding a Christmas party during lockdown in 2020

4:20pm December 09, 2021

by Willem Marx

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under fire after it emerged that Christmas parties were held in his official residence in 2020, in violation of COVID restrictions.

How committed is the United States to the defense of Ukraine?

8:13am December 09, 2021

President Biden says he believes Russian President Putin heard his message not to invade Ukraine. U.S. military officials say they don't see the logistics buildup that would signal an invasion.

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