Displaying items by tag: Europe

The USA has presented Ukraine with a controversial one-page peace framework, described as Donald Trump’s ‘final offer’, which would grant significant concessions to Russia, including recognition of its occupation of Crimea and of territories which it has captured since the war began. In exchange, Ukraine would receive vague security guarantees, economic aid, and partial territorial returns. The plan also proposes that the USA would operate Ukraine’s Zaporizhzha nuclear plant and distribute its electricity output between the two countries. Sources say Kyiv views the proposal as heavily skewed in Moscow’s favour. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, drafted the deal after a lengthy meeting with Putin, who has shown interest in freezing current battle lines. However, European leaders remain skeptical of Putin’s sincerity, and critics argue that the deal sacrifices core Ukrainian interests for political expediency. Volodymyr Zelensky has drawn further harsh criticism from Trump for refusing to countenance the loss of Crimea: see The war continues, with the worst Russian attack on Kyiv in months: see

The EU has fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), its first enforcement action against Big Tech under the new law. Apple was penalised for limiting access to alternative apps, while Meta’s ‘consent or pay’ model for data usage was deemed to offer users inadequate choice. Both firms have reacted angrily, with Apple accusing the EU of endangering user privacy, and Meta claiming it is being unfairly targeted compared to European and Chinese companies. Though these are relatively small fines for these tech giants, the move signals the EU’s intent to hold even powerful firms accountable. Experts see the ruling as a test of sovereignty in digital regulation, but US firms argue that the EU is unfairly shaping their business models. US-EU tensions are mounting, especially after Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on European goods. The UK and other nations are launching parallel investigations into monopolistic practices.

The Government has introduced a temporary ban on travellers bringing cheese, meat, and dairy products from the EU, aiming to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. The new rules prohibit items such as cured meats and cheese - even in sandwiches - from being brought into the UK. The move follows a surge in foot-and-mouth cases in several European countries. The restrictions do not apply to Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. Products brought in will be seized and destroyed, with fines of up to £5,000 in serious cases. Exemptions are limited to certain medical and infant food products. Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious virus affecting livestock. Although there are currently no cases in the UK, officials are acting with caution to avoid a repeat of the devastating 2001 outbreak, which led to the slaughter of over six million animals. Farming and food industry leaders have welcomed the move, calling for stronger biosecurity measures and a permanent legislative framework to protect British agriculture.

France has announced the expulsion of twelve Algerian diplomats and recalled its ambassador from Algiers, in response to Algeria’s decision to expel twelve French consular staff. The tit-for-tat expulsions were triggered by the arrest of three Algerians including a consular official, charged with the 2023 kidnapping of political dissident Amir Boukhors - known online as ‘Amir DZ’ – and ‘terrorist’ conspiracy. Boukhrs, who was granted asylum in France, was abducted in a Paris suburb and released the next day. Algeria, which has issued nine international arrest warrants for Boukhors, is demanding his extradition on charges including fraud and terrorism. The incident threatens to undo months of renewed diplomacy between the two nations, after a period of simmering tensions caused by Emmanuel Macron’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed region of Western Sahara and his criticism of the jailing of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal.

The EU has proposed a new list of seven ‘safe countries of origin’ - Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia - to fast-track asylum applications from citizens of those nations. The assumption is that most of these claims will be denied, allowing decisions within three months. The move is part of ongoing efforts to reform the EU’s asylum process, following the 2015–2016 migrant crisis and persistent low return rates (only 20% of rejected applicants are deported). The plan allows countries to process claims faster if fewer than one in five applicants from a specific country are granted protection. Countries applying for EU membership will also be presumed safe unless affected by war. Italy’s right-wing government welcomed the list, but human rights groups raised concerns, warning that these countries have documented abuses and lack full protections. The EU said that individual case reviews will still be required, despite the fast-track designation. The proposal awaits approval from both the European Parliament and member states.

At Barcelona Zoo, African elephants Susi (52) and Bully (40), and other older animals at the zoo, including a 15-year-old wolf and two 17-year-old big cats, are receiving specialised geriatric care designed to support their health and dignity in old age. These animals, many of whom cannot return to the wild, are cared for with treatments like arthritis support, nutritional supplements, mental health monitoring, and enriched habitats. This shift of emphasis reflects a broader transformation in the role of zoos: from spectacle to sanctuaries focused on conservation, education, and lifelong animal welfare. Following the death of their long-time companion Yoyo, (54), Susi and Bully initially stopped eating but have since formed a closer bond. The zoo is now working with the University of Barcelona to study these reactions, hoping to deepen their understanding of animal grief.

A quiet yet courageous resistance is growing among evangelical leaders in Russia who are risking their freedom to oppose the war in Ukraine. Bishop Albert Ratkin, pastor of Word of Life Church near Moscow, has been labelled a 'foreign agent' by the Kremlin and has had his church raided. Despite the risks, Ratkin continues to speak publicly against the war, declaring that Christians must not support violence. Other pastors, such as Nikolay Romanyuk and Yuri Sipko, have faced imprisonment, persecution, or have fled the country entirely. Romanyuk is currently facing prison for urging Christians not to enlist, while Sipko fled to Germany after authorities called his sermons 'enemy propaganda’. Pastor Andre Furmanov helps church members obtain military exemptions but avoids public protests to avoid jeopardizing lives. These men represent a small group of faithful believers whose conscience, shaped by the gospel, compels them to stand for peace and truth. Despite repression and persecution, they remain committed to proclaiming Christ’s message of love and justice.

Germany's conservatives, led by Friedrich Merz, have formed a coalition with the Social Democrats, ending five months of political uncertainty. Merz, 69, promised strong leadership, reforms, and renewed international confidence, declaring, ‘Germany is back on track’. The coalition plans major investments in defence and infrastructure, made possible by reforms to strict debt rules. A key focus is controlling irregular migration and restoring voter trust. Despite pressure from the far-right AfD, which recently topped opinion polls, Merz promised to balance firm border policies with democratic values. The coalition also pledges increased military spending and voluntary service, following Sweden’s model. Boris Pistorius will remain as defence minister, ensuring continuity. Support for Ukraine and fulfilling NATO commitments are central to the agenda. While critics question the coalition’s ability to end the recession, Merz remains optimistic.

Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Hungary for its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a four-day visit to Budapest, marking a rare foreign trip for him since the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Prime minister Viktor Orban, a staunch ally of Netanyahu, condemned the ICC's warrant as politically motivated and announced Hungary's intention to leave the court. Israel has also rejected the ICC’s accusations, arguing that they were driven by antisemitism and undermined Israel's right to self-defence. Hungary, as a founding member of the ICC, is still technically bound by its commitments; the process of withdrawal will take about a year. Other European countries are split on the validity of the warrant: some have expressed legal doubts. Netanyahu left on 6 April for Washington: the USA is not a member of the ICC, and neither are China or Russia.

Marine le Pen has been barred from public office for five years due to EU fund embezzlement, jeopardising her 2027 presidential hopes. Though her four-year jail sentence (two years suspended) is pending appeal, the disqualification took immediate effect. Her party, National Rally (RN), appeared stunned and unprepared, holding emergency talks. While an appeal might overturn the ban, odds remain slim. Party president Jordan Bardella would be a potential successor, but not everyone is a fan, partly because he is only 29. Despite the ruling, Le Pen defiantly vowed to fight on, decrying the court’s decision as political. In the short term, the RN may gain support as the verdict reinforces their anti-establishment stance. Long-term, losing the charismatic le Pen may weaken their appeal. Meanwhile, in parliament she may abandon any pretence of cooperation, potentially destabilising prime minister François Bayrou's fragile administration.