Author: Olga Winter - EU Newsdesk

Cliff Notes – Vatican conclave will elect successor to Pope Francis A historic conclave will convene on May 7, with 133 cardinals from 71 countries, marking an unprecedented international representation. Speculation is rife regarding the next pope, with calls for continuity of Pope Francis’s reforms amidst a highly diverse field of candidates. The conclave’s length remains uncertain, but expectations suggest a possible extension beyond previous elections, as key cardinals advocate for maintaining Francis’s trajectory. Vatican…

Mining in Pataz in Peru’s north will be suspended for 30 days, the country’s President Dina Boluarte said on Monday.

She made the announcement after the bodies of 13 security guards working at a gold mine were found by police in a mine tunnel on Sunday.

The workers had been held captive for more than a week after being kidnapped.

Cliff Notes – Greece launches state app to limit children’s screen time The Greek government has launched “Kids Wallet,” a mobile app for parents to monitor their children’s screen time and verify their age on digital platforms. The app integrates with existing government services, allowing parents to establish restrictions on app usage and confirm their children’s ages through official documents. Greece launches state app to limit children’s screen time The Greek government on Monday launched…

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has mandated a 20% reduction in four-star generals and admirals, alongside a 10% cut in general officers overall.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is negotiating with Malta to allow the damaged vessel, Conscience, to enter its waters for essential repairs following a drone attack

Cliff Notes – Gabon ex-junta chief Brice Oligui Nguema becomes president. Brice Oligui Nguema, who led a coup against Ali Bongo, is inaugurated as Gabon’s president, pledging to prioritise education reforms and tackle youth unemployment. Nguema won the presidential election with nearly 95% of the vote, entering a seven-year term following 19 months of military rule. Gabon ex-junta chief Brice Oligui Nguema becomes president. Brice Oligui Nguema, a general who led a coup that ended…

Summary Agreement on Reconstruction Fund: The US and Ukraine signed an agreement to establish a Reconstruction Fund aimed at attracting global investments in Ukraine’s economy. Investment Contributions and Returns: The fund will be financed by US contributions and potential Ukrainian revenues from new resource licenses, with profits intended for future investments in reconstruction. Political Implications: The agreement enhances Ukraine’s strategic partnership with the US, despite lacking explicit security guarantees, marking a politically advantageous outcome for…

Cliff Notes – Russians in Kursk speak up Ongoing Fear and Uncertainty: Residents express continuous fear from drones and potential military threats, highlighting a lack of clarity regarding their safety after a Ukrainian incursion. Humanitarian Crisis and Abandonment: Locals feel neglected by the Russian government, facing a humanitarian crisis amid claims of state support, yet many report insufficient aid and a disconnect between promises and reality. Divided Sentiments: While some residents blame Ukrainian forces for…

Cliff Notes – Warren Buffett to step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett announced his resignation as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, effective at the end of the year, concluding a nearly 60-year tenure. He has appointed Greg Abel, the current vice chairman for non-insurance operations, to succeed him, emphasising that Abel will have the final say in operations and capital deployment. The announcement, made unexpectedly during the annual shareholder meeting, surprised board members…

President Trump announces Mike Waltz as UN Ambassador following his departure as national security adviser amid the Signalgate scandal.

Northeastern governors urge the Nigerian government to reassess counter-insurgency strategies in light of recent violence, which claimed over 100 lives last month.

Charles Ong’ondo Were, a Kenyan MP, was shot dead in Nairobi, confirmed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

The PLO has appointed Hussein al-Sheikh as deputy to Mahmoud Abbas, creating a position that allows for potential succession, though his leadership is not assured due to other candidates’ possibilities.

The EU rejects Russia’s announced ceasefire as a mere ploy to improve relations with Washington, stating that Russia could halt hostilities immediately.

Three individuals were killed in a shooting in Uppsala, Sweden, on the eve of a major spring festival expected to attract 100,000 attendees.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal party is projected to win Canada’s federal election, though a majority of 172 seats remains uncertain.

Amnesty International highlights increasing assaults on universal human rights, emphasising the risk posed by religious, patriarchal, and racist ideologies.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal party is projected to secure victory, currently leading with 133 of the needed 172 seats for a majority in Canada’s federal election.

Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen asserts that Greenland will not be treated as property for sale amid US interest in the territory.

Cliff Notes – Pope buried in Rome Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday 250,000 mourners gathered for his funeral in St. Peter’s Square, reflecting his deep impact on the public. He was remembered for his connection with youth and his vocal stance on global issues like Gaza With significant attendance from international dignitaries, including heads of state and representatives from over 150 countries Pope buried in Rome Arguably the…

A driver struck a crowd during the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, resulting in 11 fatalities and 20 injuries, with a suspect arrested and charged with multiple counts of second-degree murder.

Global military spending surpassed $2.7 trillion in 2024, marking a 9.4% increase from the previous year, with over 100 countries raising their military budgets.

Iran and US in advanced talks in Oman in the third round of nuclear negotiations in Muscat aims to build trust 

Cliff Notes – US State Department appoints new top official for Europe Brendan Hanrahan has been appointed the senior bureau official for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, succeeding Louis Bono in this role. His background includes investment experience and work as a policy adviser under Senator Marco Rubio, though his foreign policy experience is not specified. This appointment aligns with the State Department’s broader reorganisation efforts under the Trump administration, coinciding with changes…

Cliff Notes – China set to lift sanctions on MEPs in EU ‘charm offensive’ China set to lift sanctions on MEPs in EU ‘charm offensive’ They’re just one of many bones of contention between the European Union and China: tit-for-tat Chinese sanctions targeting members of the European Parliament first imposed in 2021 after the EU slapped restrictions on Chinese officials the bloc held responsible rights abuses in Xinjiang. To this day, the blacklist includes four sitting MEPs whom China…