Vue lecture

The Far Right in Germany Wants to Soften Its Image, Not Its Policies

The Alternative for Germany, or AfD, has adopted a code of conduct for its members, without changing its positions on immigration and other issues.

© Nadja Wohlleben/Reuters

Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, co-leaders of the Alternative for Germany party, in the Bundestag in Berlin this month.
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Austria Prepares to Give Up ‘Dream’ of Disarmament

Historically neutral, the country is set to double military spending, even in the midst of a budget crisis, as its neighbors also spend big to counter Russia.

© Lisa Leutner/Reuters

Chancellor Christian Stocker of Austria in Vienna this month. The principle of neutrality, he said, “obligates us to national defense, comprehensive national defense in particular.”
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Migration Fears Turn Europe’s Borderless Dreams Into Traffic Nightmares

Germany’s new government imposed border checks to demonstrate toughness on migration, though crossings started slowing years ago.

© Lena Mucha for The New York Times

German border guards stop cars crossing from Poland last week.
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