Deutsche Welle: DW.com - Europe

US demands trade deals or threatens tariffs by August 1 EU and US negotiators met over the weekend to secure trade deals that would help Europe avoid Trump's tariffs. Turkey ramps up political influence in the Western Balkans Turkey hopes to expand its influence by investing in infrastructure and religious landmark buildings across the Western Balkans. Building mosques are part and parcel of Ankara's geopolitical agenda, observers say. London police chief calls for 'mega' forces to cut costs The head of the Metropolitan Police has called for dozens of police forces in England and Wales to be merged into 12-15 regional giants. Mark Rowley says the savings made could be used for new crime-fighting technology. Fleeing, injured, and forgotten: Migrants in Poland's border forest For four years now, Poland has taken drastic measures to stop refugees from entering the EU across its border with Belarus. The humanitarian consequences are dire. DW spent a day with the activists who try to help them. Turkey arrests 3 mayors in crackdown on opposition A crackdown on Erdogan's rival Republican People's Party continues, as three mayors from southern Turkey are held. Paris reopens Seine River for public swimming Parisians have begun bathing in the Seine for the first time in over 100 years after a ban was lifted. The French capital has created three swimming zones along the river as part of its Olympic legacy. Leaders meet for first-ever EU-Moldova summit Chisinau is keen to use the first-ever EU-Moldova summit to push harder for bloc membership. Meanwhile, leaders face opposition from within over progress for another contender for accession. LGBTQ+ in Turkey: Insisting on life The Turkish government is imposing serious restrictions on people's freedom. LGBTQ+ people are among the worst affected. Their existence is threatened with bans, arrests, and blocked websites. But they're not giving up. Ukraine: Discrimination and hope drive LGBTQ+ soldiers Up to 10% of Ukrainian soldiers are thought to be from the LGBTQ+ community. While tolerance is improving, Ukraine still does not guarantee legal equality. Do EU structures enable far-right misuse of public money? A leaked audit accuses far-right parties of improperly spending millions in EU funds. Critics say it's not just a scandal but a symptom of the EU system's deeper problems.