Author: Iris East

Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, warned that proposed reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights regarding migration could threaten broader human rights protections. His comments follow an open letter from nine EU countries advocating for changes by May 2025.

Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski stated that the outcome of Russia’s war against Ukraine will significantly affect global perceptions of Western resolve. He emphasised the need for a peace agreement reflecting Ukrainian priorities and warned against initiatives perceived as rewarding Russian aggression.

European Investment Bank President Nadia Calviño urged European Council President António Costa to prioritise the Savings and Investments Union, stressing the need for new frameworks to redirect savings into innovative businesses, aiming to enhance Europe’s competitiveness ahead of the informal European Council on 12 February.

Council of Europe chief Alain Berset urged European nations to provide budgetary support for a special tribunal to prosecute crimes of aggression in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for accountability amid ongoing peace talks and highlighting financial challenges in establishing the court.

At least 19 winter sports athletes, including Cormac Comerford, are raising funds through GoFundMe to cover essential expenses for the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics. This reflects a significant financial strain on athletes as they prepare for the event.

The European Union is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with the United States and Japan to enhance critical minerals supply chain security within 30 days, according to Stéphane Séjourné, the EU’s industry chief. This partnership addresses urgent supply dependencies revealed in a recent EU audit.

Latvia’s Prime Minister, Evika Siliņa, spoke with Euronews’ EU Editor Maria Tadeo at the World Governance Conference in Dubai, addressing vital governance issues amid ongoing discussions about EU support for Ukraine’s recovery.

EU lawmakers, led by German MEP Bernd Lange, agreed to resume work on the EU-US trade deal, initially suspended due to tariff threats from US President Donald Trump. The move aims to provide certainty for European businesses amidst ongoing tensions over territorial sovereignty.

Estonia’s President Alar Karis expressed confidence in the US honouring NATO’s Article 5 during an interview with Euronews, despite concerns over transatlantic tensions under President Trump. He urged Europe to enhance its defence capabilities, avoiding the testing of collective security commitments.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced plans to ban social media for under-16s, likening online platforms to a “digital wild west.” This move comes amid rising concerns about cyberbullying and self-harm content affecting children across Europe.