Author: Iris East

Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, declared at the Munich Security Conference that the longstanding global order “no longer exists,” warning the US against isolation in current power politics. He emphasised the urgency for democratic countries to rethink security strategies amid rising threats.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Europe to collaborate with the US in a “civilisational quest” to address the West’s challenges at the Munich Security Conference. He urged shared principles to strengthen historical ties amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, challenged NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Munich Security Conference, urging EU leaders to activate the mutual defence clause amid growing security concerns in Europe, particularly due to the Ukraine conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the absence of European leaders in US-led peace negotiations with Russia, calling it a “big mistake.” He stressed the need for Europe’s security interests to be included as Ukraine prepares for further talks and demands clear security guarantees.

Warsaw is vying to host the new EU Customs Office amid a political battle and significant technological challenges, as officials assess its suitability for this critical role in EU operations.

UK Faces Arctic Blast: Met Office Warns of Snow and Ice Conditions — what we know so far The Met Office has issued severe snow and ice warnings across the UK as a cold Arctic air mass descends, with significant snowfall expected in various regions. Areas particularly at risk include the south-west and parts of northern England, where as much as six inches of snow may blanket the landscape in just a matter of hours. Guidance from the Met Office indicates that these conditions could lead to hazardous travel situations and potential disruption to emergency services. Residents are advised to…

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared that Europe faces a “century of humiliation” and criticized the European Commission as a “direct threat” in a speech addressing upcoming elections. He emphasized Hungary’s intent to expel foreign influence post-election and cautioned against Europe’s military preparations.

António Costa, President of the European Council, stated that enhanced cooperation in the EU is “a non-issue,” countering calls for a two-speed Europe for economic reforms. His comments follow proposals from others, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasizing urgency for progress.

Leaders from the US and Europe are convening for three days of talks on global security, war in Ukraine, and the future of transatlantic relations, emphasizing the urgency of these discussions amid ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

US President Donald Trump did not threaten a 250% tariff on Norwegian salmon over alleged cheating at the Winter Olympics, as a viral post claims. No evidence supports these accusations or connects NATO funding to Norway’s skiing programme.