Author: Olga Winter - EU Newsdesk

Cliff Notes – Criminal charges brought against Andrew and Tristan Tate Andrew Tate faces 10 charges including rape, human trafficking, and actual bodily harm, involving three complainants, as confirmed by the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Tristan Tate is charged with 11 offences, including similar accusations, connected to one complainant; both brothers deny any wrongdoing. Extradition to the UK from Romania is pending, as domestic criminal matters in Romania need resolution first, according to the…

Cliff Notes – Thousands evacuate Manitoba as wildfires rage Thousands evacuate Manitoba as wildfires rage as Canadians battle with the idea of wildfires in Canada. Over 17,000 residents in Manitoba are being evacuated as wildfires prompt a province-wide state of emergency, the largest seen in recent memory according to Premier Wab Kinew. Military assistance has been requested to aid in evacuations and firefighting efforts, with aircraft expected to assist in transporting residents from remote areas.…

Cliff Notes – French National Assembly backs assisted dying bill French National Assembly backs assisted dying bill The National Assembly approved the right-to-die bill in a vote of 305 to 199, advancing it to the Senate for further debate. Strict eligibility criteria for medical assistance in dying include being over 18, French citizens or residents, and suffering from incurable illness or intolerable pain. Supporters view the vote as a historic step towards individual freedoms, while…

Cliff Notes – Controversial US aid group begins operating in Gaza The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has commenced aid distribution in Gaza with US and Israeli support, amid criticism from humanitarian experts and its resigned executive director, Jake Wood. GHF’s operations, planned to deliver 300 million meals in 90 days, are seen as lacking neutrality, with concerns about Israel’s significant involvement potentially compromising humanitarian principles. Other established aid groups remain blocked from Gaza, raising alarms…

Cliff Notes – Magyar’s million steps to Romania and to power in Hungary? Magyar’s million steps to Romania and to power in Hungary? While addressing a crowd of several hundred people outside the city’s fortress, Magyar said: “the countdown has begun. Hungarians want to be part of Europe. They’ve had enough of dictatorship and division. They want peace, calm and prosperity.” Hungary’s opposition leader Peter Magyar made a statement, not just with his words but…

Cliff Notes – Suspected arson causes major power outage in Nice A suspected arson incident at an electrical facility resulted in a major power outage in Nice, affecting approximately 45,000 households early Sunday morning. The city’s mayor, Christian Estrosi, and prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation into the matter, linking it to previous outages in the region. Power was restored by 5:30 a.m., but disruptions included halted tram services and temporary electricity cuts at Nice…

On January 23, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Act, enabling government seizure of private property for public use, with fair compensation stipulated in specific circumstances.

The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that aid trucks entering Gaza have not reached civilians, raising concerns of potential chaos as residents await supplies.

The ongoing conflict in Thailand’s deep south since 2004 has resulted in over 23,000 violent incidents and more than 7,000 deaths, primarily affecting the Muslim Malay majority in Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala provinces.

Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed ongoing high-level discussions with the US regarding participation in Trump’s proposed $175 billion “Golden Dome” missile defence programme.

Sixteen European consumer groups, led by BEUC, have accused seven low-cost airlines of misleading practices regarding hand baggage fees, urging the EU to investigate and impose sanctions for violations of consumer laws.

A new North Korean destroyer launch ended in failure, described by Kim Jong Un as a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness.”

The Islamic State recently condemned Syrian interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa, calling for foreign fighters to defect to its ranks due to his diplomatic ties with the US.

Japan’s Agriculture Minister Taku Eto resigned after facing backlash for saying he had “never had to buy rice,” amid a national rice shortage and rising prices.

President Trump proposes a $175 billion missile defence initiative, dubbed the “Golden Dome,” aiming for completion before the end of his administration.

Nicusor Dan, an unexpected winner, claimed the Romanian presidency with approximately 54% of the vote, marking a rejection of far-right candidate George Simion, who received 46%.

Portugal’s centre-right Democratic Alliance coalition retains power with nearly a third of the vote, amidst a significant rise of the far-right Chega party, now joint second with the Socialists.

An explosion at a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs resulted in one fatality and at least five injuries; local police believe it was a deliberate act of violence.

The first official meeting between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in three years ended without a ceasefire, although a prisoner exchange of 1,000 individuals was agreed upon.

A Mexican Navy training sailing ship Cuauhtemoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge during a promotional tour in New York City on Saturday.

NATO membership is like a Netflix subscription, you get charged whether you use it or not. With this level of corruption it is cheaper and more procatial to cancel it and develop an EU defence army. That will boost the EU economy and create millions of jobs in the EU.

Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, with a Gleason score of nine, indicating metastasis to the bone.

A 25-year-old male, identified as the only fatality in the bombing at a Palm Springs fertility clinic, is believed to have been the suspect in the terrorist act that injured four others.

The lifting of US sanctions may herald economic relief and reconstruction for war-torn Syria, providing a chance for stability and refugee returns.

A court in Thailand issued arrest warrants on Thursday for 17 people in connection with the deadly collapse of a Bangkok skyscraper.