Author: Olga Winter - EU Newsdesk

Cliff Notes – Belarus trains school kids for ‘hot’ war to defend Lukashenko. The Belarusian government is militarising children as a means to secure the regime’s longevity, amid a shortage of personnel in security forces and potential conflict with Russia. Over 35,000 schoolchildren participate in military training annually, engaging in war games designed to desensitise them to violence and foster loyalty to the state. Critics assert this campaign undermines the education system and violates children’s…

Cliff Notes – Flight cuts across US amid longest gov’t shutdown in history The FAA’s order to cut domestic flight operations by up to 10% at 40 major airports aims to address safety concerns stemming from the ongoing government shutdown, affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers with minimal notice. Major airlines including Delta, American Airlines, and United are implementing significant flight cancellations, with Delta alone cutting around 170 flights immediately as a precautionary measure. Aviation…

Cliff Notes – Trump pushes for closer mineral ties with Central Asia President Trump hosted leaders from five Central Asian nations, focusing on enhancing partnerships amid growing competition for critical minerals. The C5+1 meeting highlighted Central Asia’s untapped mineral wealth, with plans for agreements on collaboration in sectors like uranium and rare earths. Central Asian leaders praised Trump’s administration, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan expressing optimism about future US engagement and economic deals. Trump pushes for…

Cliff Notes – The reward for terrorism in West – Make him President, so long as he agrees to give us oil The UN Security Council has removed sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab, acknowledging a significant political shift in Syria following Bashar Assad’s ousting. The resolution, drafted by the US, received broad support with 14 of 15 members voting in favour, while China abstained due to concerns over differing…

TL;DR Euronews launched its new debate show “The Ring,” aiming to replicate the dynamic discussions of the European Parliament. The inaugural episode featured a live debate between German MEP David McAllister and Belgian MEP Marc Botenga, focusing on issues like workers’ rights and EU enlargement geopolitics. Anchored by Méabh Mc Mahon, the show aims to engage a larger audience in European political discourse. MEPs clash over the topic of EU enlargement on the premiere of…

Cliff Notes – Are they blaming Russians without any evidence? Scaremongering? Flights were halted at Brussels and Liege airports due to multiple drone sightings, raising significant security concerns and leading to flight diversions. Belgium’s Defence Minister suggested the incidents could be orchestrated by professionals aimed at creating panic and destabilisation in the region. Recent months have seen an increase in drone incidents across Europe, including disruptions at airports in Copenhagen and Oslo, alongside suspected incursions…

TL;DR Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised Ukraine’s commitment to EU membership, aiming for full accession by 2030, contingent on the end of the ongoing war with Russia. The European Commission has recognised Ukraine’s progress towards EU accession but urged measures against corruption, while Hungary’s Prime Minister Orban is vetoing talks. Zelenskyy highlighted the need for sustained US military support, including Tomahawk missiles, to reinforce Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression, which he characterised as “energy terror.”…

Cliff Notes – Former US Vice President Dick Cheney dead at age 84 Dick Cheney passed away at 84 due to complications from pneumonia and heart-related issues, having faced significant health challenges throughout his life. As a prominent political figure, he served as Defence Secretary and later Vice President, notably advocating for the 2003 Iraq War based on unverified claims of weapons of mass destruction. Cheney became a controversial figure within the Republican Party, particularly…

Cliff Notes – Kim Yong Nam, North Korea’s former ceremonial head of state dies aged 97 Kim Yong Nam, the former ceremonial leader of North Korea for over 20 years, died at age 97 due to multiple organ failure, with a state funeral scheduled for Thursday. Known for his diplomatic role and loyalty to the Kim family, he navigated numerous political purges while serving as a symbolic head of state. China expressed condolences, highlighting Kim…

Cliff Notes – Peru breaks diplomatic relations with Mexico Peru severed diplomatic ties with Mexico in response to the asylum granted to former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who faces charges related to a 2022 coup attempt. Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela condemned Mexico’s actions as “unfriendly,” citing past instances of Mexican officials interfering in Peru’s internal affairs. Relations have deteriorated since Castillo’s ousting, with Mexico previously granting asylum to Castillo’s family, leading to Peru’s…

Cliff Notes – Drone sightings at Kleine Brogel airbase Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken confirmed unsuccessful use of a jammer against larger drones flying at higher altitudes over NATO’s Kleine Brogel airbase. Authorities reported a police and helicopter pursuit of the drones yielded no results; further investigation is planned following previous sightings at other airports. Drone sightings at Kleine Brogel airbase Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken said Sunday that a jammer was unsuccessfully used during…

TL;DR Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama employs AI, through a virtual minister named ‘Diella’, to combat corruption and expedite the country’s EU accession process. Concerns about Diella’s legitimacy, potential biases, and the risks of using foreign technology have emerged amid this ambitious drive for transparency. Despite the challenges, Rama’s initiative is gaining international recognition as Albania attempts to improve its anti-corruption image and meet EU requirements. Can Edi Rama’s AI minister propel Albania on path…

Cliff Notes – Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead festival Approximately 1.5 million attendees gathered in Mexico City for the Day of the Dead parade, an event launched in 2016 inspired by the James Bond film “Spectre.” The celebration, which honours deceased loved ones, involves festivities starting from October 31 and culminates on November 2 with offerings for both children and adults. The parade serves as a vibrant fusion of cultural traditions, drawing considerable international…

TL;DR The EU is facing pressure to deliver support to Ukraine, with President Zelenskyy stressing urgent financial needs for early next year amidst stalled negotiations over a reparations loan. Belgium’s reluctance to commit to using immobilised Russian Central Bank assets has created uncertainty, as leaders prepare for a critical summit in December to resolve these financial strategies. Alternatives being considered include issuing joint debt for grants or bilateral agreements, but these options could face challenges,…

Cliff Notes – US, India hail new 10-year defence pact despite tensions of blocking APEC membership US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signed a decade-long agreement to enhance cooperation and technology sharing amid frayed relations. Both leaders emphasised the framework’s role in fostering regional stability and strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific, aiming for deeper military collaboration. The US had to appease India, after the US had blocked India’s applications to…

Cliff Notes – RSF fighters reportedly arrested for violations Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) detained several fighters amid global outrage over alleged atrocities in el-Fasher, North Darfur. Graphic videos have surfaced showing mass executions by RSF members, including a man known as “Abu Lulu,” who has been identified in multiple clips. Rights NGO Centre for Information Resilience confirmed mass killings, stating casualties included both combatants and civilians, alongside reports of grave human rights violations from…

Cliff Notes – German President Steinmeier Africa tour eyes business growth & mineral deals German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s weeklong tour begins with the Grand Egyptian Museum opening; he aims to boost economic ties with African nations, including Egypt, Ghana, and Angola. Key discussions will focus on Egypt’s investment potential and Ghana’s aspirations to become a vaccine production hub, addressing challenges like bureaucratic barriers and fiscal instability. Angola seeks to join the G20 Compact with Africa…

Cliff Notes – APEC summit includes one of the biggest economies and will rival NATO Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised multilateral trading system protection and deeper economic collaboration amid rising global protectionism. Despite pledging support for free trade, scepticism remains among Asian countries due to China’s dominant manufacturing and past trade practices. US President Donald Trump departed the summit early, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent representing Washington, highlighting efforts to ensure fair trade terms…

TL;DR Claims of a personal White House invitation from Trump to Alice Weidel are misleading; she was invited by Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna for a meeting instead. Individual invitations from lawmakers, like Luna’s, do not equate to official diplomatic engagement from the White House and do not imply Trump’s involvement. Despite the lack of an official invitation, the AfD is cultivating ties with the US political landscape, aligning its agenda with elements of the MAGA…

Cliff Notes – India watches from sidelines as APEC kicks off Leadership Dynamics: The APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, is overshadowed by a key meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping aimed at tempering trade tensions. India’s APEC Aspirations: Despite India’s growing economic influence, its bid for APEC membership faces ongoing obstacles, including internal divisions within the group and concerns over its cautious approach to economic liberalisation. Shift in Focus: India is prioritising bilateral…

Cliff Notes – Tanzania tells students to stay home after tense election The aftermath of Tanzania’s general election saw protests in Dar es Salaam over the exclusion of opposition candidates, despite an imposed curfew. The government has directed public servants to work from home and advised students to remain indoors amidst ongoing unrest and an internet blackout. Tanzania tells students to stay home after tense election The streets of Tanzania’s largest city Dar es Salaam…

TL;DR Hungary opposes Ukraine’s EU membership, citing concerns it could involve the nation in ongoing conflict, while simultaneously supporting the EU accession of Western Balkan countries and Moldova. Budapest has maintained humanitarian support for Ukraine but resists military aid, arguing that increased European assistance could prolong the war and threaten regional stability. Hungary’s position on EU enlargement is under scrutiny, particularly due to its ongoing energy trade with Russia and its ability to veto Ukraine’s…

Cliff Notes – India is bracing itself for Cyclone Montha Cyclone Montha made landfall on India’s eastern coast, resulting in torrential rain and winds of up to 100 km/h, leading to at least one reported fatality. Authorities have evacuated tens of thousands and set up over 1,900 relief camps, with an estimated 4 million people at risk of being affected by flooding and damage. Cyclone Montha brings heavy rains and strong winds. Cyclone Montha made…

TL;DR – Trump’s demands test Seoul’s patience President Trump is pushing for a $350 billion investment from South Korea, with a contentious demand for upfront cash or equity, which Seoul argues could destabilise its financial markets. Anticipating a cooler reception, public demonstrations reflect South Korean discontent, with fears of economic coercion and resentment stemming from a recent US ICE raid on Hyundai. Trump’s demands test Seoul’s patience US President Donald Trump has two clear priorities for his…

TL;DR Lithuania’s Foreign Affairs Minister has raised concerns about airspace incursions from Belarus, deeming them an “existential threat” to Europe and urging enhanced defence measures. The Lithuanian government is calling for tougher EU sanctions on Belarus, citing these incursions as a hybrid attack aimed at destabilising the region and undermining support for Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has supported these claims, labelling the air incursions as provocations that will not be tolerated,…