Browsing: featured-eu

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed an invitation for a meeting with Slovakia’s Prime Minister, who has shown support for Viktor Orbán’s stance on Ukraine, albeit with less intensity than Hungary’s outgoing leader.

Israel has confirmed that Abu Keshek and Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila are in the country for imminent interrogation, amid accusations of ties to Hamas. Both men will receive consular visits, while Spain’s foreign minister labels the detention as illegal, demanding accountability for potential mistreatment.

Russian drone attacks targeted Ukrainian cities overnight, hitting civilian infrastructure and residential areas in Kharkiv, with injuries reported. In Kherson, a public transport bus was struck, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. Ukraine’s Air Force intercepted many drones, but some breached defences.

An arson attack on a Skopje synagogue on 12 April has been linked to the Islamic State, North Macedonia’s intelligence service reported. Seven arrests followed, including charges against two men for terrorism-related offences. The local Jewish community noted only minor damages occurred.

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to increase tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union to 25% next week, citing non-compliance with a trade deal. The move exacerbates tensions amid ongoing negotiations regarding EU-US trade relations.

France and Germany have deployed firefighting units to the Netherlands to combat woodland blazes that began earlier this week. Dutch authorities, overwhelmed by the fires impacting military training grounds, requested assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, prompting this international response.

Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar has defended appointing his brother-in-law, Márton Melléthei-Barna, as Minister of Justice amid opposition criticism. Magyar emphasised his administration’s commitment to restoring EU relations and unlocking critical funding while pledging to address past governance issues and improve public services.

A 33-year-old man will appear in court next week after being detained for allegedly plotting an attack on Dutch Princesses Amalia and Alexia. Prosecutors reported he possessed two axes inscribed with alarming phrases and a handwritten note mentioning both princesses, indicating serious intent.

A new International Labour Organization study reveals that over 840,000 annual deaths are linked to job strain, including long hours and harassment. The report highlights significant mental health challenges, with nearly one in three European workers experiencing stress or anxiety, exacerbating productivity losses and costing the EU over €100 billion annually.

High Representative Kaja Kallas has reiterated her rejection of direct talks between the European Union and Russia, emphasising that Moscow is preparing for a “long-term confrontation with the West.” Kallas highlighted the necessity of remaining resolute in the face of escalating military tensions.