The sun is shyly brreaking through the sky this week as spring sweeps across Europe, the daffodils are giving way to the joy of tulips — which were once traded like gold, with all the chaos of Trump, we can sense you are already reaching for your spade.
Moving on, this week’s briefing spans power struggles in Europe, Middle Eastern diplomacy, and a tech-driven twist in US politics — all layered with media spin.
In the global arena, leaders grapple with war, reparations, and election battles — from Paris to Gaza, Ottawa to Washington. As headlines swirl, we also spotlight a vanishing Easter tradition in Germany that is interesting.
With the European football electrifying screens across continents, the beautiful game is once again uniting and dividing fans in equal measure, but the biggest surprise of all was Man United won a game.
Well at least it’s Spring, the weather across the UK brings sunshine between short tempests, perfect for the Grand National Festival this weekend in Aintree, where national pride rides with the horses.
Did you know
The Northern Lapwing is returning to UK wetlands this month after overwintering in southern Europe, some politicians may call this illegal immigration. But our bird of the week is known for its sweeping flight patterns and “peewit” call, it’s a crucial bioindicator — its decline mirrors the threat to wetland habitats across Europe.
📰 Macron’s diplomacy is on show as he hosts ‘excellent’ ceasefire talks with top US, European and Ukrainian officials
French President Emmanuel Macron convened high-level ceasefire discussions in Paris with senior US, European, and Ukrainian officials, aiming to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. The talks included US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, and Ukrainian representatives led by Andriy Yermak. Macron emphasised the importance of a phased peace process, suggesting a multinational military contingent and a new security framework for Ukraine.
While the US expressed readiness to offer security guarantees, specifics remain under negotiation. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticised Witkoff’s stance, accusing him of echoing Russian narratives. The discussions also touched on Iran’s nuclear programme, with Trump threatening military action if no deal is reached. A follow-up meeting is planned in London next week.
Media Narrative Comparison
The Guardian: Highlights Macron’s proactive diplomacy.
France 24: Focuses on regional security implications and European unity.
Al Jazeera: Spotlights Zelensky’s criticism of US envoy Witkoff for promoting Russia.
Political Reactions (2 lines + 3 tweets)
Macron said: “These discussions are a step towards lasting peace in Europe.”
Zelensky: “We need support, not mixed messages.”
What you may have missed
This meeting was designed to bring the EU and US closer and give Zelensky an ultimatum. The US have made concessions and will no longer be the sole beneficiaries in Ukraine and the EU will have its say. But this story demonstrates the political games that have been at play in the corridors of power, which the media tend to ignore.
💬 Quote of the Day
“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” – Leo Tolstoy
📰 Meloni Meets Trump at White House Amid EU Trade Tensions
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Donald Trump at the White House to address trade tensions between the US and the EU. Trump recently imposed a 20% tariff on EU goods — later adjusted to 10% — triggering diplomatic concern. Meloni offered to mediate, expressing optimism about securing a deal, while Trump stated he’s “not in a rush” but is confident “a deal will happen.”
They also discussed NATO spending and future diplomatic visits, with Meloni extending an invite for Trump to visit Rome. The visit positions Meloni as a key European go-between with Washington, amid strained transatlantic ties.
Media Narrative Comparison
CBS News: Emphasises Meloni’s diplomacy.
AP News: Highlights Trump’s trade strategy and lack of urgency.
Reuters: Reports on Meloni’s Rome invite and possible EU dialogue.
Political Reactions
Meloni: “The goal is to make the West strong — together.”
Trump: “We’ll deal — or I’ll make one.”
What you may have missed
In order for the EU to have a deal, they have had to give up most their claim on Ukraine’s minerals and commit to longer term energy supplies from the US. Significantly, Palantir, the US tech giant, will be the AI driving engine to power NATO and EU military software systems.
📰 Macron offers ‘truth’ on Haiti slavery reparations – Haitians demand more
French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged France’s historic exploitation of Haiti, offering a “truth and memory” commission and symbolic gestures in response to the 19th-century independence ransom. Critics argue it’s far from enough, demanding financial reparations and formal apologies for colonial abuse.
Haiti was forced to pay France 150 million francs after declaring independence in 1804, a burden that drained its economy for generations. Macron’s move — including a proposed remembrance day — has sparked renewed debate across Europe and the Caribbean on the legacy of slavery.
Media Narrative Comparison on Haiti Reparations
France 24: Describes Macron’s approach as a historic step.
Al Jazeera: Calls it symbolic but lacking substance.
The Guardian: Frames it as an effort to avoid growing pressure for reparations.
Political Reactions (2 lines + 3 tweets)
Macron: “France must face its past.”
Activists: “Truth without reparations is hollow.”
📰 Canada’s Carney and Poilievre clash in heated 2025 election debate
Canada’s election debate pitted Liberal leader Mark Carney against Conservative firebrand Pierre Poilievre in a high-stakes showdown. Key topics included housing, immigration, climate, and inflation. Carney argued for “experienced leadership,” while Poilievre accused him of being a “banker for elites.”
Their stark contrast — technocrat vs populist — dominated media reactions. Social media lit up around immigration and cost of living. Analysts say this debate may have shifted undecided voters just weeks before the national vote.
Media Narrative Comparison
Al Jazeera: Focuses on ideological contrast.
CBC News: Highlights economic plans.
The Washington Post: Discusses leadership image and public trust.
Political Reactions (2 lines + 3 tweets)
Carney: “We need real plans, not populist slogans.”
Poilievre: “I’ll axe the tax and give Canadians control.”
📰 Israel kills over 30 in Gaza amid accusations of targeting civilians in deadly Gaza strikes
Israeli airstrikes killed more than 30 people in Gaza on Thursday, including children and aid workers, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel denies deliberately targeting civilians, claiming it hit Hamas infrastructure.
The UN is debating a new ceasefire resolution, while protests have erupted in European capitals. Aid agencies warn that blocked humanitarian corridors are worsening conditions. The US remains publicly neutral but privately concerned, according to leaked diplomatic cables.
Media Narrative Comparison
Al Jazeera: Describes the strikes as deliberate and deadly.
BBC: Uses more neutral language: “30 killed in disputed Gaza strike.”
Irish Times: Highlights rising pressure for an immediate ceasefire.
Political Reactions (2 lines + 3 tweets)
Netanyahu: “We’re dismantling terror, not harming innocents.”
Palestinian Authority: “This is a massacre.”
🕯️ Uncovered
Easter tradition in risk if extinction!
Germany’s Sorbian Easter egg tradition at risk of extinction
In Lusatia, Germany, the Sorbian minority — among Europe’s smallest ethnic groups — are fighting to preserve a centuries-old tradition: hand-painted Easter eggs. Crafted using wax, needles, and feathers, these intricate designs represent identity and resistance.
But younger generations are drifting away, and funding is drying up. Without support, artisans warn the art may disappear within a decade.
Get out and about
🖼️ Easter weekend deserves some Art
🎨 “Future Forms” at the Tate Modern (London) – A new AI x Art exhibition exploring digital creativity.
🔗 Visit the Tate Modern
🌐 Cultural & Business Events
- 🇺🇸 Coachella Weekend 2
- 🇬🇧 Grand National – Aintree
- 🇪🇺 EU Innovation Forum – Brussels
- 🇦🇪 Arab Fashion Week – Dubai
- 🌍 Art Basel Hong Kong
🏛️ Global Political events to keep your eye on
- IMF warns of sovereign debt risk
- UN Gaza ceasefire vetoed by US
- NATO drills planned in Poland/Finland
- WHO alerts on bird flu in Asia
- World Bank urges redesign for heat resilience
That’s all folks!