In a week when much of the attention in Europe was on far-right political gains in the parliamentary elections, the Guardian Weekly’s cover shines a light on another of the continent’s disturbing undercurrents.
A Guardian investigation has found that hundreds of unaccompanied child migrants across Europe are being forced to work for increasingly powerful drug cartels to meet the continent’s soaring appetite for cocaine.
In cities including Paris and Brussels, gangs are exploiting the “unlimited” supply of vulnerable African children at their disposal, using brutal means to control their victims, including torture and rape if they fail to sell enough drugs, as they seek to expand Europe’s $13bn cocaine market.
Mark Townsend reveals the plight of the illegal trade’s child foot soldiers, while Annie Kelly explains the growing problem of cocaine use in Europe. And from Ecuador, Tom Phillips reports on how death and destruction follow the drug on its complex journey across the Atlantic.
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Five essential reads in this week’s edition
1
Spotlight | Poll results send shock waves across Europe
After the EU elections, Angelique Chrisafis, Jon Henley and Jennifer Rankin report on sweeping parliamentary gains for the far right – and a high-stakes domestic gamble from French president Emmauel Macron.
2
Science | Cartology of the cosmos
Was Homer Simpson right all along? Philip Ball explains why the humble doughnut could further our understanding of the shape of the universe.
3
Feature | Muscle bound
Once upon a time, it was only hardcore bodybuilders who pumped themselves up with testosterone. Today it is no longer niche. But how dangerous is it? By Stephen Buranyi.
4
Opinion | Can we do democracy differently?
Elections are a travesty of justice and it’s time to give people a real democratic voice, argues Guardian columnist George Monbiot.
5
Culture | Golden oldies
While ticket sales for new music festivals such as Coachella are waning, nostalgia acts from years gone by continue to ride a wave of popularity. David Renshaw asks why.
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What else we’ve been reading
For anyone looking forward as much as I am to the Euros starting on Friday, the Guardian’s stadium guide is a good starting place for an introduction to German football and culture. Anthony Naughton, assistant editor
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Other highlights from the Guardian website
• Audio | Comfort Eating with Grace Dent; S7, Ep 1: Katherine Ryan, comedian and writer
• Video | King Charles praises D-day veterans on 80th anniversary of landings
• Gallery | Two miles above ground: Donn Delson’s aerial photographs
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