Author: Iris East

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.

An extraordinary plenary session of the European Parliament, initiated by Parliament President Roberta Metsola, will take place on 24 February to approve a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

Ihor Samokhodsky, founder of the Policy Genome project, stated that AI chatbots, including Russia’s Yandex-developed Alice, can spread disinformation in global conflicts, particularly regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. This highlights the urgent need for accuracy in AI-driven information amid rising security concerns in Europe.

Trump Calls for a GOP Takeover of Elections in 15 States Donald Trump advocates for the GOP to take control of voting processes in 15 states. He pushes for a “nationalisation” of elections, aiming to centralize authority. Senate GOP Leader John Thune publicly disagrees with Trump’s proposal. This call for nationalization reflects Trump’s continuing influence within the party. The proposal reignites debates on election integrity and state versus federal authority. Trump Advocates for GOP Control Over Elections in 15 States Donald Trump has urged Republicans to seize control of election processes across 15 states, a move that raises significant constitutional…

Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Digital Marketing Strategies Today Protests erupted in London as thousands rallied against the government’s controversial new housing policy, a move many claim exacerbates the ongoing housing crisis. Organised by a coalition of housing activists and community organisations, the demonstration saw participants gathering outside Westminster, demanding immediate action to address skyrocketing rent prices and insufficient affordable housing. The government’s proposed policy aims to accelerate housing development by reducing regulations. However, critics argue that this will prioritise profit over people, leading to further displacement of vulnerable communities. “This isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about homes…

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to visit Australia later this month to advance a stalled trade agreement, contingent on upcoming negotiations between EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU-INC initiative at the World Economic Forum, aimed at simplifying company formation across the EU. The proposal seeks to eliminate legal fragmentation, allowing startups to operate under a single online system by 2027.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will convene a meeting on competitiveness in Leuven, addressing both economic strategies and internal tensions among commissioners. The seminar includes IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and focuses on implementing the competitiveness report by Mario Draghi.

Lawmakers at the European Parliament are struggling to agree on the design of the digital euro, jeopardising its legislative path. Rapporteur Fernando Navarrete proposed an offline “e-cash” model, while some factions back user accounts on the ECB ledger. S&D’s Nikos Papandreou emphasised the need for payment sovereignty amid geopolitical change.