Dispatches Europe

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

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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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I took an expedition cruise from Iceland to Greenland and it was the trip of a lifetimeRainbow-covered glaciers, hundreds of humpback whales and a lucky eclipse sighting – Jake Hall spotted some of the world’s most phenomenal natural sights on board a New Scientist Discovery Tour

The charts that show the havoc El Nino is set to wreak across the worldThis year’s rapidly intensifying, climate change-fuelled “super” El Niño is on course to be the strongest on record – and potentially the most powerful in centuries.

Saxony-Anhalt: Far-right AfD eyes power in German state voteAlthough the eastern state accounts for less than 3% of the nationwide electorate, the election outcome could serve as a bellwether about the far-right AFD's prospects in the rest of the country. DW has the latest.

'You're not to think you're anything special': Why Swedes hate standing outSwedes prize equality, dislike boasting and are famously reluctant to stand out – yet they're also fiercely individualistic and know how to celebrate. The century-old idea of Jantelagen helps explain these contradictions, and offers visitors a fascinating key to decoding Swedish culture.

Can You Air-Condition a City?As heat waves intensify, cities are racing to develop ways to cool large outdoor areas, from simple mist-spraying towers to complex schemes to create artificial clouds.

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.

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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.

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

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

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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

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59 Rivoli: Where Paris turned a squat into an art form

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

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

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

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

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...

59 Rivoli: Where Paris turned a squat into an art form

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

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

GLOBAL DISPATCHES

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