Category: Europe
Coverage of geopolitics, international relations, and current affairs from across Europe, including EU policies, NATO strategies, elections, and Europe’s influence on global politics.
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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK will ‘look at schemes like SAFE’ in spite of talks breaking down last year after the EU proposed a reported entry fee of around €2bn. Speaking during a visit to East Asia, Starmer said, “Europe, including the UK, needs to do more on security and defence.…
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Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said a referendum on a united Ireland, or border poll, could take place by 2030. Speaking on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, she described it as an opportunity for citizens to “take control of our own fortunes” and called for planning and preparation ahead of any vote. O’Neill…
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The incoming Dutch government plans to introduce a surcharge on income and corporate taxes to raise around €5 billion annually for higher defence spending, coalition parties said on Friday (30 January). The measure — labelled a “freedom tax” — is intended to help the Netherlands meet updated NATO targets agreed in 2025. Key developments: •…
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European Union foreign ministers on Thursday (29 January) agreed to include the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the bloc’s list of terrorist organisations. Meeting in Brussels, ministers also approved additional sanctions targeting individuals and entities linked to Iran’s recent internal repression. Ursula von der Leyen described the move as “long overdue”. Key developments • The…
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Germany plans to become the first European power to develop a national space-based missile detection system, as Europe seeks to reduce reliance on US early-warning capabilities. Major General Michael Traut, head of Germany’s space command, said Berlin is planning “the core of a satellite-based missile detection system”, designed as a national project but open to…
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Nearly four years into the Russia–Ukraine war, combined military casualties could approach two million by spring 2026, according to a new study by Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Key findings • CSIS estimates Russia has suffered around 1.2 million casualties, including up to 325,000 deaths. • Ukraine is assessed to have incurred close…
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Leaders of three Dutch political parties have agreed in principle to form a minority coalition government, ending months of negotiations following the October 2025 election. The coalition will bring together Democrats 66 (D66), the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). Together, the parties would hold 66 seats in…
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Spain’s government has approved a decree to regularise an estimated 500,000 undocumented migrants, marking a clear divergence from tougher migration policies elsewhere in Europe. Migration Minister Elma Saiz said beneficiaries would be able to work “in any sector, in any part of the country”, describing the move as part of a human-rights-based migration model that…
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French lawmakers have approved legislation to restrict social media access for children under 15, advancing President Emmanuel Macron’s push to curb excessive screen time and protect adolescent mental health. The National Assembly adopted the bill 130–21 following an overnight debate. It now moves to the Senate, with the government aiming for implementation from the start…
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Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has unveiled a major reform package for policing in England and Wales. Speaking to Parliament, Mahmood confirmed plans to create a National Police Service (NPS) to tackle complex, cross-border crime, alongside a significant reduction in the number of local police forces. Key proposals include: • Creation of a National Police Service,…
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