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.

Germany registered 2,656 conscientious objector applications in early 2026, exceeding two-thirds of 2025’s total. This increase follows new military service legislation requiring young men born in 2008 or later to register for potential conscription amid discussions on bolstering the Bundeswehr’s personnel numbers.

German security services have issued a warning regarding phishing attacks on lawmakers and senior officials via the Signal messaging app, attributed to a “state-controlled cyber actor.” The government suspects Russian involvement, with estimates suggesting at least 300 political accounts may have been compromised.

Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has announced he will not defend his French Open title due to a right wrist injury. Alcaraz also withdrew from the Italian Open, following setbacks from an injury sustained at the Barcelona Open earlier this month.

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