Dispatches Europe

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Home improvement in the UK: What is ‘planning permission’ and do I need it?

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Sara Vordermeier: Why Reddit is the richest source of information before moving abroad

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The US Army is set to purchase Orqa drones from Croatia

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Moving to Portugal in 2026: All about the visa paperwork (and patience) required

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The hidden history of a controversial $6m bananaBy sticking a banana to a wall with silver duct tape and calling it art, Maurizio Cattelan created one of the greatest cultural controversies of recent times. But the story behind Comedian reveals centuries of notoriety and shock tactics in art.

Meloni government becomes longest-serving in postwar ItalyThe right-wing government of Giorgia Meloni on Friday became the longest-serving since the Italian Republic was established 80 years ago.

The innovative solutions tackling the impacts of climate changeFrom cloud seeding to stratospheric atmosphere injections, discover the technologies being used to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.

Weight-loss pillThe weight-loss pill Wegovy is now available in German pharmacies. Its active ingredient semaglutide increases satiety and the adult dose costs 170 to 280 euros.

These are the world’s most beautiful hotels – and No.1 is in IrelandThe new ranking, compiled by Time Out and based on visits by the magazine’s hotel experts, features some of the best-looking properties around the globe. Of the 33 that made the cut, 11 are in Europe – including the stunning property that claimed the number one spot.

Many Italians Long Resisted Air-Conditioning. Then Europe Got Hotter.Amid record-breaking temperatures on the continent, households and businesses in Italy are increasingly installing cooling units.

Brussels to open door to curbing Airbnb and second homes in bid to ease housing burdenAs housing prices become increasingly unsustainable in Europe, the European Commission plans to clarify when and how national authorities can restrict short-term rentals in areas under pressure, according to a document seen by Euronews.

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Several awkward coffee dates and one happy ending: What dating in Spain taught a reserved British expatTo this rather reserved Brit who wasn’t used to the easy physicality of the Spanish, this came as something of a shock. Too much physical contact from someone who was, to me, still a stranger. It was an early lesson that everyday Spanish friendliness can feel surprisingly intimate to a Brit. She spoke English reasonably well, but the conversation went off the rails almost straight away. I opened with “qué tal?” (how are you?) and just got a one-word answer of “ok.”

Confused about Sweden’s new citizenship rules? Here’s what changedFor many expats living in Sweden, obtaining citizenship is a huge step in building a permanent life. But recent changes to the country’s citizenship laws effective 6 June have left many foreign residents wondering what the new rules mean for them. The good news is that not all of the proposed changes have taken effect yet. The bad news is that becoming a Swedish citizen is likely to become more challenging in the coming years. Here’s a breakdown of what has changed, and what’s still on the horizon.

Expat housing expert Angelique Basten takes you through buying a house in the NetherlandsWhether you’re buying or renting in the Netherlands, you’re going to get an education. The real estate mania of the past few years seems to be cooling, with fewer instances of over-bidding and more units on the markets in major metropolitan areas. But driven by politics and the Netherlands’ – particularly Eindhoven’s – booming tech sector, there are more and more expats coming in to snap up new construction and existing housing.

Getting around in Italy: A transportation system that’s second to noneSo, 1.5 euros and an eight-minute ride to SMN gets me to group meet-ups, shopping, church and anywhere I want to go in the city, but also connects me to virtually everywhere else, whether visiting a friend in Sienna or a favorite restaurant in Lucca.

Home improvement in the UK: What is ‘planning permission’ and do I need it?

Sara Vordermeier: Why Reddit is the richest source of information before moving abroad

The US Army is set to purchase Orqa drones from Croatia

Moving to Portugal in 2026: All about the visa paperwork (and patience) required

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News and Buzz

Business

The US Army is set to purchase Orqa drones from Croatia

Georgia Lewis: Finding a creative job in the UK after Brexit

Attention, Costco shoppers (updated): Aggressive American big-box retailer has big plans for Europe

Expat Essentials

Travel

Six alternative city breaks in Europe (and slightly beyond…)

Best Beaches in Albania: From Ksamil to the Albanian Riviera

Three day trip ideas close to Amsterdam for nature lovers

IN OTHER NEWS...

Six alternative city breaks in Europe (and slightly beyond…)

New for 2026: Dispatches’ guide to the best art exhibitions across Europe (updated)

Best Beaches in Albania: From Ksamil to the Albanian Riviera

GLOBAL DISPATCHES

BEST OF DISPATCHES

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Home improvement in the UK: What is ‘planning permission’ and do I need it?

Sara Vordermeier: Why Reddit is the richest source of information before moving abroad

The US Army is set to purchase Orqa drones from Croatia

Moving to Portugal in 2026: All about the visa paperwork (and patience) required

Featured News

News and Buzz

Business

The US Army is set to purchase Orqa drones from Croatia

Georgia Lewis: Finding a creative job in the UK after Brexit

Attention, Costco shoppers (updated): Aggressive American big-box retailer has big plans for Europe

Expat Essentials

Travel

Six alternative city breaks in Europe (and slightly beyond…)

Best Beaches in Albania: From Ksamil to the Albanian Riviera

Three day trip ideas close to Amsterdam for nature lovers

IN OTHER NEWS...

Six alternative city breaks in Europe (and slightly beyond…)

New for 2026: Dispatches’ guide to the best art exhibitions across Europe (updated)

Best Beaches in Albania: From Ksamil to the Albanian Riviera

GLOBAL DISPATCHES

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