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- EU Releases 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, Highlights Anti-Corruption Stagnation
- European Parliament approves asylum reform allowing transfers to third countries
- European Parliament Approves EU-US Trade Deal Agreement on Tuesday
- West Ham vs Man Utd LIVE: Premier League latest score and confirmed lineups
- Tisza MEPs Reject EU Mercosur Safeguards in Vote at European Parliament
- Pep Guardiola sends warning to Man City over Arsenal title battle: ‘We will not win’
- Search Continues for Missing Nancy Guthrie as Police Receive New Leads
- EU member states debate diplomatic re-engagement with Russia amid Ukraine war
LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.
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EU Releases 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, Highlights Anti-Corruption Stagnation
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TL:DR – EU Releases 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, Highlights Anti-Corruption Stagnation
• Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, released on 10 February 2026, shows the EU remains the least corrupt region worldwide with a score of 62 out of 100.
• Hungary and Bulgaria rank as the worst-performing EU member states with scores of 40.
• Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are the best-performing EU countries with scores of 89, 88, and 80, respectively.
• The EU adopted its first Anti-Corruption Directive in December 2025, set for adoption in March 2026.
• The directive requires annual publication of EU-wide corruption data and national anti-corruption strategies.
EU remains least corrupt but anti-graft progress stalls, report warns
The European Union has maintained its status as the least corrupt region globally, according to Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index released on 10 February 2026. However, the organisation noted that anti-corruption efforts have largely stalled over the past decade, which is significant as it highlights the challenges facing EU member states in combating corruption.
The global average corruption score has reached a new low of 42, while the EU’s regional average stands at 62 out of 100. Since 2012, 13 countries in Western Europe and the EU have significantly declined, while only seven have shown significant improvement.
Hungary and Bulgaria’s Low Scores
Hungary and Bulgaria have been ranked as the worst-performing EU member states, with Hungary scoring 40 and Romania at 45. Flora Cresswell, regional advisor for Europe at Transparency International, stated that the erosion of checks and balances in Hungary has created “a melting pot of corruption risks.” She explained that the diminishing framework of accountability is linked to a lack of media freedom, undermined judicial independence, and increased corruption risks in public spending.
Trends in Slovakia and Other EU States
Transparency International observed concerning trends in Slovakia, which scored 48, citing government campaigns against independent whistleblowing agencies that have rolled back the ability to investigate and prosecute corruption. France and Sweden also experienced drops in their scores, attributed to sanctions enforcement challenges and integrity scandals, while the Baltic states saw improvements by implementing effective anti-corruption strategies and enhancing transparency.
EU Anti-Corruption Directive Adoption
In December 2025, the European Union agreed on its first Anti-Corruption Directive aimed at harmonising criminal laws on corruption across member states. This provisional agreement mandates the establishment of EU-wide definitions and sanctions for corruption offences, as well as the annual publication of corruption data. Flora Cresswell noted that the directive is “lacking ambition,” as many critical elements, such as lobbying transparency, are not obligatory. The text is expected to be adopted in March 2026, with member states given two years to transpose the directive.
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European Parliament approves asylum reform allowing transfers to third countries
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TL:DR – European Parliament approves asylum reform allowing transfers to third countries
• On Tuesday, the European Parliament approved a legislative change allowing asylum seekers to be transferred to unrelated countries before claims are processed.
• The change to the Asylum Procedure Regulation (APR) removes the requirement for a link to a transfer country.
• German MEP Lena Düpont stated the change enables EU cooperation with third countries for migration management.
• The change was passed with 396 votes in favour, led by the European People’s Party and right-wing groups, while 226 voted against.
• Concerns were raised about risks for asylum seekers from civil society organisations, including ECRE, regarding their safety in third countries.
• On the same day, the Parliament approved a list of “safe countries of origin,” including Bangladesh and India, to expedite asylum processing.
European Parliament clears way for transferring asylum seekers to unrelated countries
The European Parliament approved on Tuesday a legislative change that allows asylum seekers arriving in the European Union to be transferred to unrelated countries prior to having their claims processed. This change to the “safe third country” concept, as part of the Asylum Procedure Regulation (APR), removes the previous requirement for a link between an applicant and a transfer country, enabling national authorities to relocate individuals to nations they have never visited.
This decision is significant as it facilitates cooperation between EU states and foreign governments to accept migrants from Europe, similar to arrangements made by the previous United Kingdom government with Rwanda. The new regulation states that asylum seekers can be moved to virtually any country, provided there is an agreement in place and the country is deemed “safe” in accordance with international standards.
Regulations and Safeguards for Asylum Seekers
Under the new provisions, the protection of asylum seekers from persecution and serious harm is mandated, alongside respect for the principle of non-refoulement. They will be ensured access to a functioning asylum system, which includes education and work permits as well as residence rights. However, this new regulation will not apply to unaccompanied minors, whose cases will still be processed within European countries or relevant transit countries.
Lena Düpont, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Germany and rapporteur of the file, stated, “This vote will allow EU member states to really make use of cooperation with third countries in a different manner than before,” suggesting that the change aligns with international law and could reduce delays in the European asylum system.
Parliamentary Voting and Opposition
The legislative change was approved with 396 votes in favour, 226 against, and 30 abstentions, marking a division within the European Parliament. The European People’s Party (EPP), along with the right-wing European Conservatives (ECR) and far-right Patriots for Europe (PfE) and Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN), supported the bill, while the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and Renew Europe largely opposed it.
Concerns raised by S&D MEP Cecilia Strada, reported by Euronews, argue that the removal of the connection criterion could lead to the instrumentalisation of asylum seekers by third countries seeking financial agreements. The European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) has also expressed worries that the legislation may heighten risks for vulnerable demographics, including survivors of violence and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Approval of Safe Countries of Origin List
On the same day, the European Parliament approved the first EU list of “safe countries of origin” for asylum purposes, which includes Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco, and Tunisia, along with all candidate countries for EU membership excluding Ukraine. This new classification aims to expedite the asylum process, allowing for fast-track procedures for applications from nationals of these countries.
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European Parliament Approves EU-US Trade Deal Agreement on Tuesday
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TL:DR – European Parliament Approves EU-US Trade Deal Agreement on Tuesday
• On 11 February 2026, European Parliament political groups reached an agreement on the EU-US trade deal struck in July 2025.
• The deal sets US tariffs at 15% on EU exports and zero on US goods, pending ratification.
• The approval process was frozen in January due to Trump’s tariff threats on eight European nations.
• A formal vote by the International Partnership Committee is scheduled for 24 February 2026.
• The trade deal includes mechanisms for tariff relief and suspensions based on compliance.
European Parliament’s political groups agree EU-US trade deal
Political groups in the European Parliament reached an agreement on Tuesday regarding the EU-US trade deal, which was struck in July 2025 by US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This agreement, which still requires ratification, establishes US tariffs at 15% on EU exports while the EU commits to eliminating its tariffs on US goods. The approval process has recently faced controversy due to Trump’s threats concerning Greenland.
The significance of this agreement lies in its potential impact on transatlantic trade relations and its necessary legislative steps. The Parliament had previously frozen the approval process in January after Trump stated on social media that he would impose a 10% tariff from February on eight European countries involved in a military mission in the Arctic.
Final Vote Planned by the International Partnership Committee
Following the resumption of negotiations, representatives from the Parliament’s political groups have finalised the necessary legislative details for the deal. The International Partnership Committee is scheduled to formally vote on the compromise on February 24, with a plenary session vote anticipated in March.
Key components of the agreement include a “sunset clause” that allows EU tariff relief to expire by March 2028 unless renewed, and a “suspension clause” that would come into effect if the US violates the deal’s stipulations. According to Socialist Member of the European Parliament Bernd Lange, lead negotiator on the file, the negotiations added a clear criterion for the territorial sovereignty of the European Union related to potential suspensions.
Additional Provisions in the Trade Agreement
The Parliament’s version of the trade deal also incorporates a safeguard mechanism to mitigate the impact of reduced tariffs on US goods within the EU market. Additionally, it includes a provision for the automatic reintroduction of tariffs if the US fails to lower its tariffs to 15% for over 400 steel-related products, as agreed last July but not yet implemented.
Once the final vote occurs in the plenary session, the Parliament will enter negotiations with EU member states regarding the terms of the agreement, which may lead to modifications of certain conditions.
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West Ham vs Man Utd LIVE: Premier League latest score and confirmed lineups
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West Ham vs Man Utd LIVE: Premier League latest score and confirmed lineups | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Manchester United faced West Ham United on 10 February 2026, aiming for a fifth consecutive victory under manager Michael Carrick. United had previously triumphed over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham. West Ham, meanwhile, had secured three wins from their last four league matches, their only defeat being against Chelsea.
Manchester United take on West Ham United tonight as they seek a fifth consecutive victory under manager Michael Carrick. The match, taking place on Tuesday 10 February, is particularly significant as United look to strengthen their position in the Premier League, currently sitting fourth and just three points behind third-placed Aston Villa.
Since Carrick took over, Manchester United has achieved impressive wins against top teams including Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham, most recently overpowering Tottenham on Saturday. In contrast, West Ham United has also found form, winning three of their last four league games despite a narrow defeat to Chelsea.
Early team news for both sides
Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined for Manchester United due to a back problem, with no official timeline for his return. Injuries have also ruled out Mason Mount and Patrick Dorgu for tonight’s fixture.
West Ham United will be without goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who is dealing with a back injury, as well as Jean-Clair Todibo, who is serving a suspension following a red card.
Match details and how to watch
The kick-off for the match between West Ham United and Manchester United is scheduled for 8:15pm. The match can be viewed live on TNT Sports 1, with streaming options available via the Discovery+ app.
Manchester United aims to continue their strong form, while West Ham seeks to capitalise on their recent successes as both teams vie for crucial points in the league.
Tisza MEPs Reject EU Mercosur Safeguards in Vote at European Parliament
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TL:DR – Tisza MEPs Reject EU Mercosur Safeguards in Vote at European Parliament
• Tisza MEPs from Hungary voted against the EU Mercosur trade deal safeguards on Tuesday, breaking from the EPP for the third time this month.
• Tisza stated their stance protects Hungarian farmers, emphasising the prioritisation of national interests.
• Seven Tisza MEPs were sanctioned by the EPP, barring them from speaking at plenary sessions for six months.
• Tisza is campaigning to unseat Viktor Orbán‘s government in the elections scheduled for 12 April.
• Tisza currently leads Orbán’s Fidesz Party in opinion polls.
Hungary’s Tisza Party breaks ranks with EPP in bid to counter Brussels puppet claims
MEPs from Hungary’s main opposition party, Tisza, voted against a resolution at the European Parliament concerning safeguards related to the European Union’s Mercosur trade deal on Tuesday. This marks the third time within a month that Tisza has voiced its dissent from the European People’s Party (EPP), which is significant as it underscores growing fractures within the party over key policies.
The rejection of the Mercosur safeguards aimed at protecting Hungarian farmers was reinforced by a party statement that expressed support for local agricultural interests. “Tisza stands by Hungarian farmers even when it means going against the mainstream in Brussels,” the statement said.
Tisza Breaks Rank with EPP Over Mercosur Deal
In January, Tisza supported a resolution to refer the Mercosur agreement to the European Court of Justice. Tisza Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) also notably absented themselves from a vote backing EPP politician Ursula von der Leyen during a motion of censure initiated by the far right, leading to sanctions against all seven Tisza MEPs, prohibiting them from speaking at plenary sessions for the next six months. “We accept the sanctions. Because Hungarian interests are more important than any compromise in Brussels,” Tisza reiterated.
An unnamed EPP source, speaking to Euronews, expressed concerns about Tisza’s distancing from both Manfred Weber, EPP chairman, and Ursula von der Leyen, particularly in relation to their stance on Ukraine. The EPP supports Ukraine’s expedited accession to the EU, while Tisza has declared opposition to fast-track accession, pledging to hold a referendum in Hungary if it forms a government.
Tisza’s Campaign Against Orbán’s Government
Under the leadership of Péter Magyar, Tisza is vying to unseat Viktor Orbán’s nationalist government in elections scheduled for 12 April. Currently, Tisza leads Orbán’s Fidesz Party in opinion polls, despite government claims that an opposition victory would threaten Hungary’s sovereignty. Tisza joined the EPP Group in 2024 after securing 30 per cent of the Hungarian vote at the European elections.
Manfred Weber has distanced himself from ongoing campaign developments, stating, “I’m wondering why I, Manfred Weber, play such a prominent role there. This is not my choice; it is solely Hungary’s choice about its future.” He added that Tisza appears to be focused on pressing issues affecting citizens.
Challenges for Tisza Ahead of Elections
According to Roland Freudenstein, co-founder of the Brussels Freedom Hub and former EPP think tank member, Tisza faces significant challenges as the Orbán government portrays the centre-right EPP as an anti-Hungarian force. Freudenstein stated, “Tisza constantly has to defend itself against the accusation of being a traitor to the nation.” He noted that Tisza is likely to avoid discussions on Ukraine until after the April elections.
Hungarian political analyst Szabolcs Dull remarked that Tisza is tailoring its decisions to the domestic political environment, suggesting that Weber and the EPP will overlook these strategies leading up to the elections.
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Pep Guardiola sends warning to Man City over Arsenal title battle: ‘We will not win’
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Pep Guardiola sends warning to Man City over Arsenal title battle: ‘We will not win’ | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Pep Guardiola expressed doubts about Manchester City’s ability to close the gap on Arsenal in the Premier League title race. Following Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Sunderland, City secured a comeback win against Liverpool, cutting the deficit to six points. Guardiola warned that without addressing their inconsistent second-half performances, future victories would be challenging.
Pep Guardiola has warned that Manchester City must improve their second-half performances to maintain pressure in the Premier League title race, following their comeback victory over Liverpool on Sunday. The match saw City reduce the gap to league leaders Arsenal to six points, but Guardiola stressed that a sustained challenge will be impossible without addressing their problematic second halves.
Guardiola’s comments come after City have dropped 11 points since the start of the year due to inconsistent second-half performances. The team has often struggled after the break, scoring fewer goals and failing to convert chances, notably in their earlier encounter with Tottenham.
City will aim to close the gap to three points if they defeat Fulham on Wednesday night, with Arsenal set to play Brentford the following day. Despite the slight resurgence, Guardiola cautioned that without improvement, City “will not win” against Fulham or future opponents. He stated, “If we don’t improve that, we will not win – maybe if not against Fulham, against Newcastle or the next [game].”
Guardiola acknowledged the changes in the squad since past successful seasons, noting that the current team features “60 or 70 per cent of new players”. He expressed uncertainty about their ability to replicate previous runs of form, saying, “I don’t know if we are able to win three, four, five, six games in a row. I don’t know.”
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