Europe
Ukraine: two ministers dismissed over corruption allegations
Ukraine has been shaken by its most serious political crisis since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, after parliament voted to dismiss the energy and justice ministers in response to a major corruption…
Poland: partnership with IJM to combat human trafficking
Poland is one of the highest-risk areas for trafficking in Europe, with 209,000 people currently trapped in modern slavery and many more vulnerable due to migration and regional conflict. Women and children make…
Serbia: protesters form human shield against Jared Kushner’s development plans
Thousands of demonstrators in Belgrade have formed a human shield around the bomb-damaged former Yugoslav defence ministry building, vowing to stop its redevelopment into a luxury complex tied to a company owned by…
Hungary / USA: Trump gives one-year exemption from sanctions
Donald Trump has granted Hungary a one-year exemption from US sanctions on Russian oil and gas purchases, marking a diplomatic win for Viktor Orbán. The move followed Orbán’s visit to Washington, where Trump…
Russia / USA: resumption of nuclear testing in tit-for-tat decisions
Vladimir Putin’s announcement that Russia may resume nuclear testing marks one of the most dangerous escalations in global security since the Cold War. He has instructed senior military and intelligence officials to prepare…
Netherlands: winners and losers after election
The Netherlands’ latest election has upended expectations, signalling both renewal and deep division in Dutch politics. After two years of turmoil and paralysis, centrist liberal party D66, led by 38-year-old Rob Jetten, surged…
France: two citizens released by Iran after more than three years
Iran’s release of French citizens Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, after more than three years in detention, marks a cautious diplomatic breakthrough between Tehran and Paris. The couple, accused of espionage by Iran…
Spain / France: ‘game-changer for women’s health’
A groundbreaking approach to diagnosing endometriosis offers potential to revolutionise research and treatment of the disease. Affecting one in ten women, endometriosis often goes undiagnosed for years. Traditionally, diagnosis involves invasive procedures like…
Spain: trauma and anger continue, one year after Valencia floods
In October 2024, devastating floods swept through Spain’s Valencia region, leaving 229 people dead and countless others traumatised. Among the victims were Miguel and Sara, a father and daughter who perished together while…
Zelenskyy joins European summit as EU and US ramp up Russia sanctions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined European Union leaders in Brussels as both the EU and the US announced fresh sanctions on Russia for refusing a ceasefire. Arriving at the summit, Zelenskyy reaffirmed that…
