Opinion

Forget polling and lifetime party loyalty – all that’s gone. In their place we have a broken system, Reform as the main opposition party, and a growing threat from disinformation

2024 marked a milestone for Germany’s biggest demographic cohort

Looking back on 12 months in Brexit, our only hope is that the government comes to its senses – because Trump is on his way

In recent years Panettone, Italy’s iconic fluffy traditional Christmas cake, has seen many twists on its traditional flavour

Madame Pelicot’s bravery in shining a light on shame has provided inspiration and courage for others who have been violated by men

During the festive season, the usually risk-averse Swiss suddenly throw caution to the wind

For anyone who cares about animal suffering, it should be a no-brainer that eating intensively farmed turkey is unethical

The scientific developments in AI in 2024 were just the tip of the iceberg

If I close my eyes in rainy Britain, I'm back in my local café in Toulouse

Daniel O’Connell, the 19th-century Kerryman, embodies Ireland’s discharge from the straps of England more than any other historical figure

Labour's energy policy is absolutely critical to reviving growth, meeting net zero and keeping the far right out of power

German elections are set for February after the chancellor forced a confidence vote to end political paralysis

The government talked big about a new chamber - but still wants to rig the old one to suit its purposes

For Meloni, closeness to Musk is closeness to Trump. But there are risks ahead

A secret armada of condemned tankers is breaking sanctions by transporting Russian oil around the world. It could all lead to environmental disaster

European nations need to be vigilant and forward-thinking to prevent further disaster

Nick Candy, the billionaire property developer, is now in charge of Reform’s finances. Now people will see Farage’s “man of the people” act for what it is – a sham

Macron seems to think his new choice of prime minister is the answer to France’s problems. He might be the only one who does

On the anniversary of Johnson’s landslide, the UK/EU thaw is beginning to bring results

A survey shows UK voters would accept free movement and want closer ties with Europe

With the prime minister pursuing a string of unpopular policies, the Tory leader used PMQs to focus on things Keir Starmer said years ago

For a woman who never desired the limelight, Silvana Mangano achieved cinematic immortality almost in spite of herself

How British music turned away from America and learned to love the continent

Marine Le Pen stands accused of risking her country’s stability to keep herself out of jail. Sound familiar?

To all the naysayers who doubt we can return to the EU, we have no choice. If Starmer really believes in Britain, it must be done

Inspired by Goya, the Portuguese artist’s versions of Humpty Dumpty and Three Blind Mice are very much not for children

Oxford University Press’s word of the year suggests social media has become a drug-like distraction from the world

A beautiful memoir about the ugly side of Europe tops our round-up of 2024’s best non-fiction

An astounding, eccentric documentary uncovers a murky assassination plot involving Belgium, the CIA and Louis Armstrong

The pronunciation of his name has always been debatable, but its origin seems clear enough – and it’s not from the Huguenots