Author: Iris East

The organisers of the 2026 Winter Olympics have stated the games will be “green,” focusing on infrastructure improvements despite past controversies. The impact on local residents may be significant, as many anticipate lasting benefits from enhanced transportation.

The European Commission plans a new round of sanctions against Russia, including a proposed ban on maritime services for vessels carrying Russian oil, as officials consult G7 partners. This development comes as the war nears its fourth year, impacting energy revenues and sanctions enforcement.

Nearly a quarter of LGBTQ+ citizens in the EU have experienced conversion practices, with 38% of Greek respondents most affected, according to the ILGA Europe report. Helena Dalli, former European Commissioner for Equality, condemned these practices as harmful and grounded in falsehood during a recent Council of Europe debate.

European officials, including Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Silina, have urged for accelerated negotiations on a free-trade agreement with Gulf nations to diversify trade amid US tariffs and increasing Chinese exports. Talks aim to enhance business ties and energy cooperation.

Several US lawmakers, including Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, urged the European Union to maintain its methane regulations and avoid exempting US energy operators from compliance, highlighting the urgency of effective methane management amid upcoming EU-US trade agreements.

Leaders of the socialist and liberal groups in the European Parliament have expressed concerns to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about European Commission Vice-President Raffaele Fitto’s and Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius’s attendance at a political event in Slovenia, potentially breaching internal conduct rules ahead of elections.

Dessintey co-founder and product expert Davy Luneau stated that their mirror therapy devices aid motor rehabilitation by visually stimulating brain recovery. The company aims to expand its reach amid growing competition from US and Asian technologies, generating nearly €10 million in revenue.

US President Joe Biden is threatening strikes on Iran amid violent repression of protestors. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stated that regime change must come from the people, emphasizing the importance of US involvement at this critical juncture.

French authorities have accused a Russian manipulation operation of implicating President Emmanuel Macron in the Epstein files, following a false article claiming he attended parties at Epstein’s Paris residence. The campaign reflects tactics used in Russia’s Storm-1516 operation and raises concerns over disinformation.

The European Commission has proposed a new round of sanctions against Russia, aiming to weaken its war economy, according to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The plan includes a full ban on maritime services linked to Russian crude oil, aiming to increase pressure on Moscow ahead of the war’s fourth anniversary.