Cliff Notes – EU’s top diplomat makes visit to Israel amid tensions Kaja Kallas delivered an Urgent Message: The EU foreign affairs chief emphasised that resuming negotiations is the only means to alleviate suffering on both sides amidst rising regional tensions and ongoing military operations in Gaza. Call for Unity: Kallas highlighted the need for EU member states to present a united front to regain credibility in the Middle East, as divisions hinder the bloc’s…
Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul since 2019, is recognised for his inclusive political style and has emerged as a potent rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan amidst Turkey’s polarised political landscape.
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has been detained on charges of corruption and alleged links to Kurdish militants, prompting widespread public protests across Turkey.
President Zelenskyy calls for renewed pressure on Russia after a drone attack resulted in seven deaths, highlighting the urgent need to end the conflict.
Prime Minister Mark Carney called a general election for April 28, citing a need to address perceived threats to Canadian sovereignty posed by US President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
Cliff Notes – Islamic State kills dozens in mosque attack Islamic State kills dozens in Mosque attack in Niger Suspected ISGS militants massacred 44 worshippers using American weapons, during Friday prayers in southwestern Niger, also attacking a market and setting houses on fire. The rising incidence of terrorist attacks since a 2023 coup has intensified following Niger’s severance of military ties with former counter-terrorism partners. The region’s security continues to deteriorate, exacerbated by military coups…
Hungary bans Pride events, as critics fear Trump influence over Viktor Orban will push the country further to the right, whilst his supporters hope he will eliminate the wokish culture which was funded by USAID, until it was cancelled.
The EU’s new defence strategy underscores the necessity for enhanced military capabilities, driven primarily by Russian aggression and the complex global security landscape, with an aim to bolster defence readiness by 2030.
Cliff Notes – Heathrow Airport closes due to nearby fire Heathrow Airport is closed for the entirety of Friday due to a significant fire at a nearby electrical substation, which disrupted global flight schedules. Around 120 aircraft were in the air at the time of the closure, with many diverting to alternate airports or returning to their points of origin. The London Fire Brigade is actively combating the blaze that caused local power outages and…
The EU has introduced a white paper to bolster member states’ defence capabilities, with plans to mobilise up to €800 billion through loans and relaxed fiscal rules amid concerns over US support and Russian aggression.
Pope Francis no longer requires non-invasive ventilation, indicating improvement in his respiratory condition, as confirmed by the Vatican.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has launched a lawsuit against President Trump’s administration, claiming the cancellation of funding constitutes an unlawful act against appropriated congressional funds.
The United Arab Emirates plans to invest around 100 billion reais ($17.4 billion) in Brazil, targeting the raw materials sector and infrastructure, with a focus on modernising favelas in the Baixada Fluminense region.
President Trump has directed the release of unredacted government files concerning JFK’s assassination, with over 31,000 pages now accessible online.
Cliff Notes – Is Cambodia serious about ending organized cyber scams? The National Bank of Cambodia revoked the banking license of Huione Pay due to noncompliance with regulations, amidst allegations that its parent company facilitated the largest online illicit marketplace globally. The cyber scam industry in Cambodia, reportedly worth €11 billion annually, is under scrutiny as the government faces pressure from both China and Western nations to take decisive action against fraudulent operations. Despite the…
Cliff Notes – Afghan women activists in Pakistan fear deportations Zahra Mousavi, who fled the Taliban in Afghanistan, now lives in hiding in Pakistan amid fears of arrest and deportation due to strict visa policies. Other Afghan female activists report similar fears, with Pakistan’s deportation drive posing a significant threat to their safety and human rights activism. Afghan women activists in Pakistan fear deportations Zahra Mousavi, a women’s rights activist, fled from Afghanistan to neighboring…
The ban was triggered by the death of a 14-year-old boy, who was stabbed by a fellow pupil at his school in Tirana and shared on social media.
The opposition are suggesting this is politically motivated and labelling it a form of censorship.
Germany is assessing whether recent detentions of its citizens in the US indicate a shift in American immigration policy or if they are isolated incidents.
Cliff Notes – Trump admin vows unrelenting strikes on Houthis in Yemen The US Defence Secretary announced a continued military campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels until they cease attacks on international shipping. President Trump threatened “overwhelming lethal force” against the Houthis, insisting that attacks must stop immediately or face severe consequences. The Houthis have escalated their retaliation by launching missiles and drones at US naval vessels, warning of continued aggression as long as US strikes…
The US deported over 200 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to El Salvador by invoking the rarely used wartime Alien Enemies Act, despite a temporary federal court ruling against the expulsions.
Cliff Notes – Trump stalled by judge after using 1798 deportation law A US federal judge paused deportations of Venezuelans following President Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, stating that the ACLU presented reasonable success arguments. Trump’s deportation order allowed for expedited removal of Venezuelans linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, bypassing conventional immigration processes. Critics deemed Trump’s use of the 18th-century law an unprecedented abuse of power, leading to legal challenges against…
Cliff Notes – US launches deadly strikes on Yemen President Trump authorised strikes on Yemen targeting the Iran-backed Houthi group in response to their attacks on cargo ships, with at least 19 fatalities reported. Explosions in residential areas of Sanaa have resulted in civilian casualties, with the Houthis labelling the attacks as a “war crime” and vowing to persist in their maritime assaults. This operation marks an escalation following the Houthis’ resumption of hostilities, which…
Cliff Notes – Greenland parties unite to reject Trump’s annexation plans All five parties in Greenland’s parliament issued a joint statement rejecting US President Donald Trump’s remarks on the potential annexation of the island. Emphasising their commitment to self-determination and friendship within NATO. Greenland’s outgoing prime minister, Mute Egede, asserted that “Greenland will never be the USA,” reinforcing the sentiment of national identity among the predominantly indigenous Inuit population. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen…
Cliff Notes – Economy finds reverse gear in January The Economy finds reverse gear in January it contracted by 0.1% in January 2025, contrary to expectations of a modest growth of 0.1%, primarily due to a decline in manufacturing output. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing significant challenges, including impending tax hikes and a £40bn bill from increased employer national insurance contributions, which threaten job security and economic stability. The Office for Budget Responsibility is expected to…
Good Morning, Germany! Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron are leading much of the global conversations this morning as the American president is considering a u-turn on pausing US military aid to Ukraine, and the French President’s televised speech last night regarding the crisis in Ukraine is being discussed by global publications. A little closer to home, Germany reports on upcoming healthcare strikes, the public backing for huge investment into infrastructure and defense, ongoing coalition discussions…
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