Europe

The Sweden Democrats (SD), previously a far-right pariah, have emerged as a key political player, now the nation’s second-largest party. Following shifts in alliances post-2018 elections, SD’s influence on immigration and criminal justice policies has been increasingly normalised within the government, reflecting a significant political transformation.

At least 58 states and territories are affected by anti-personnel mines, according to UN rights chief Volker Türk. The report highlights significant civilian casualties, with approximately 90% of victims in 2024 being civilians, primarily in Myanmar, Syria, and Afghanistan. Recommitment to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty is urged.

Britain and France unveiled a pilot “one in, one out” scheme under which migrants arriving via small boats to the UK will be detained, returned to France and, in exchange, an equivalent number of asylum seekers with UK family ties will be admitted each week, potentially limited to around 50 people.

Ursula von der Leyen has defied her critics by comfortably surviving a no-confidence vote, with an overwhelming number of European Union legislators rejecting a censure motion against her.

A new bilateral deal announced at the end of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit pledges a pilot “one in, one out” returns scheme: the UK will return around 2,600 irregular Channel migrants per year to France, matched by accepting an equal number of asylum seekers with strong UK ties.

From our sponsors
Advertisement
Advertisement