Europeans Are Talking About These Major Current Events That Are Barely Making Headlines In The US, And It's Eye-Opening To See What We're Missing

With the constant barrage of domestic news hitting us every day, it’s easy to forget that a lot is happening outside the US right now. To widen the lens a little, I recently shared a roundup of major European stories that Europeans themselves said Americans were missing. Since people seemed interested, I'm back with a second list — but this time, I've pulled together the major headlines myself and included a blurb about why they matter. Here's a look at some of the biggest stories unfolding across Europe right now:

1.A small ski village in Switzerland called Andermatt has become the new hotspot for American buyers. According to the developer, US inquiries tripled in early 2025, and sales in just the first quarter have already doubled all of 2024's purchases. Before 2023, they had zero American buyers. The best part? This development is exempt from Switzerland's notoriously strict foreign ownership laws, making it an ideal escape hatch for wealthy Americans.

Why it matters: This isn't just rich people buying vacation homes — it's a sign of wealthy Americans seeking "escape properties" in politically stable countries. The trend reflects growing concerns about economic and political uncertainty back home, with affluent Americans literally buying insurance policies in the form of Swiss property. It's also reshaping these small European communities as more digital nomads and foreign investors arrive.

2.In a rare move, North Korea has officially confirmed it sent thousands of troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Kim Jong Un announced his soldiers were deployed to "annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers" under a mutual defense treaty with Russia. Putin publicly thanked his "Korean friends" for their "genuine comradeship." According to reports, between 10,000–14,000 North Korean soldiers are now on the ground, with casualties estimated between 1,200–4,000 troops.

Why it matters: This marks an unprecedented level of North Korean military involvement abroad and transforms what was once speculation into acknowledged fact. The partnership between these nuclear powers signals a dangerous new phase in the Ukraine conflict and could reshape global security dynamics far beyond the current war. It's also a stark reminder of how the conflict continues to internationalize despite fading from US headlines.

3.The European Union has imposed its first major fines under its new Digital Markets Act, slapping Apple with a €500 million ($571 million) penalty and Meta with a €200 million ($228 million) fine. Apple's punishment came for preventing app developers from telling users about cheaper payment options outside the App Store, while Meta was fined for forcing users to choose between personalized ads or paying to avoid them. Both tech giants are appealing, with Meta claiming Europe is "handicapping successful American businesses."

Why it matters: While Americans might hear about occasional EU tech regulations, this marks a significant escalation in Europe's approach to controlling Big Tech. The DMA represents the most comprehensive attempt globally to rein in tech giants' market power, with the potential to reshape how digital services operate worldwide. Its timing is particularly noteworthy, coming amid rising trade tensions with the Trump administration, which could fuel further transatlantic friction over the regulation of American companies. This move has broader implications, as it could serve as a model for other countries seeking to limit the influence of major corporations, adding more regulatory pressure on US companies operating in Europe.

4.China is lifting sanctions it imposed on European Parliament members back in 2021 over human rights criticisms related to Xinjiang. The timing isn't coincidental — Beijing is clearly trying to improve relations with the EU just as tensions with the US and Trump's tariff policies intensify.

Why it matters: This is classic geopolitical chess. By extending an olive branch to Europe while battling with the US, China is attempting to drive a wedge between traditional allies. Beijing seems to be calculating that EU frustrations with American trade policies create an opening to strengthen economic ties with Europe. If successful, this strategy could reshape global trade alignments.

5.At least 40 journalists are currently serving long prison sentences in Belarus, making it Europe's leading jailer of journalists according to Reporters Without Borders. Under President Alexander Lukashenko's authoritarian regime, imprisoned reporters face beatings, isolation, poor medical care, and separation from their families. The government has even labeled independent journalists as "enemies of the state" and criminalized simply reading independent media — with "extremism" charges carrying up to seven years in prison. The crackdown has forced about 600 journalists to flee abroad since 2020.

Why it matters: While Americans often focus on press freedom issues in places like Russia and China, Belarus has transformed into what former prisoners describe as a "gray country under a gray sky" where people "speak in whispers." With recent US funding cuts to independent media, conditions are getting worse. Journalists are facing Soviet-style prison conditions just a short flight from Berlin or Paris. It's a chilling reminder of how quickly press freedom can collapse in a European country that was once part of the Soviet bloc.

6.Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has publicly criticized the US for being "not respectful" in its recent overtures toward the territory. Meanwhile, Greenland and Denmark have publicly reaffirmed their alliance amid renewed American interest in acquiring the strategic Arctic island.

Why it matters: Though seemingly remote, this Arctic territory is becoming increasingly valuable as climate change melts ice and opens new shipping routes and access to natural resources. The diplomatic tension highlights how environmental changes are reshaping international relations and could become another point of friction between the US and its European allies.

7.A crew of elderly criminals nicknamed the "grandpa robbers" are on trial in Paris for the infamous 2016 Kim Kardashian jewelry heist. The 10 defendants — mostly men in their 60s and 70s with colorful underworld nicknames like "Old Omar" and "Blue Eyes" — are accused of stealing €10 million in jewelry after holding Kardashian at gunpoint in her hotel suite. Kardashian herself is scheduled to testify next month.

Why it matters: While Americans remember headlines about Kardashian being robbed in Paris, few realize that the case is only now going to trial nearly nine years later, revealing the stark differences between French and American justice systems. The suspects represent a dying breed of old-school French criminals. Prosecutors are also arguing that Kardashian's frequent social media posts showing off her jewelry and location essentially created a blueprint for the robbers.

8.Greek prisons are filling up with an unexpected population: Sudanese refugees who were forced at gunpoint to steer migrant boats across the Mediterranean. Despite being victims of smugglers who threatened to kill them if they refused, these refugees now face human trafficking charges and decades behind bars in Greece.

Why it matters: The exploitation of Sudanese refugees in Greek prisons shines a light on the darker side of Europe's migration crisis. By criminalizing asylum seekers coerced into migrant smuggling, the European legal system is failing to protect those most in need of help. This trend raises ethical questions about Europe's approach to refugees and the treatment of those fleeing violence.

9.In a shocking reversal, several European countries are taking steps to withdraw from the international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines. They're citing new "smart" mine technology that supposedly can deactivate after conflicts end. Human rights organizations are sounding the alarm about this decision to abandon a successful humanitarian treaty after 25 years.

Why it matters: This shift in European policy on landmines marks a troubling departure from international humanitarian progress. The reconsideration of the anti-landmine treaty — which the US never fully joined — could lead to a resurgence of dangerous weaponry in Europe. This raises concerns about the erosion of global disarmament efforts and the potential normalization of landmines in modern conflicts, as Europe responds to growing security threats from Russia and elsewhere.

10.Two men are facing serious criminal charges in Northern England for allegedly cutting down the iconic Sycamore Gap tree that stood for centuries along Hadrian's Wall. The tree, made famous in the Kevin Costner Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves movie, was mysteriously felled overnight last year, triggering nationwide outrage and a criminal investigation.

Why it matters: While tree-cutting might not sound like international news, this case reveals how deeply Europeans connect with their historical landscapes. The nationwide grief over a single tree might seem surprising to Americans, but it shows how natural landmarks can become powerful symbols of national identity and heritage.

11.Estonia has announced plans to increase its defense spending to 5.4% of GDP — more than double NATO's 2% requirement and one of the highest rates in the world. This dramatic increase reflects growing security concerns among Baltic states about Russian threats and concerns about the reliability of NATO security guarantees.

Why it matters: While Americans debate NATO spending, Estonia's military buildup reflects the genuine fear felt by countries bordering Russia. This dramatic shift will require significant adjustments to Estonia's economy and signals a Europe that's preparing to defend itself with potentially less American support. If other NATO members follow Estonia's lead, we could see a fundamentally different European security landscape emerging.

12.Ukraine has launched an ambitious recruitment drive targeting young people with massive financial incentives, including cash bonuses equivalent to several years' average salary for a one-year military commitment. The campaign comes as the country struggles to maintain troop numbers after more than three years of war.

Why it matters: While headlines focus on weapons and battlefield updates, this campaign reveals the human cost of the conflict. Ukraine is essentially mortgaging its future to maintain its defense today, offering life-changing sums to young people willing to risk everything. These extreme measures highlight the demographic challenges Ukraine faces and how the conflict is reshaping the country's economy and society for generations to come.

13.A man suspected of killing a Muslim worshipper at a mosque in Southern France has surrendered to Italian police after fleeing the country. The attack in the town of La Grande Combe was apparently filmed by the assailant himself, who shouted insults at God while attacking. The victim, identified only as Aboubakar, had just finished cleaning the mosque when he was killed. The murder has triggered large demonstrations across France, including a major gathering in Paris.

Why it matters: The nationwide protests that followed show growing resistance to religious discrimination in France, a country that has struggled with cultural integration. The case highlights the complex tensions surrounding religious expression in secular European societies and the challenges facing Muslim communities across the continent.

14.Far-right leader George Simion is gaining serious momentum in Romania's presidential election by capitalizing on anti-EU sentiment and economic frustrations. His AUR party, which combines nationalism with populist economic policies, has surprised political observers in a traditionally pro-European country.

Why it matters: Romania's potential shift represents another crack in EU unity at a critical time. If Simion wins, it could further complicate EU decision-making and add to the bloc's internal divisions when cooperation is crucial for addressing Russian threats and economic challenges. The rise of Euroscepticism in Romania follows a pattern we've seen in Italy, Hungary, and elsewhere, potentially altering the EU's internal balance of power.

15.A Russian satellite believed to be part of the country's nuclear weapons program is tumbling out of control in orbit. US analysts report the satellite, launched from Russia's Vostochny cosmodrome, has stopped responding to commands, raising concerns about its classified mission and potential space debris hazards if it breaks apart.

Why it matters: This isn't just a technical glitch — it's a rare glimpse into Russia's secret space-military program that has serious implications. The malfunctioning satellite highlights the growing militarization of space that's happening largely out of public view. While space launches make headlines, the military dimension of orbital technology rarely gets mainstream attention, even though it affects everything from global security to satellite communications.

16.After cycling over 780 miles from Serbia to France, university students are now literally running to Brussels to draw EU attention to their anti-corruption protests. The movement began after a deadly train station collapse killed 16 people last year — a tragedy protesters blame on government corruption and negligence. Their extraordinary physical journey represents one of Europe's most remarkable protest movements.

Why it matters: This remarkable display of activism reveals the depth of anti-corruption sentiment in Serbia that has gone largely unreported in American media. The students' extreme physical efforts to gain EU attention highlight both their determination and their perception that international pressure is necessary for domestic change. This grassroots movement represents one of Europe's most significant ongoing protest movements, yet remains virtually unknown to most Americans.

17.In one of the most bizarre twists in the Ukraine conflict, the son of a current CIA deputy director was killed while fighting as a mercenary for Russian forces against Ukraine. This extraordinary revelation raises serious questions about vetting processes and potential conflicts of interest within America's intelligence community.

Why it matters: This tragic case highlights the complex personal connections that can exist across geopolitical divides and adds a bizarrely human dimension to the larger conflict. It also raises questions about loyalties within families of those in sensitive positions in the intelligence community.

18.Global military spending has hit a record $2.7 trillion in 2024, with Europe seeing the steepest increases since the Cold War ended. According to a new report, European defense budgets jumped by a staggering 17% in just one year, pushing spending beyond Cold War levels. Germany's military budget soared 28% to $88.5 billion, making it Europe's biggest defense spender for the first time since reunification. A record 18 of NATO's 32 members have now reached the alliance's 2% of GDP spending target.

Why it matters: Europe is quietly rearming at a pace not seen in generations. While American media covers debates about NATO spending, the sheer scale of Europe's military buildup gets lost in translation. Many European countries are literally cutting social programs and foreign aid to fund weapons and defense. This isn't just about meeting NATO targets — it's about a continent preparing for a future where American protection might be less reliable. The spending surge will reshape not just European security but social priorities and budgets for decades to come.

Did any of these stories surprise you? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.