Europe
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…
Dublin: Three gardaí injured and 23 people arrested in second night of Citywest public disorder
Serious unrest broke out for a second consecutive night near the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, leaving three gardaí hospitalised and 23 people arrested. Around 500 people, mostly young men and teenagers, were involved…
France: Death threats for former President Sarkozy in prison
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has received death threats just one day after beginning his five-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy at La Santé prison in Paris. A video circulated online appeared to…
France: a nun has become a powerful evangelist, thanks to social media
Sister Albertine, a young French nun, has become a surprising yet powerful online evangelist. Through videos, social media posts and candid personal sharing, she invites many - especially younger people - to encounter…
Spain: a different approach to Africa and to migrants
In contrast to many Western nations, Spain is charting an independent path on migration and relations with Africa. While the USA, UK, France, and Germany are reducing development aid, prime minister Pedro Sánchez…
Greece: parliament set to approve thirteen-hour workday
Greece is poised to introduce one of Europe’s most controversial labour reforms - a thirteen-hour workday for private-sector employees. The new legislation, expected to pass parliament despite widespread protests, would allow workers in…
France: boom in baptisms and Bible sales
An unexpected spiritual revival is unfolding in France, where more than 10,000 adults are set to be baptised in 2025 - a 45% increase in one year. This surge, accompanied by record youth…
France: new PM to be named within 48 hours?
Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister within 48 hours, following the abrupt resignation of Sébastien Lecornu’s government just 14 hours after being named. Lecornu, asked to outline a path…
Europe: EC proposes drastic cut in steel imports, doubles tariffs
The European Commission has proposed halving the volume of steel imports entering the EU duty-free - from 30.5 million to 18.3 million tonnes annually - and doubling tariffs on imports exceeding that quota…
France: implications of Sarkozy’s unexpected conviction for corruption
Former president Nicolas Sarkozy has been convicted of criminal conspiracy and sentenced to five years in prison, marking a historic and dramatic moment in French politics. The Paris court ruled that he engaged…
