Europe

Nouakchott (Mauritania): At least 58 migrants heading to Europe died as their makeshift boat sank off the coast of Mauritania, but 83 survivors managed to swim to shore, the International Organization for Migration said. The migrants "were mostly clandestine immigrants trying to reach Spain, coming from Banjul in Gambia," Mauritania's interior ministry said in a statement released Wednesday night. "At least 58 people are confirmed dead after a vessel carrying migrants sank as it approached the coast of Mauritania," the IOM said in a statement. "Eighty-three others swam to shore and are receiving assistance." The migrant vessel sunk some 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of the town of Nouadhibou, near the border with Western Sahara, a Mauritanian security official told AFP. "The craft hit a rock in the middle of the sea, it started taking on water and the engine fell apart," the official said. "They weren't far from the shore, but a large swell stopped them from reaching the coast by … [Read more...] about 58 Migrants Bound for Europe Drown as Boat Sinks Off Mauritania, 83 Manage to Swim Ashore

The Albanian army uses a remote-controlled explosion to demolish a building in the western port city of Durres, Albania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. A remote-controlled explosion has demolished the six-storied building considered threatening after being damaged from the 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Albania. A quake a week ago killed 51 persons, injured more than 3,000 people, and damaged more than 11,000 buildings. less The Albanian army uses a remote-controlled explosion to demolish a building in the western port city of Durres, Albania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. A remote-controlled explosion has demolished the six-storied ... more Photo: Hektor Pustina, AP Photo: Hektor Pustina, AP Image 1 of / 4 Caption Close Image 1 of 4 The Albanian army uses a remote-controlled explosion to demolish a building … [Read more...] about Europe pledges additional support for quake-hit Albania

'It's not got serious yet, but all of a sudden Spanish teams no longer rule in Europe' IMAGE: Dele Alli scores the first goal for Tottenham Hotspur against Real Madrid. Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Spanish teams have ruled with an iron fist in Europe for the last few years but a disappointing round of results in the Champions League has left the media wondering if this dominant era might be grinding to a halt. Spain has provided the winner of the Champions League each year since 2014 and six of the eight finalists in that time, while four of the last five winners of the Europa League have also been from La Liga. Of the four Spanish sides competing in Europe's elite competition, only Sevilla managed to pick up a win this week. Atletico Madrid's draw with Azeri minnows Qarabag has left them facing an almost certain exit from the tournament, which they came so close to winning in 2014 and 2016.Double Champions League holders Real Madrid suffered their first group stage defeat in … [Read more...] about Is Spanish clubs’ golden era in Europe coming to an end?

BRATISLAVA (Reuters) - Slovakia’s president asked the Constitutional Court on Thursday to strike down a lengthy ban on publishing opinion polls ahead of elections in February, a restriction seen by most opposition parties as an attempt to sideline political newcomers. FILE PHOTO: Slovakia's presidential candidate Zuzana Caputova speaks at her party's headquarters in Bratislava, Slovakia, March 30, 2019. REUTERS/David W Cerny/File Photo The law enacted last month extends the blackout on publishing polls on voting intentions to 50 days from the already lengthy 14 days, giving Slovakia the third-longest ban of its kind in the world after Cameroon and Tunisia, according to the Slovak Academy of Sciences. The measure was adopted ahead of an election due on Feb. 29 next year with the votes of the ruling leftist Smer party, junior coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) and the opposition far-right People’s Party-Our Slovakia. Its authors said the bill aimed to protect … [Read more...] about Slovak leader asks court to quash Europe’s longest pre-election poll blackout

Photo: Courtesy Of Music Box Films Photo: Courtesy Of Music Box Films Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Image 1 of 1 Photo: Courtesy Of Music Box Films Western Europe Looks for Oscar Glory 1  /  1 Back to Gallery With wins for Mexico, Chile and Iran in the past three years — and South Korea dominating conversation in the international film Oscar race this year — the Academy has been taking some time off from its usual Europhilia in the category. This year, however, a number of standout contenders look to ensure the Continent a significant presence in the short list at least. France, Italy and Spain top the all-time record chart for most nominations in the category: from that trio of neighboring countries, Spain looks likeliest to score again. The … [Read more...] about Western Europe Looks for Oscar Glory