Category: Europe
-
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced support for US President Donald Trump’s proposal for Kyiv and Moscow to “stop where we are” and begin negotiations to end the ongoing war. Speaking after talks at the White House, Zelenskyy said, “He is right… this is important, to stop where we are and then to speak.” Trump…
-
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says the bloc must urgently strengthen its anti-drone defences as part of a wider “defence readiness roadmap” against potential Russian aggression. Presenting the plan in Brussels, Kallas said drones are “already redefining warfare” and that Europe must prepare for a “prolonged danger” even if the war in Ukraine…
-
Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signed legislation exempting parents with at least two children from personal income tax (PIT), aiming to boost household income, support families, and stimulate economic activity. Key points:• Applies to families earning up to 140,000 zloty (€32,973) annually.• Includes all parents with parental responsibility, legal guardians, and foster parents.• Average family…
-
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has narrowly survived two no-confidence motions in the National Assembly, securing his government’s survival after days of political tension. Key points:• 271 lawmakers backed the first motion, short of the 289 votes needed to topple the government.• A second motion, tabled by the far-right, was also defeated.• Lecornu’s decision to…
-
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has acknowledged that Britain and other European nations have “lost control” of their borders, warning that continued failure to manage migration risks eroding public trust in government. Speaking ahead of a summit at Lancaster House with western Balkan and EU officials, Mahmood said governments must “determine who enters their country, and…
-
Russia has refused to comply with a European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruling ordering it to pay Georgia more than €253 million (£215 million) in compensation for alleged violations linked to their 2008 conflict. Key developments:• The ECHR upheld Georgia’s claims of human rights abuses in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, regions occupied by Russia…
-
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Belgrade on Wednesday (Oct. 15), urging Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to step up efforts toward EU accession and to pursue concrete reforms alongside closer alignment with the bloc’s foreign policy. “Now is the moment for Serbia to get concrete about joining our union,” said the Commission chief,…
-
Greece’s parliament has debated a controversial labour reform that would allow employees to work up to 13 hours a day under specific conditions. The proposal, backed by the conservative government, has drawn strong opposition from trade unions and left-wing parties, who warn it threatens workers’ rights. Key points:• The Labour Ministry, led by Niki Kerameus,…
-
The Igeldamms car park in central Stockholm doubles as a public shelter for 1,200 people, part of Sweden’s extensive civil defence network. This example highlights the country’s broader efforts to protect civilians amid rising security concerns. In April 2025, Sweden announced a 100 million krona (£7.7 million) investment to renovate shelters nationwide, following government warnings…
-
A nationwide general strike in Belgium brought air and public transport to a standstill on Tuesday (Oct. 14), as tens of thousands protested against proposed austerity measures and cuts to pensions and healthcare. Police estimated around 80,000 demonstrators gathered in Brussels, calling on Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s coalition government to reverse its plans to…
tut0ugh 