London named best-rated destination in Europe for 2017

London has beaten traditional favourites such as Paris and Rome to be named the best destination in Europe in TripAdvisor's annual Travellers' Choice Destination awards.

The sought-after top rating was awarded after analysis of millions of visitor reviews of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.

The capital's profile was boosted last year by events such as the Queen's 90th celebrations and blockbuster shows like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

London also ranked as the second best rated destination on earth, beating popular holiday destinations like New York and Thailand - but was narrowly pipped to the top spot by Bali in Indonesia. 

The Indonesian island, which is known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs, jumped nine places from the 10th spot last year.

TripAdvisor's top 10 destinations in the world also recognised Crete in Greece (number six), Barcelona in Spain (seven), Siem Reap, near Angkor Wat in Cambodia (number eight), Prague (nine), and Phuket in Thailand (10).

Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor for Business and Chairman of London & Partners, said: "London has the best selection of food, theatre, cultural events, museums and galleries anywhere in the world, and we are welcoming more visitors than ever to enjoy the diversity of our great city.

"With new blockbuster exhibitions and shows opening, plus Harry Potter's 20th anniversary and the 'IAAF World Championships London 2017 and World Para Athletics Championships' in the capital this year, we hope to further cement the city's global status as one of the best places that there is to visit."

The number of overseas visitors to the capital has soared since the 2012 Olympics, reaching a record 17.4 million in 2014, making it the city most visited by international travellers.

The capital fell one spot from first place, having been named the world's number one travel destination last year. 

TripAdvisor's 10 best-rated destinations in Europe:

1.    London, UK

2.    Paris, France

3.    Rome, Italy

4.    Crete, Greece

5.    Barcelona, Spain

6.    Prague, Czech Republic

7.    Istanbul, Turkey

8.    St. Petersburg, Russia

9.    Lisbon, Portugal

10. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

TripAdvisor's 10 best-rated destinations in the world:

1.    Bali, Indonesia 

2.    London, UK 

3.    Paris, France 

4.    Rome, Italy 

5.    New York City, United States

6.    Crete, Greece 

7.    Barcelona, Spain  

8.    Siem Reap, Cambodia  

9.    Prague, Czech Republic  

10. Phuket, Thailand 

Source: London named best-rated destination in Europe for 2017

Lesley Riddoch: Indyref will be different this time round

In the aftermath of last week's momentous announcements by Nicola Sturgeon and Theresa May one interview in particular stuck in my mind.

As usual it was "balanced" by having two supporters of the Union (one Labour and one Tory) and one independence supporter - myself. As Meat Loaf never said, "one out of three ain't bad."

Anyway, what made it memorable was the presenter's pay-off line; "I'm sure we'll hear these arguments again ad nauseam in the months and years ahead." Really? Ad nauseam?

It's become fashionable for interviewers to regard these tumultuous times with a degree of ennui and weariness. Like victims of a constitutional Groundhog Day that constantly reruns the events and arguments of 2014 - but over a much longer timescale. Of course one change is regularly commented upon. The oil price has fallen considerably since the last referendum.

But actually, there are many probable differences between indyrefs one and two, and it's the job of the media to explore them with enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment. After all, whether Scots vote yes or no next time, we will all inhabit the chosen destination.

Firstly, this time round it's clear independence and remaining in the Union are two uncertain paths – the latter cannot be regarded as automatically safer or the sensible default. This time round, both propositions should be subject to equal scrutiny. And that does mean genuinely equal airtime.

Just because Labour and the Tories won't work together this time round, there's no excuse for having both represented on panels with just one independence supporter. Why not have a Gogglebox style format or a panel of genuine don't knows or perhaps two programmes where each side examines what's weak about their own case. I think the indyref feature most Scots dread re-living is the TV debate complete with posturing, sound-bites, cross party shouting, shallow arguments and petty point scoring. There would be a communal cheer if BBC and STV kept the live debates to a minimum this time and fulfilled their obligations to educate, inform and entertain by working harder on other formats. In 2014 BBC Alba made "built" programmes on various themes asking, for example, whether our renewable energy industry would be safer in UK or Scottish hands? Viewers heard arguments from industry experts and both political camps in compelling half hour films on a range of subjects.

More of that this time on the main channels – and it's not too late for BBC Scotland to surprise everyone with a current affairs offering before the new Channel kicks in.

The second big difference – last time round the case for independence was triggered by the SNP's overall majority and carried forward by their energies. Indyref2 has an impetus beyond the SNP – even without an SNP/Green working majority at Holyrood many Scots would be demanding another chance to vote for independence to escape the impending disaster of Brexit. The second referendum will be played out against the unraveling of Britain's ties with Europe and the growing evidence of deals for special interest groups like the car industry, the city of London, Ireland, Gibraltar and soft fruit farmers in England. It will be energized by developments in Brussels and will respond to an ever-changing international situation - making indyref2 more unpredictable and interesting for analysts and voters alike.

Thirdly, attitudes in Europe towards Scotland have changed. Britain's departure puts a premium on the continuing membership of the loyal, Europhile and energy-rich Scots. Jacqueline Minor, the European Commission's head of representation in the UK, recently said an independent Scotland would already be aligned with EU requirements and is therefore in a different starting position from other countries applying for membership.

Previously Ms Minor had put an iScotland in line with Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia.

On Valentine's Day this year, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt sent a "lovebomb" message to Scots saying - "Europe hasn't forgotten that a large majority of the Scottish people voted to remain. We need the Scottish people and their firm European beliefs."

Many commentators are intent on playing the old, broken record of European hostility to Scotland's case. Radically different attitudes revealed during the Brexit process will hopefully refresh outdated perspectives.

Fourthly, the "one singer - one song" approach to strategy on the Yes side is changing. It's no secret the official Yes campaign last time round was found lacking by many non-SNP members and local groups – so grassroot organisations were formed which are still active. Common Weal is constructing an alternative white paper, the Scottish Independence Convention is up and running as an umbrella group for all Yes groups and folk like myself and the late Paddy Bort have been raising questions about the best long-term European destination for Scotland - the EU or the halfway house of EFTA. With the likelihood of a long game, the SNP could let a thousand policy flowers blossom at this early stage before making final decisions about their platform.

Fifthly, EU nationals were scared to vote Yes in 2014 in case it jeopardised their status. I'd imagine that position will change completely during indyref2 for the 182,000 EU citizens in Scotland. Unless, of course they are forced to leave or Westminster tries to restrict the franchise.

Sixthly, the actors have changed quite dramatically – indeed the lack of response to Gordon Brown's attempted intervention suggests the Scottish press at least have finally accepted he is yesterday's man. Women will be leading this debate on almost all sides and from the Yes camp anyway there is a determination to adopt a non-hectoring tone.

Seventh point – with no prospect of an Edinburgh Agreement, the length of the race this time is uncertain. That makes it hard for pro independence campaigners to hit the start button not knowing if the referendum is 18 months or 4 years away. But at least the distinctiveness of Scottish political culture is not in question this time round, thanks to the dramatic nature of the Brexit vote. And of course the polls put both sides roughly even. That's a very different starting point to the 23 per cent support registered in 2012, when the starting pistol was last fired.

Undoubtedly there are many more differences. Enough to fire up the professionals charged with making indyref2 more authentic, more ground-breaking and a lot less shouty than the last.

Source: Lesley Riddoch: Indyref will be different this time round

10 Affordable (And Truly Beautiful) Cities in Europe That You Can Go Right Now

Scrolling down your Instagram and you see your friends swimming at the beautiful beaches in Spain, visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris or sipping their cup of coffee at a cafe in Italy while you are still sitting at home dreaming about going to Europe, but think you can't?

Think again, because the euro just hits a 20-month low, making it a perfect time for your Europe dream.

As an avid and frequent traveler, I've always loved Europe.

European know how to enjoy life and there're a lot of amazing places to explore in Europe. From the beautiful harbors in Southern France, to the incredible architecture in Spain, the amazing castles in Germany and the stunning alps in Switzerland and more; there's just so much you can see there. And not to mention the food there, just try to think about how persistent Italian are when it comes to the quality of food including the pasta, pizza and even just a cup of coffee.

Having studied in Madrid for half a year, I'd like to suggest you some of the most affordable cities to visit in Europe. You really don't need to spend a lot to have a memorable trip in Europe, here we go:

1. Seville, Spain

▲ Plaza de España

Seville is the birthplace of Flamenco and a day in this passionate city with a double-sized bed will cost you $30 on Airbnb.

Instead of paying to watch Flamenco dancing in the US or your hometown, watch it for free at bars like the famous El Palacio Andaluz or La Carbonería at the birthplace of this hot and passionate dance. If you make it in time in April, you could also go to the festival 'Feria de Abril' in Seville to see the passion and hospitality of Spaniards.

Visit the Plaza de España, Metropol Parasol and Palace of San Telmo to enjoy the not-to-be-missed architecture in this cultural hub of southern Spain. Save your Sunday morning before 2:30pm to visit the Seville Cathedral because it is free!

Do not forget to try out all different kinds of tapas there! (And usually if you order a beer at the bar, you'll get tapas for free!)

2. Porto, Portugal

▲ The port in Porto

Accommodations in Porto are affordable as most of them are priced locally. A decent double bedroom costs you less than $20.

Traveling in this second largest city in Portugal and a world heritage listed by the UNESCO in 1996, you will be able to explore the historical sides of the Europe by visiting the Porto Cathedrals, the beautifully painted São Bento Railway Station which inaugurated in 191 and the Ponte de Dom Luis I bridge that allow you to get the best views over Porto.

The awesome part is, they are all free. If you are up for some wine in this world's top wine destination, pay $3USD to try their the local port wine.

3. Berlin, Germany

▲ Berlin Cathedral

While you might not believe, but it's actually not expensive to travel in the capital of Germany.

A comfy two-person bedroom costs less than $25 on Airbnb and a dinner out in beer halls or average restaurants would be around $8-16.

Being one of the most multicultural cities, not only will you be able to experience the energetic vibes of the Berliners', but also get to try out different kinds of food, be it kebab or currywurst can go as cheap as less than $3. If you are on a budget but still wanna drink, go to those beer halls or bars only in happy hours.

Berlin has many world-class museums which offer student discount for entry, so make sure you bring your student cards when visiting the museums like the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. The Berlin Wall is also a must-go spot — an important symbol of the German unification.

4. Tallinn, Estonia

▲ Tallinn Immagini Credit: visitestonia

Tallinn is able to offer everything in a much lower price than you find in Western Europe. A double-sized bed costs $20 per day on Airbnb, double if near the old-town center and a budget dinner would cost around $7-14.

The Sõõrikukohvik Donut Cafe is the place to be for a budgeted meal with salads, pancakes, Estonian-styled donuts etc.

Instead of going to towers or hotels to enjoy the views of Tallinn, you can simply go up to the Toompea Hill and enjoy the beauty of Tallinn for free.

Remember to visit the world heritage – the Old Town of Tallinn, join a free tour there to get the most out of it.

5. Prague, Czech Republic

▲ Charles Bridge Credit: Prague.eu

One should not be unfamiliar with the word – Prague when doing budgeted travel. Although the Czech currency has been rising over the years, you could still find cheap, decent and cozy double-bed bedroom for less than $20 per night on airbnb. And it would cost around $6-10 to dine out in Prague.

Make sure you go to see the huge Prague Castle which offer some free parts to enter, a short visit would cost you for only $10.

Also visit The Prague National Gallery which holds the country's most treasured art pieces after 4pm because it would be cheaper. You might also want to try drinking inside a nuclear fallout center in Bunkr Parukarka.

6. Krakow, Poland

▲ Main Market Square  Credit: inyourpocket

Krakow has a lower costs of living than those in Western Europe. Just like Prague, Krakow is listed as the one of the best-valued destination in Europe in 2017.

Visit the known historical monument and world heritage – the Old Town where you can see the historical european monuments and churches showing you the classic Europe.

There are also free walking tours available daily leaving from the main square and one should visit the Auschwitz Concentration Camps for one to understand the painful memories of war for the Pole and the entrance fee is free.

7. Brussels, Belgium

▲ Grand Place  Credit: LonelyPlanet

You could get cozy accommodation for two in Brussels for $20 on Airbnb, and a dinner at an average restaurant would cost you from $9 to $17.

Do visit the oldest Musées Royaux Art et Histoire to see the most important art pieces in the world. The Grand Place and Palais de Justice are what you should see too if you're fond on the European architecture. There are also free walking tours available on sites like New Europe Tours.

Do try the locally-made Belgium chocolate at Leonidas too!

8. Granada, Spain

▲ Alhambra Palace

It would cost you $9-16 to dine out in Granada and you could easily find room for two to stay overnight for less than $20.

You must not miss the historical Alhambra Palace, a palace and fortress complex with Arabic architectural style. The tickets get sold out easily, so it's better for you to book your tickets in advance, or you'll have to queue for the tickets at the door very early in the morning.

Remember to visit the Cathedral of Granada as it is the second largest cathedral in Spain and the Royal Chapel to see the historical sides of Spain. They are all under $5.

Go dine at some local restaurants and bars that give you free tapas upon a beer order to save some money!

9. Split, Croatia

Credit: VisitSplit

Splits in Croatia is known for its blue coastlines and beaches. The accommodations here are in good value, a room with sea views for two costs you less than $30 per day.

Visit the Campanile Bell Tower to walk up to the tower and enjoy the views of Split. Also visit the gallaries there like the Meštrović Gallery and Gallery of Fine Arts for less than $5.

Dinner is ranged from $7-14, at a rather cheap price comparing with dining in the other parts of Europe. Make sure you get seafood from the local restaurants.

10. Naples, Italy

In one of the oldest continuos inhabited cities in the world, Naples has plenty of historical museums and architectures that are worth visiting.

Although you cannot get hotels or hostels as cheap as those in Eastern Europe, it is relatively cheap compared with the northern sides of Italy with less tan $20 for a day in a hostel and less than $40 for a three-started hotel with convenient transportations nearby.

Visit the National Museum of Capodimonte which opened in 1957 for some of the finest Italian paintings .

Food and drinks here are just like the accommodation, reasonable and cheaper than in the cities in the south of Italy.

Now you are ready to go, time to pack your bag, buy your tickets and explore Europe!

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Source: 10 Affordable (And Truly Beautiful) Cities in Europe That You Can Go Right Now

International Airlines Group to launch long-haul carrier LEVEL

International Airlines Group is launching LEVEL - a new low cost long-haul airline brand.

The carrier will take to the skies in June, with flights from Barcelona to Los Angeles, San Francisco (Oakland), Buenos Aires and Punta Cana.

LEVEL will fly two new Airbus A330 aircraft branded in its own livery and fitted with 293 economy and 21 premium economy seats.

Initially it will be operated by Iberia's flight and cabin crew and will create up to 250 jobs based in Barcelona.

Barcelona has been chosen as the first European city for the launch of IAG's new operation but LEVEL will look to expand its flights from other European cities.

Checked luggage (in addition to a free cabin bag), meals, seat selection and the latest movie releases will be complimentary for customers flying in premium economy.

Those travelling in economy can chose what they want to buy based on a menu of choices.

All customers will have access to next generation inflight technology with a wide range of on-board entertainment options.

High speed internet connectivity will also be available.

Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said: "LEVEL is an exciting new IAG airline brand which will bring a stylish and modern approach to flying at prices that are even more affordable.

"It will benefit from having the strength of one of the world's largest airline groups behind it.

"LEVEL will become IAG's fifth main airline brand alongside Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling.

"It will complement our existing airline portfolio and further diversify our current customer base.

"Barcelona is Vueling's home base and this will allow customers to connect from Vueling's extensive European network onto LEVEL's long-haul flights.

"This is just the start.

"We're really excited about the opportunities for expansion and we plan to bring LEVEL to other European destinations."

LEVEL's customers will be able to earn and redeem Avios – the loyalty currency for IAG's airlines.

This will give them the opportunity to fly to 380 destinations across the group's network.

Find out more below:

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Source: International Airlines Group to launch long-haul carrier LEVEL

BA’s owner IAG has launched a budget airline with trans-Atlantic flights from £86, but there’s a catch

BUDGET AIRWAYS

Flights on Level airline will run from Barcelona to LA, San Francisco, Buenos Aires and Punta Cana

The owner of British Airways is joining the battle for budget trans-Atlantic flights, with fares to the US from €99 (£86).

International Airlines Group have announced a new airline called Level will launch in June, with flights from Barcelona to LA, San Francisco, Buenos Aires and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Getty Images

A new airline called Level will launch this summer, with trans-Atlantic flights from €99 (£86)

While the airline will only operate from one European destination initially, there are plans to extend to several other airports.

IAG, which also owns Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling, will use staff from Iberia to man the planes initially.

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They are starting with two new Airbus A330 aircraft, with plans to roll out more in the future.

While fares are rock-bottom, passengers will have to pay for many of the perks that are usually given for free on long-haul flights.

Alamy

Flights will go from from Barcelona (pictured) to LA, San Francisco, Buenos Aires and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic

Customers will have to fork out to put a bag in the hold, to get food and drink on the plane and to choose their own seat – which is more important on an eight-hour flight than a short trip to Europe.

There will also be a handful of seats in Premium Economy for an extra cost.

The low-cost airline is an effort by IAG to muscle in on a market currently dominated by their rivals Norwegian Air and WestJet.

Source: BA's owner IAG has launched a budget airline with trans-Atlantic flights from £86, but there's a catch

Will Brexit see UK travellers lose their European health privileges?

There was good news and bad news for consumers this week, all looming, in different ways, out of the fog of Brexit. First the good - or goodish - variety, that Boots has fallen into line with WH Smith and decided that it will refund the VAT on goods bought in airport departure lounges by passengers travelling to destinations outside the European Union. 

It's goodish news because they will only do it if you spend more than £5. Quite why, in the days of automated systems, we should be subjected to an arbitrary minimum spend, I'm not sure. If Boots - or any retailer for that matter - doesn't have to pay the tax I don't see why we should be handing it over to them at any level.  

Boots will now refund the VAT on goods bought in airports by passengers travelling to destinations outside the EU Credit: ALAMY

The VAT exemption only applies to travel outside the EU - anyone travelling to an EU country, will continue to have to pay VAT on what they buy in the departure lounge. These arrangements come down to European rules, so possibly, after Brexit, everything may change again. We may even get the old duty-free allowances back.

Also this week, the travel trade has been kicking up a fuss because of a European directive which is to be implemented into British law with effect from next January. One of the consequences of the wonderfully-named "Second Payment Services Directive" is that, as currently proposed, it will ban tour operators and travel agents from charging an additional fee when you buy your travel arrangements using a credit card. They will instead themselves have to absorb all card charges levied by the banks - typically about two per cent of the transaction costs.

It sounds like good news for the consumer. We will be able to pay for our holidays using the flexibility of a credit card, without being charged extra for the privilege by the travel company. Using a card also gives protection for holidaymakers against the collapse of that company, so that also seems like a good result. 

Tour operators may soon be banned from charging an additional fee when you buy your travel arrangements using a credit card

But tour operators and agents are arguing that, because their profit margins are so tight, having to absorb this cost will force them to put up prices, especially if significant numbers of people opt to pay by credit card. So we will have to wait and see whether this is a breakthrough for consumers, or a shot in the foot. 

Lastly, on Wednesday, there was a hint that, as a result of Brexit, we might lose the privileges which allow us to use the national health services of EU member states while we are travelling. In an answer to questions from the Brexit Select Committee, the Brexit minister David Davis said that, although he hadn't yet looked into the issue, he thought it was "probably right" that UK citizens would no longer have access to the EHIC health treatment card, the passport to these benefits, which are reciprocal and allow EU citizens to use our own National Health Service if they fall ill in the UK.

Watch | How leaving the EU could affect travellers 01:09

The trade body, ABTA argues that there is no intrinsic reason why this important benefit - it was used used over 200,000 times by British Citizens travelling in the EU last year - has to be lost. It makes the point that the EHIC card is currently valid in, for example, Switzerland, which is not a member of the EU. 

I may be being overly pessimistic, but it seems to me that it is exactly the kind of membership benefit which is likely to slip through such an incredibly complex negotiating net over the next couple of years - especially if Davis' gut reaction is so negative. And that would be bad news.

Source: Will Brexit see UK travellers lose their European health privileges?

ECDC: Rapid Risk Assessment On Introduction Of Yellow Fever To Europe

#12,318

As we've seen with the rapid spread of Zika and Chikungunya throughout the Caribbean, Latin and South America, the introduction of a new arbovirus into a region where competent vectors and an immunologically naive population co-exist, can quickly lead to a public health crisis.

While Yellow Fever has been successfully eradicated from North America and Europe for decades, the mosquito vectors that transmit the virus are still present in some regions.

In 2010 the Eurosurveillance Journal devoted an entire issue to The Threat Of Vector Borne Diseases, including making the case for the reintroduction of  Yellow fever and dengue: a threat to Europe? by P Reiter.

 And just as with Dengue, Chikungunya, Malaria, and most recently Zika, the potential for limited re-introduction of Yellow Fever to the United States is not zero (see Could Yellow Fever Return to the United States? by Peter Hotez and Kristy Murray). 

So, after last year's hard learned lessons on Zika - a threat that is still ongoing  - the recent large outbreak of Yellow Fever in Brazil (see CDC  Level II Travel Notice: Yellow Fever in Brazil) has some in Europe and the United States wondering if this year's mosquito season will see the return of Yellow Fever.

Although large outbreaks are unlikely on either continent - the daily arrival of travelers from countries where the yellow fever virus is circulating does pose a risk of introducing the virus into the local mosquito population -  making localized outbreaks possible.

Places like Florida and Southern Texas are probably at greater risk of seeing local transmission than most of Europe, but the ECDC has released the following Rapid Risk Assessment that makes it clear that while the risks are currently very low, that situation could change.

I've only posted some excerpts, so follow the link to download and read the full report:

Yellow fever among travellers returning from South America, March 2017

Main conclusions and options for response

A travel-associated case of yellow fever has been reported by the Netherlands in March 2017 after travel to Suriname. During the past eight months, four travel-associated cases of yellow fever have been identified among EU travellers returning from South America. This represents a significant increase on four travel-associated cases of yellow fever among EU travellers during the last 27 years (1999 to July 2016). Brazil has been experiencing a yellow fever outbreak since January 2017 and travel recommendations have been updated accordingly [1,2]. Therefore, EU travellers travelling to areas at risk of yellow fever in South America should be informed of the potential exposure to yellow fever virus and an individual risk benefit analysis should be conducted during pre-travel medical consultation. The ongoing yellow fever outbreak in Brazil should be carefully monitored, as the establishment of an urban cycle of yellow fever would have the potential to rapidly affect a significant number of people. The risk of introduction and further transmission of the yellow fever virus in the EU is currently considered very low.

Advice to travellers

EU citizens who travel to, or live in areas where there is evidence of periodic or persistent yellow fever virus transmission, especially those in outbreak-affected regions, are advised to:

• Be aware of the risk of yellow fever in endemic areas throughout South America, including recently affected States in Brazil. WHO publishes a list of countries, territories and areas with yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations [1-3].• Check vaccination status and get vaccinated if necessary. Vaccination against yellow fever is recommended from nine months of age for people visiting or living in yellow fever risk areas. An individual risk benefit analysis should be conducted prior to vaccination, taking into account the period, destination, duration of travel and the likelihood of exposure to mosquitoes (e.g. rural areas, forests) as well as individual risk factors for adverse events following yellow fever vaccination.• Take measures to prevent mosquito bites indoors and outdoors, especially between sunrise and sunset when Aedes and sylvatic yellow fever mosquito vectors are most active [4]. These measures include:

− the use of mosquito repellent in accordance with the instructions indicated on the product label;− wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers;− sleeping or resting in screened/air-conditioned rooms, or using mosquito nets at night and during the day.

Advice to health professionals

Physicians, health professionals and travel health clinics should be provided with or have access to regularly updated information about areas with ongoing yellow fever transmission and should consider yellow fever in the differential diagnoses for illnesses in relation to travellers returning from affected areas.To reduce the risk of adverse events following immunisation, healthcare practitioners should be aware of contraindications and comply with the manufacturers' precautionary advice before administering yellow fever vaccine [5].

          (Continue . . .)
Source: ECDC: Rapid Risk Assessment On Introduction Of Yellow Fever To Europe