Author: Iris East

Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, rejected calls to resign amidst allegations of anti-Semitism from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Albanese termed the accusations “ludicrous” and refocused attention on her critical reports of global support for Israel.

Germany’s Defence Ministry has confirmed it will not purchase additional F-35 fighter jets, dismissing reports amid delays in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project. This decision is significant as it underscores the ongoing challenges in European defence collaboration.

A YouGov survey reveals that a majority of EU citizens support modifying the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to enable deportation of serious crime offenders. Notably, 75% of Germans favour this change, amid widespread confusion about the ECHR’s role.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the country’s participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) agreement, paying €10 million, marking Canada as the first non-European state involved. The UK, however, faces demands of €4 billion to €6.75 billion for similar access.

Supreme Court Overturns Trump Tariffs: What It Means for Consumers — what we know so far The Supreme Court has ruled to invalidate a significant portion of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs, a decision that could reshape the landscape of U.S. trade policy. This ruling comes as the court determined that the tariffs were imposed without appropriate congressional authorization, sparking a re-examination of the executive branch’s powers regarding trade legislation. As a result of this decision, businesses and consumers may soon see changes in pricing and import costs. The court’s ruling has prompted discussions on the procedural implications and potential…

UK Government Mulls Removing Andrew from Royal Succession Line — what we know so far Concerns have arisen regarding the potential removal of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession to the British throne. The UK government is currently evaluating the implications of such a decision, with reports indicating that Buckingham Palace would not oppose the move. The discussions come in light of ongoing scrutiny over Andrew’s past associations and conduct. This potential shift raises questions about the monarchy’s future and its alignment with public sentiment. As the government navigates these discussions, the broader context of royal succession and public…

EU Commission Vice-President Dubravka Šuica will face scrutiny from member states at Monday’s Foreign Affairs Council regarding her attendance at Donald Trump’s Board of Peace inauguration, amid criticism of the Commission overstepping its foreign policy mandate.

The European Union’s proposal for a new sanctions package against Russia remains unresolved after ambassadors failed to agree on a maritime services ban for Russian oil tankers. High Representative Kaja Kallas emphasized the urgency as the 24 February deadline approaches.

Fleur Bakker, founder of the social enterprise “A Beautiful Mess,” announced the initiative is expected to achieve a €5 million turnover by 2026, helping 300 refugees gain job training as part of essential market integration efforts.

The European Commission, led by Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, aims to revisit the WTO’s “Most Favoured Nation” principle due to the widening EU trade deficit with China, seeking to ensure equal market access amid persistent barriers faced by European firms in China.