NATO ally endorses China's Ukraine peace plan as Beijing applauds 'model' of European diplomacy

China has long pursued a diplomatic reset as it finds itself increasingly unpopular and pushed out by Central and Eastern European countries.

7 dead after bus falls into river in St. Petersburg, Russia

A bus veered off a bridge Friday in St. Petersburg, Russia, plunging into the Moika River and leaving seven people dead, according to officials.

Xi leaves Hungary, concluding 5-day tour of Europe

Chinese President Xi Jinping departed from Hungary on Friday, marking the end of a five-day European tour meant to reinforce Beijing's influence over the continent.

Top Maltese politician resigns over charges in high-profile hospital scandal

Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne of Malta resigned Friday, also abandoning his European Commission bid, after being charged with fraud.

First case of mad cow disease in 2 years reported in UK

A case of mad cow disease was detected in the United Kingdom for the first time in two years. Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said the isolated case presents minimal risk.

European naval force arrests 6 suspected pirates after Gulf of Aden attack

In the Gulf of Aden, European naval forces intercepted six suspected pirates who fired on an oil tanker, likely part of a rise in piracy attacks linked to Somalia.

Eden Golan, Israeli Eurovision contestant, surrounded by boos, applause and tight security ahead of finals

Eden Golan, Israel's Eurovision contestant, faces both boos and cheers on stage. Her security team doesn't let her travel as the city of Malmö roils with more than 10,000 protestors.

Polish farmers march in Warsaw opposing European Union climate policies

Polish farmers marched through downtown Warsaw on Friday to protest the European Union’s climate policies and to oppose the pro-EU government, officials said.

Croatia's conservative Plenkovic appointed PM-designate for third term in a row

After an inconclusive election in Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic was appointed prime minister-designate for his third consecutive term and is expected to lead a more conservative government.

Switzerland reckons with historic neutrality as it prepares to host Ukraine peace summit

Citizens and politicians of Switzerland debate what form the country's historic neutrality should take as it pertains to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Polish leader announces Cabinet reshuffle ahead of European Parliament elections

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a Cabinet reshuffle to replace ministers running for the European Parliament in a move meant to bring new energy to his government.

Protesters demand Armenian prime minister's resignation after border villages ceded to Azerbaijan

Protesters showed up in Yerevan, Armenia, in droves on Thursday to demand Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's resignation after his government moved to cede land to Azerbaijan.

China's Xi visits Hungary in bid to solidify European economic influence

A visit to Hungary by Chinese President Xi Jinping saw the authorization of numerous agreements aimed at solidifying Beijing's regional economic foothold.

Dog mom spends $900 taking her pup on month-long European vacation across Italy: ‘Great companion’

A Scottish actress paid roughly $900 to take her dog on a month-long vacation to Italy. Catherine Sophie, an actress, said it was something she always wanted to do.

Eurovision explained: A look at the music festival's origins, top contenders, and this year's controversy

This year's Eurovision Song Contest is tainted with controversy as many protesters demand that Israel be excluded due to the war in Gaza.

Center-right coalition wins North Macedonia parliamentary election, but must seek governing coalition partner

A center-right coalition of 22 parties won North Macedonia's parliamentary election, but they are still three seats short of majority, so they will need to seek a governing partner.

Polish judge has immunity lifted after fleeing to Russia's autocratic ally Belarus

A judge in Poland has had his immunity lifted by a disciplinary court after fleeing to Belarus. Poland's prosecutors initiated an investigation based on espionage allegations

US reputation declines globally, immigration concerns grow in Europe: study

The reputation of the U.S. has suffered globally over the last year while a majority of its citizens believe that unfair elections and/or election fraud threatens democracy.

North Macedonia elects first woman president as center-left incumbents suffer historic losses

North Macedonia's Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova has been elected as the country's first woman president; she received close to 65% support with the majority of the vote counted in a presidential runoff.

Police break up another protest by pro-Palestinian activists at the University of Amsterdam

Amsterdam police ended a blockade created by hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists at the University of Amsterdam, in the second day in a row of unrest over Israel's war in Gaza.

Kosovo 'unconditionally supports' Ukraine, though Kyiv does not formally recognize country's independence

Kosovo foreign minister Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, said that Ukraine must win the war against Russia or conflict would spread further into Europe.

EU poised to use profits from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine aid

Ukraine could receive up to $3.2 billion in additional aid from the European Union using the profits from frozen Russian assets if a tentative deal is finalized.

Gorilla, just 4 months old, delights zoo visitors with funny faces: 'Very happy'

A baby gorilla has been spotted making funny faces at visitors of the Prague Zoo. Mobi, 4 months old, seems to have an outgoing personality that's already on display.

Poland detains Russian man who illegally crossed from Belarus, security officials say

A 41-year-old man from Russia was detained by Polish security officials after illegally crossing into Poland from Belarus. The man is being questioned by authorities.

North Macedonia votes in presidential runoff, parliamentary elections

The issues of corruption and European Union membership dominate discussion surrounding North Macedonia's parliamentary and presidential elections.

Taylor Swift fans follow singer to Europe after finding Eras Tour tickets less costly there

Thousands of Taylor Swift fans from the U.S. who were unable to secure tickets for her tour at home are heading to Europe to catch her performances there.

China and Serbia reaffirm tight ties during Xi Jinping's visit to Belgrade

Chinese President Xi Jinping was met with public enthusiasm when he visited Serbia. He and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic affirmed the friendly cooperation between their countries.

Champagne, kings, Christianity and Germany's WWII surrender: Reims, France is 'intoxicating'

Reims, France is one of the world's most compelling tourist destinations. It's the largest city in Champagne while home to French Christianity, kings and significant World War II victory.

On this day in history, May 8, 1945, President Truman announces 'flags of freedom fly all over Europe'

President Harry S. Truman, on this day in history, May 8, 1945, announced to the American people that Germany's forces had surrendered in World War II — marking the end of the war in Europe.

The Eurovision Song Contest is kicking off with pop and protests as the war in Gaza casts a shadow

The 68th Eurovision Song Contest is kicking off in the Swedish city of Malmo, with performers representing 37 nations across Europe and beyond competing in the pop extravaganza.

Italian governor under house arrest amid corruption probe

Giovanni Toti, president of Italy's Liguria region, has been placed under house arrest amid an investigation into allegations he granted political favors for money.

China's Xi visits Serbia on 25th anniversary of NATO's Chinese Embassy bombing

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Serbia on the 25th anniversary of NATO's bombing of Belgrade's Chinese Embassy. China and Serbia have grown closer in the succeeding years.

Amid China spying allegations, European Parliament office of far-right German lawmaker searched

Authorities searched the European Parliament office of the top candidate of the Alternative for Germany party, whose assistant was arrested for spying for China.

Bugging devices discovered in room ahead of Polish government meeting

A Polish government official says that bugging devices were detected in a room where Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was scheduled to meet with his Cabinet ministers.

France's Macron hosts China's Xi in Pyrenees for private meetings

Following meetings about trade and Ukraine, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the Pyrenees mountains with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Russia threatens strikes on British military installations, plans nuclear drills after Cameron's remarks

Russian foreign and defense ministries warned of strikes against British military installations after U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron's comments.

European Union approves $6.4B plan to support Western Balkans for future membership

European Union countries have approved a $6.45 billion plan to assist Western Balkan states in accelerating reforms and economic growth with the aim of EU membership.

Alexei Navalny's wife has 5 ominous words for Putin ahead of his inauguration

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny said Tuesday that Putin's rule will "come to an end" ahead of his inauguration.

Anti-Israel encampment sprouts up at University of Amsterdam, Netherlands police immediately take action

More than 120 people were arrested at an encampment erected at the University of Amsterdam as anti-Israel demonstrations begin to spread into Europe.

Russian journalist charged with 'justifying terrorism' over years-old Telegram posts

Nadezhda Kevorkova, a Russian journalist who has worked for both state-funded and independent outlets, has been detained and charged with justifying terrorism.

Jordan stations 2 firefighting helicopters in Cyprus ahead of summer wildfire season

Jordan on Monday stationed two firefighting helicopters in Cyprus, in hopes of assisting the Mediterranean island nation in combating any forest fires that may break out this summer.

Erdoğan government formally reopens another Byzantine-era church as a mosque

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday formally reopened the The Church of St. Saviour in Chora, known locally as Kariye, as a mosque.

Notorious Polish judge flees to Belarus, triggering investigation

Polish prosecutors launched an investigation Monday into Judge Tomasz Szmydt, who fled to Belarus and made an appeal to be protected by its autocratic government.

During France visit, Chinese president urged to influence Russia to end war in Ukraine

President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday to urge him to influence Russia to end the war.

Putin's inauguration: France will send diplomat, Germany and Baltic states will not

While France will send its ambassador to the inauguration of Russian President Vladimir Putin, other countries will protest by withholding their own ambassadors.

Polish prosecutors halt probe into skeletal remains unearthed at Hitler's wartime headquarters

Polish prosecutors have halted an investigation into human skeletons discovered at Wolf's Lair, Hitler's wartime headquarters, due to the advanced decay.

China's Xi Jinping visits France to talk trade, Ukraine amid EU concerns

China President Xi Jinping arrived in France for to discuss trade and the Ukraine war with French President Emmanuel Macron, just a month ahead of President Biden's own visit to France.

Germany recalls ambassador to Russia in response to alleged cyberattack targeting chancellor's party

Germany has recalled its ambassador to Russia for a week of consultations in Berlin following an alleged hacking campaign targeting Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s party.

Denmark's new monarchs visit Sweden on first official trip abroad

Denmark's King Frederik X and Queen Mary embarked on their inaugural official visit abroad, heading to Stockholm. This marks the first visit for the new Danish monarchs.

Flowers, candles, silence as Serbia marks the 1st anniversary of mass shooting at a Belgrade school

Hundreds of people in Serbia lit candles and laid flowers to commemorate the victims of the country's first-ever school shooting last year in which nine children and a school guard were killed.

Georgia PM slams US criticism of draft 'foreign agents' law, dismissing it as false

Georgia's prime minister has pushed back against U.S. criticism of a proposed "foreign agents" law, dismissing it as false and reminiscent of past interference.

US, Australia, Japan and Philippines vow to deepen defense cooperation amid South China Sea tensions

Defense chiefs from the U.S., Australia, Japan and the Philippines met in Hawaii to deepen cooperation amid concerns over China's activities in the South China Sea.

EU announces 1 billion euros in aid for Lebanon amid a surge in irregular migration

The EU has announced an aid package of about $1.06 billion for Lebanon, which will largely go to boosting border control in order to halt the flow of migrants and asylum seekers to Italy and Cyprus.

Head of Greek far-right Golden Dawn party is granted early release from prison

Nikolaos Michaloliakos, the head of Greece's far-right Golden Dawn party, has been granted conditional early release from prison; he was convicted of running a criminal organization.

Lawmakers in Serbia elect new government with pro-Russia ministers sanctioned by the US

As Serbian lawmakers voted a new government into office, two-pro Russia officials who are sanctioned by the U.S. were reinstated; the government got backing in a 152-61 vote in the parliament.

Thousands rally in Slovakia to protest a controversial overhaul of public broadcasting

Thousands of people rallied in Slovakia's capital to protest an overhaul of the country's TV services and public radio, which critics say would result in the government controlling the media.

Polish teenager suspected of attacking synagogue with Molotov cocktails arrested

A 16-year-old Polish male was arrested on suspicion of attacking the Nożyk Synagogue with Molotov cocktails. He could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Italy has right to seize Greek bronze from Getty Museum, European court affirms

The ECHR rejected an appeal of its ruling that Italy has the right to reclaim a prized bronze statue, nicknamed the “Getty Bronze," by the Getty Museum in California.

Eurovision Song Contest organizers prepared to remove Palestinian flags, symbols from upcoming event

The organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held this year in Malmo, Sweden, say they have the right to remove Palestinian symbols as large protests are expected.

1 injured in Oslo knife attack

Norwegian police said Wednesday that a man brandishing two knifes stabbed one person and threatened multiple others in the center of Oslo.

Warsaw synagogue attacked at night with 3 firebombs, no injuries reported

Poland's chief rabbi said that Warsaw's main synagogue was attacked with three firebombs by an unknown perpetrator; the synagogue sustained minimal damage.

Greece bolsters firefighting arsenal to cope with country's growing heat risk

Greece is bracing for an intense wildfire season as temperatures rise and fires start earlier each year by doubling the number of firefighters in specialized units.

Georgia police arrest dozens protesting 'Russian law'

Georgia police arrested dozens of people protesting against the so-called "Russian law" that protestors say will curtail media freedoms.

2 men charged with felling 150-year-old ‘Robin Hood’ tree in England

Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers have been charged with cutting down the famous Sycamore Gap tree that fell over on Hadrian's Wall in northern England last year.

Finnish hacker sentenced for blackmailing therapy patients after accessing thousands of records

A Finnish man has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison for hacking into a private psychotherapy center's database, according to authorities.

Poland will not yet adopt the euro, finance minister says

Twenty years after joining the European Union, Poland has still not adopted the euro. The Polish finance minister said keeping the zloty helped avoid recession and weather other shocks.

US-sanctioned ex-intelligence chief with Russian ties to be appointed Serbian vice-premier

Ex-intelligence chief Aleksandar Vulin, who is thought to have close ties with Russia, will be one of several vice-premieres in Serbia's new government.

Family's history in Scotland is focus of maze shaped in 5-pointed star: ‘Bringing it back to life’

A unique family emblem forms the shape of a maze in Perthshire, Scotland. The maze at the Scone Palace tourism attraction is half a mile long and was originally planted in 1991.

European Union implements stricter visa requirements for Ethiopians

The European Union has announced stricter visa requirements for Ethiopian nationals. EU countries will no longer be permitted to waive requirements, officials say.

5 former officials convicted in Greece's deadliest wildfire case

Five former firefighting and disaster response officials have been convicted by a Greek court for criminal negligence in connection with a deadly wildfire in 2018.

Father and former coach of Olympic champion charged with child abuse, lawyer says

Gjert Ingebrigtsen, the father and former coach of Olympic champion runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen, has been charged with abusing one of his other children.

Trial begins for 9 in Germany over alleged coup plot

A trial has opened in Germany for nine members of the Reich Citizens movement, who have called for bringing down the government and subscribe to the QAnon conspiracy theory.

EU requires cars come with tech that slows cars when speeding, UK opts out

Required automotive safety feature in the European Union will slow cars when speeding, and is expected to reduce fatal car crashes by up to 12%.

Protesters in Germany call for Islamic fundamentalism: 'Caliphate is the solution'

1,100 protesters took part in an Islamist rally in Hamburg, Germany, over the weekend. Many demonstrators appeared militant, with one sign reading "Caliphate is the solution."

Italian PM Meloni ally fires back against criticism says policies the same but 'Europe has changed'

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Italian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Edmondo Cirielli defended Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and discussed birth rates, migrants, China and Iran.

Hacktivist group claims it infiltrated Belarus security agency

A Belarusian hacktivist group claims it has breached the country's main KGB security agency and accessed the personnel files of over 8,000 employees.

Orbán challenger leads protest calling for child protection after sexual abuse scandal in Hungary

Peter Magyar, a new voice of opposition to Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán, led a protest of thousands of people on Friday demanding greater protection for children.

Romanian court rules that Andrew Tate's trial on charges of rape and human trafficking can start

A Romanian court has ruled that a trial can proceed in the case involving Andrew Tate, who is accused of human trafficking, rape and leading a criminal group.

Zoo-bred corals join Europe's largest reef, offering conservation hope to scientists

The Burgers' Zoo in the Netherlands recently welcomed a pair of self-bred corals from the World Coral Conservatory project into Europe's largest coral reef.

Backyard discovery has retired geologist believing he's found Bronze Age arrowhead and more

A retired U.K. geologist claims he's found Bronze Age-era artifacts in his backyard and surrounding areas, including blades and axes. "Finding the arrowhead was the starting point," he said.

Sails from iconic Moulin Rouge windmill in Paris collapse to ground: 'It lost his soul'

The Moulin Rouge's iconic windmill lost its sails when they mysteriously fell off Thursday night outside of the historic Parisian cabaret club.

Belarus says it thwarted attempted Lithuanian drone strikes; Vilnius rebuffs claims

Top-ranking Belarusian security official Ivan Tertel said Thursday that the country had stopped attempted drone strikes by Lithuania, which has denied the claim's validity.

French air traffic controllers cancel strike, but Paris airport delays remain pervasive

People travelling to and from Paris were subject to significant disruptions on Thursday, despite air traffic controllers having declined to commence an anticipated strike.

Moroccan asylum seeker says he killed British 70-year-old 'for the people of Gaza'

Ahmed Alid, 45, was convicted Thursday of fatally stabbing 70-year-old Terence Carney in Hartlepool, England. Alid reportedly told police he killed Carney "for the people of Gaza."

Portugal marks the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution army coup that brought democracy

Portugal on Thursday commemorated the 50th anniversary of the army coup that brought democracy to the European country; the Carnation Revolution ended a four-decade dictatorship.

France and the Philippines considering defense pact agreement, French envoy says

France and the Philippines are set to initiate discussions next month for a defense pact that would allow troops to conduct exercises on each other's soil.

Tasting Germany: A look at some must-try foods, from Berlin to Bavaria

Rich in variety, local flavor, and even history, a hands-on experience with German food is an understandable must on most foodies' travel itineraries.

France President Macron to outline vision for Europe as global power ahead of European Parliament elections

As war rages in Ukraine and European Parliament elections approach, French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to share his vision for Europe as an assertive global power.

North Macedonia to hold presidential runoff with center-right candidate in the lead

North Macedonia will hold a presidential runoff on May 8 after no candidate secured enough support from voters to win outright; voting will coincide with parliamentary elections.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez weighing resignation after wife targeted by judicial probe

Left-wing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said he will consider resigning after the launch of a judicial investigation into corruption accusations against his wife.

Poland's prosecutor general says previous government used powerful spyware against hundreds

Polish prosecutor general Adam Bodnar told the parliament Wednesday that Pegasus spyware was used against hundreds of people under the country's former government.

Gustav Klimt portrait sold for $32 million at auction in Vienna

One of Gustav Klimt's final paintings from 1917, "Portrait of Fräulein Lieser," has sold at an auction house in Vienna for $32 million by an unidentified buyer.

Greek lawmaker will face criminal charges after physical altercation with a colleague in Parliament

Greece's parliamentary speaker, Constantine Tassoulas, plans to seek charages against a Greek lawmaker who allegedly punched a colleague outside the debate chamber in Parliament.

European Union will begin investigation to see if China is denying access to medical device market

The European Union is set to investigate whether China is unfairly limiting and depriving certain companies in Europe access to the Chinese medical market.

Ukraine sees first of new EU aid package worth about $50B

Ukraine received its first tranche of financial support from the European Union as the rest of the new aid program is set to be approved.

Texas flight attendant reveals best travel tips for stress-free summer flights

A Texas flight attendant shared top tips for traveling this summer, including how to save money on air travel, how to pack best — and why she's keen on some destinations over others.

Slovakia's public broadcasting overhaul allows government to control media, critics say

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has faced intense backlash for his decision to overhaul the country's public radio and television services.

Europe must keep increasing aid to Ukraine after US approves new military help, German leader says

Europe must continue to step up its help for Ukraine even after the approval of a U.S. aid package, according to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz spoke in Berlin.

EU unable to determine impact of refugee funds given to Turkey, auditors say

European Union auditors have said they are unable to determine the impact of the billions of euros the bloc gave to Turkey to help it cope with migrants crossing in from Syria.

Italian Senate approves law allowing anti-abortion groups to access women considering procedure

Italy's Senate approved a law Tuesday allowing anti-abortion groups access to public support centers where women who are considering ending their pregnancies go to receive counseling.

Greek skies turn orange as dust clouds roll in from Sahara Desert

Skies over Greece's capital, Athens, turned an orange hue Tuesday as strong winds carried dust from the Sahara Desert across the Mediterranean Sea.

Paris mayor confident River Seine's water quality good enough for Olympic swimming

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed confidence Tuesday that the River Seine's water quality will allow for Olympic swimming this summer.

Zelenskyy says Russian missile strike on Kharkiv's TV tower part of intimidation campaign

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday said a Russian strike on a TV tower in Kharkiv was part of an effort to intimidate the city and limit its access to information.

Spain approves plans for sexual abuse victims of Catholic Church to be compensated financially

Victims of sexual abuse connected to the Catholic Church in Spain will now be financially compensated after an economical plan was approved by the Spanish Court.

Spain reopens inquiry into Pegasus spyware case following France's request to collaborate on a similar case

Spain's National Court has reopened a probe concerning the alleged use of Pegasus spyware on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez after a French request for collaboration on a similar investigation.

Memorial opens on site of former Nazi concentration camp following government removal of farm

A new memorial has opened in the Czech Republic on the site of a former Nazi concentration camp for Roma, capping a process that took decades, officials said.

23 arrested in Bosnia on suspicion of ties to global drug kingpin's 'inner circle'

Law enforcement in Bosnia have arrested 23 people suspected of ties to a global drug kingpin. The crackdown targeted criminal networks dominating Europe’s cocaine trade.

Archaeologists uncover 850-year-old treasure in ancient grave: 'Sensational find'

The Jönköping County Museum in Sweden announced that it found 170 silver 'bracteates,' or coins, in a medieval grave. Experts said the coins are 800 years old.

Georgian opposition parties urge mass protests against 'Russian' bill

Six Georgian opposition parties appealed last week for mass protests against a bill on "foreign agents" which they say aims to block the South Caucasus country's path towards the European Union and NATO.

Dozens detained by Greek police in soccer violence crackdown

Multiple homes in Greece have been raided by police, and dozens have been detained in a crackdown on deadly violence at soccer matches.

UK climate activist won't be charged for sign telling jurors to vote their conscience

A judge has ruled that Trudi Warner cannot be charged with contempt of court for holding up a sign outside of a courtroom that reminded jurors of their right to acquit defendants.

Poland 'ready' to host NATO members’ nuclear weapons to counter Russia, president says

Polish President Andrzej Duda said his country would be ready to host the nuclear weapons of NATO's other members; this comes in response to Russia's movement of nuclear weapons to Belarus.

European Space Agency welcomes 5 new astronauts to its fourth class after receiving over 20,000 applicants

The European Space Agency has formed its fourth class since 1978 with 5 Europeans who have completed basic astronaut training along with a graduate from the Australian Space Agency.

European nations hesitant to provide missile systems to Ukraine in war against Russia

European Union countries are hesitant to provide Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, which is urgently seeking them to defend against Russian air attacks.

Russia has grounds to seize Western assets after US legislative move, top lawmaker says

Top Russian lawmaker Vyacheslav Volodin on Monday warned of potential consequences of the passing of the "REPO Act" by the U.S. House of Representatives.

4 arrested for alleged Nazi tribute outside Hitler's birthplace in Austria

Four Germans were taken into custody by police on Saturday while laying white roses at the birthplace of Adolf Hitler in Austria on his birthday anniversary.

Ukraine's 1-ton payload drones can help retake Crimea as Kyiv seeks to destroy bridge: report

Ukraine has used drones, a relatively cheap weapon compared to the larger war machines Russia deploys. The latest in its drone arsenal are two sea drones that can carry up to one-ton of explosives.

Greece sightseeing travel guide: Ancient ruins, rugged mountains, Mediterranean waters

Greece is one of the world's premiere tourism destinations, boasting rich history, archeological ruins, fine cuisine, numerous Mediterranean islands and towering, rugged mountains.