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The world from Amsterdam, by Nick Ottens

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Vladimir Putin Jair Bolsonaro

Which Countries Still Support Russia, and Why

China, India, Israel and South Americans are reluctant to take sides.

Nick OttensNick OttensMarch 4, 2022April 4, 2022
Rotterdam Netherlands port

Why Europe Didn’t Reduce Its Dependence on Russian Gas

Western Europe refused to see the risks. Eastern Europe refused to invest in renewables.

Nick OttensNick OttensMarch 3, 2022December 26, 2022
Mark Rutte Justin Trudeau

What’s in the Dutch Coalition Agreement

Investments in climate, child care and defense; nuclear power and government-funded weed.

Nick OttensNick OttensDecember 15, 2021April 25, 2023
Mark Rutte

The Next Dutch Government, Explained

Why it took so long and what happens next.

Nick OttensNick OttensDecember 13, 2021April 25, 2023
Sebastian Kurz Laurent Wauquiez Michel Barnier

France’s Republican Presidential Primary, Explained

How the vote works and who has qualified.

Nick OttensNick OttensDecember 1, 2021December 25, 2021
Olaf Scholz

What’s in Germany’s “Traffic Light” Coalition Agreement

I read all 177 pages so you don’t have to.

Nick OttensNick OttensNovember 25, 2021February 12, 2022
Warsaw Poland

How Poland Ended Up Defying EU Law

A timeline of the last six years and a look at the EU’s options.

Nick OttensNick OttensOctober 8, 2021December 1, 2021
German parliament Berlin

German Election: Takeaways and Next Steps

The Greens and liberals are poised to return to power, but who will lead them?

Nick OttensNick OttensSeptember 26, 2021November 13, 2022
Eemshaven Netherlands power plant

Europe’s High Energy Prices, Explained

The continent faces a perfect storm involving accidents, depleted reserves and decreased Russian supply.

Nick OttensNick OttensSeptember 24, 2021August 26, 2022
German parliament Berlin

German Election Guide

The German electoral system, the parties, issues, polls and possible coalitions.

Nick OttensNick OttensSeptember 20, 2021March 30, 2022
Mark Rutte Angela Merkel

Why It’s Taking So Long to Form a Government in the Netherlands

Three roadblocks and four possible outcomes.

Nick OttensNick OttensAugust 30, 2021November 14, 2021
German parliament Berlin

What’s at Stake in the German Election

Where the four mainstream parties stand on the ten major issues.

Nick OttensNick OttensAugust 23, 2021November 13, 2021
Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge South Carolina

America’s $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill, Explained

Where the money would go and why.

Nick OttensNick OttensAugust 2, 2021January 10, 2023
France train

What’s in France’s New Climate Law

Policies affect farms, food, transportation and urban planning.

Nick OttensNick OttensJuly 22, 2021November 11, 2021
France cow

The EU’s Farm Deal, Explained

The third rail of European politics gets (the beginning of) a green makeover.

Nick OttensNick OttensJuly 1, 2021November 12, 2021

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Regions

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Countries

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Leaders

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  • Macron
  • Meloni
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Topics

  • Agriculture
  • Energy
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  • Housing
  • Migration
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