Kosovo land swap could end conflict – or restart war

Best case: Redrawing borders leads to peace, prosperity and EU membership. But there's also a worst case.

Image: SRF
  • The Yugoslav Wars started in 1991, but never really ended.
  • Kosovo and Serbia are still enemies, and they're getting worse.
  • A proposed land swap could create peace – or reignite the conflict.
Keep reading Show less
europe foreign policy state-building war maps

Copenhagen residents are torn over Denmark's proposed 'Silicon Valley'

It may create the conditions for further inequality.

Architectural rendering by Urban Power for Hvidovre Municipality
  • The Danish government is building nine artificial islands known as Holmene off the coast of Hvidovre.
  • The 33 million square feet of new land will house 380 businesses and 170 acres of parkland, creating 30,000 new jobs.
  • Local residents fear this project will alienate the middle class while disrupting traffic and public transportation systems in nearby Copenhagen.
Keep reading Show less
transportation technology europe politics public spaces urban planning

Gamblers predicted Brexit before traders or experts

Need to know how an election will turn out? Call your bookie.

Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
  • A new study finds that gamblers reacted more quickly to news on Brexit than currency traders.
  • On the night of the referendum, gamblers and odds makers figured out what would happen hours before traders, experts, and the BBC.
  • The results are bad news for the idea that markets are perfectly efficient.
Keep reading Show less
europe markets money behavioral economics

A world map of Virgin Mary apparitions

She met mere mortals with and without the Vatican's approval.

National Geographic / Michael O'Neill (Miraclehunter.com)
  • For centuries, the Virgin Mary has appeared to the faithful, requesting devotion and promising comfort.
  • These maps show the geography of Marian apparitions – the handful approved by the Vatican, and many others.
  • Historically, Europe is where most apparitions have been reported, but the U.S. is pretty fertile ground too.
Keep reading Show less
christianity faith religion europe africa united states middle east map

Venice will now start charging tourists an entrance fee

The new charge was announced in a tweet by the city's mayor.

If a romantic gondola ride in Venice is on your bucket list for 2019, it will cost you slightly more for the experience now the Italian city has introduced a new 'tax' on tourists.

Keep reading Show less
world cultures economics europe travel urban planning tourism