EU

Three firefighters died battling wildfires in Greece as gale-force winds intensified the blazes. Over 150 firefighters are responding near Rethymno, with multiple aerial and ground units deployed. Evacuations are ongoing in affected areas, including Agia Galini, amid heightened alerts for local hotels and tourists.

Hundreds of migrants are swimming from Morocco to Ceuta, overwhelming border security, with over 1,500 reaching the Spanish enclave recently. Authorities report that reception centres are at full capacity, prompting rescue efforts from Spain’s Civil Guard and Maritime Rescue Service amid calls for enhanced management of the situation.

Slovenia’s new parliament will convene on 10 April, initiating coalition negotiations following a narrow election victory by the liberal Freedom Movement. President Nataša Pirc Musar emphasised the need for expedient government formation due to the current geopolitical climate, anticipating complex discussions ahead.

The “No Kings” movement in the US is increasingly impacting Europe, as protests against President Trump’s policies connect with nationalist sentiments, particularly in Hungary. Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s upcoming election could further align EU movements with Trump’s ideology, prompting concerns over democracy and rule of law across the continent.

The European Commission has dismissed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s call for a trade deal with China, urging Beijing to address its economic practices. This follows Europe’s ongoing struggle with a significant trade deficit attributed to China’s low-cost exports amid a real estate crisis, raising concerns over competition and industrial decline.

Energy analysts warn that prolonged halts in Qatari LNG imports to the EU could trigger a significant surge in natural gas prices. A continued interruption, coupled with an extended conflict in Iran, may lead Europe into a crisis reminiscent of the 2022 energy turmoil.

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