Rob Schmitz appears in the following:
Poland's election could steer EU member further away from democracy or closer to it
Friday, October 13, 2023
Poland holds national elections Sunday with the future of its right-wing government in doubt.
Poland's upcoming election could be most important in decades
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Poland holds national elections on Sunday and opposition parties say the future of the country's democracy is at stake.
Germany's far-right party now polls higher than the three parties in government
Saturday, October 07, 2023
Germany's far-right AfD party now polls higher than each of the three parties now governing Germany. It is another example of the spread of populism across Europe.
Worry and concern follow pro-Kremlin candidate's victory in Slovakia election
Monday, October 02, 2023
Former prime minister Robert Fico campaigned as a left-wing populist, opposing continued military support for Ukraine and aligning with Russia against the United States.
2 weekend events show how Eastern Europe is wrestling with its political future
Monday, October 02, 2023
In Slovakia, a pro-Russia party won the majority of votes in a national election. In Poland, thousands marched to support the opposition to the ruling nationalist party headed by another populist.
Poland's dangerous eastern border takes center stage in upcoming elections
Monday, October 02, 2023
The NATO and EU member borders Belarus, the Russian territory of Kaliningrad and Ukraine — plus a strip of land connecting it to Lithuania. It is an unstable and volatile mix of frontiers.
Slovakia's elections could have big implications for Europe and war in Ukraine
Friday, September 29, 2023
Slovakia, a member of both NATO and the EU, holds national elections on Saturday. The likely winner is an party that rejects NATO's military support of Ukraine and is sympathetic toward Russia.
Migrants and borders are major issues in Poland's upcoming election
Monday, September 25, 2023
Poland's precarious position next to Russian ally Belarus makes the issues more complex. (Story aired on All Things Considered on Sept. 23, 2023.)
Poland border tension
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Migrants and borders are a major issue in Poland's upcoming election, but Poland's precarious position next to Belarus and Kaliningrad makes the issue even more complex.
In the Netherlands, a farmers party taps into widespread discontent with government
Thursday, September 21, 2023
What began as a movement of farmers opposed to environmental rules is now one of the country's dominant political parties. The nation's agricultural exports are second only to the United States.
What we know about the visa scandal in Poland
Monday, September 18, 2023
Poland's foreign ministry is in the midst of a visa-for-money scandal. The deputy foreign minister has resigned and seven other officials have been indicted.
EU launches investigation into Chinese EVs to protect European automakers
Saturday, September 16, 2023
The European Commission says cheap electric vehicles from China are undercutting its auto industry and has launched an investigation into unfair trade practices.
Poland's election in October could be its most important in decades
Friday, September 08, 2023
Next month's national elections in Poland could determine the future of its young democracy.
The downfall of e-bike company VanMoof has left its customers stranded
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
VanMoof, considered by many bicyclists as the Tesla of e-bikes, has gone bankrupt. The Dutch start-up's bikes became famous for their sleek design, their ease of use and their hipster appeal.
Van poof! Dutch e-bike maker VanMoof goes bankrupt, leaving riders stranded
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
The sophisticated bicycle has attracted fans in Europe and the U.S., but repairs under warranty have bled the company of money.
After Dutch government's collapse, voters will choose a new parliament
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Dutch voters will head to the polls this fall as Mark Rutte, the Netherlands' longest-serving prime minister, prepares to leave politics following the collapse of his coalition government.
As tensions mount, Poland plans to deploy troops to its border with Belarus
Friday, August 11, 2023
Poland is planning to send ten thousand troops to its border with Belarus to counter what the government sees as a security threat from Russia's ally, and host to Wagner militia fighters.
Spain's special tennis pipeline keeps producing great players
Monday, July 17, 2023
One of the all-time greatest tennis players, Spaniard Rafael Nadal, isn't at this year's French Open. But Carlos Alcaraz, also of Spain, is dominating. What is it about the Spanish tennis pipeline?
Homelessness is compounded by more people losing housing because its unaffordable
Friday, July 07, 2023
Despite more attention and money to reduce homelessness, the numbers in many U.S. cities keep going up. Experts say a key reason is the persistent lack of affordable housing.
Morning news brief
Friday, July 07, 2023
The Biden administration is set to announce plans to give cluster munitions to Ukraine. A drug shown to slow Alzheimer's gets approval. Progressive Democrats urge President Biden to move faster.