• Romania is bracing for a tumultuous month. Legislation that critics say would weaken the judiciary’s independence is awaiting the signature of President Klaus Iohannis, who has opposed such changes. [The New York Times]

• Israel’s right wing is signaling its intention to doom hopes for a two-state solution to the conflict with the Palestinians. [The New York Times]

• Poland hosts North Korean laborers, showing how difficult it is to sever the nuclear pariah state from the global economy. [The New York Times]

• A powerful winter storm caused widespread power outages in Brittany, France. It is expected to move across the country and toward Germany overnight. [Associated Press]

• Italy, Hungary and the Czech Republic are among the European countries voting in potentially pivotal elections this year. Here’s a look at the votes ahead and recent polling. [Politico]

• In Germany, a new law on hate speech on the internet has entered into force. It has raised questions about freedom of expression. [Deutsche Welle]