Author: Iris East

NATO chief Mark Rutte stated Europe must rely on the US for defence, prompting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to advocate for an independent Europe at the Munich Security Conference, referencing Article 42.7’s obligations for EU member assistance.

European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, will attend the US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace gathering to discuss Gaza, despite concerns over governance and charter issues, signalling continued EU engagement in post-war reconstruction efforts.

Starmer Cancels Council Election Delay: What This Means for Voters — what we know so far Sir Keir Starmer has announced the cancellation of plans to delay 30 local council elections across England, a decision that comes amidst a backdrop of growing pressure from within the Labour Party and public sentiment. The local elections, originally scheduled for May, will proceed as planned, affirming the government’s commitment to uphold democratic processes at the municipal level. The reversal follows significant criticism regarding the implications of postponing the elections, including concerns about disenfranchising voters and undermining local governance. With the elections now set…

German Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil stated that failing to advance the digital euro is detrimental to Europe, urging swift progress ahead of a meeting with euro area ministers in Brussels. The proposal currently faces a deadlock in the European Parliament.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated at the Munich Security Conference that US President Donald Trump remains “very serious” about controlling Greenland, a crucial diplomatic issue for Denmark, amid growing concerns over Arctic security dynamics following recent deals.

UK Weather Alert: Heavy snow, ice, and flooding expected this week — what we know so far Weather warnings are in effect as the UK prepares for significant snowfall and ice, coupled with flooding risks across more than 70 areas. The Met Office has issued these alerts amidst forecasts indicating potential hazardous conditions this weekend, particularly in northern and western regions. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, as travel disruptions and power outages could occur due to inclement weather. The severe conditions underscore the importance of preparedness as communities brace for the anticipated impact of…

UK Takes Action: New Laws to Safeguard Children from AI Chatbots What we know so far The UK government is poised to tighten regulations surrounding artificial intelligence, particularly focusing on ensuring the safety of children using AI-powered chatbots. This initiative aims to establish clearer guidelines and accountability mechanisms for developers whose technologies may pose risks to young users. The measures are anticipated to include hefty fines or outright bans for companies that fail to comply with the new safety standards. As conversations around online safety intensify, the government seeks to protect vulnerable demographics while balancing innovation in the rapidly evolving…

New data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development reveals that over one-third of individuals in 38 member countries used generative AI tools in 2025, with young people and those with higher education levels leading AI adoption.

The EPSO exam, once a key entry point into EU administration, has been discontinued, causing significant concern among aspiring candidates. Officials have not provided a clear rationale for this decision, which affects recruitment processes within the EU.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio began his Central European tour in Bratislava with Prime Minister Robert Fico, aiming to enhance collaboration on nuclear energy and military modernisation. His visit follows concerns over Europe’s cultural and economic decline, as outlined in the recent US National Security Strategy.