World News World leaders hail landmark US-Russia prisoner swap World leaders have shown a mix of relief and concern in the wake of a massive prisoner swap between Russia and the West — the biggest in post-Soviet history. 02/08/2024
Europe News Orban meets Macron ahead of Hungary's EU Presidency Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss support for Ukraine and other key issues before Hungary's EU presidency commences on 1 July. 26/06/2024
Europe News Zelenskyy tightens grip on absent officials amid escalating conflict Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has taken a tough stance on officials neglecting frontline duties while Russian attacks in Donetsk escalate. 26/06/2024
Israel Israel's top court orders army to draft ultra-Orthodox men Israel's Supreme Court has ruled that ultra-Orthodox men must be subject to compulsory military service, ending longstanding exemptions and potentially impacting PM Netanyahu’s coalition amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. 25/06/2024
Europe News Sweden joins NATO’s exercises as full member for the first time 9,000 troops from 20 NATO countries conducted extensive military exercises in the Baltic Sea region, with Sweden participating as a full NATO member for the first time. 24/06/2024
South Korea Fire at South Korean lithium battery factory claims at least 16 lives The incident has raised concerns about the safety of lithium batteries, which are known to pose fire risks under certain conditions. 24/06/2024
Switzerland Three missing after heavy storms cause landslide in Switzerland Rainfall in the Swiss canton of Valais has caused severe flooding, isolating Zermatt and prompting evacuations as authorities raise alert levels. 22/06/2024
Business Beijing protests EU tariff increase on Chinese electric vehicles Beijing strongly opposes the EU's decision to increase tariffs on their electric vehicles amid efforts by European automakers to forge joint ventures with Chinese counterparts to mitigate the tariff impact. 20/06/2024
Europe News Shipwrecks off Italian coast leave at least 11 dead and dozens missing According to the IOM, over 3,150 migrants died or went missing in the Mediterranean last year, making it the deadliest migration route in the world. 19/06/2024
Israel Netanyahu dissolves war cabinet amid coalition shifts The Israeli Prime Minister dissolved the six-member war cabinet after the departure of centrist former general Benny Gantz. 17/06/2024
Europe News Georgian parliament signs controversial 'foreign agents' bill into law Georgia's "foreign agents" bill, sparking protests and a presidential veto over concerns for media freedom and EU membership aspirations, is defended by the ruling Georgian Dream party but still faces calls for abandonment from the EU and US. 03/06/2024
Destinations Drought leaves major questions about Barcelona's future in tourism As Barcelona exits its almost four-year-long drought, the aftermath has left many tough questions about the realities of water management and mass tourism. 01/06/2024
United Kingdom Controversy as UK Conservatives plan to bring back national service Prime minister Rishi Sunak has announced plans to reintroduce mandatory national service for 18-year-olds, offering military placements or community service. 26/05/2024
Ukraine Zelenskyy warns of Russian advances as Kharkiv strike death toll rises The death toll from a bombing in Kharkiv has risen to 14, as Ukraine's president warns of increased Russian military activity near the northern border. 26/05/2024
Lithuania Lithuanians return to polls in presidential election 2nd round Lithuania's president overseas foreign and defence policy - key tasks given the country's position on NATO's eastern flank. 26/05/2024
Gaza Protests erupt in Tel Aviv over hostages held by Hamas Protesters also demanded the resignation of Israeli pime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who they accuse of prolonging the Gaza war for his own political gain. 26/05/2024
Democratic Republic Of Congo Attempted coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo foiled Congo's army thwarted a coup attempt in Kinshasa, arresting several perpetrators including foreigners, amid political unrest within President Tshisekedi's ruling party and escalating opposition threats. 19/05/2024
Europe News How is Azerbaijan involved with France and New Caledonia? France has accused Azerbaijan of meddling in its Pacific territory, New Caledonia, by supporting independence movements and spreading disinformation, amid broader geopolitical tensions. 19/05/2024
World News Severe flooding wreaks havoc across northern Europe Severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall has inundated Voeren and Liège in Belgium, as well as parts of France and Germany. 19/05/2024
Georgia Georgian PM join thousands to mark controversial family Purity Day Thousands, including Georgia's Prime Minister, marched in Tbilisi to celebrate Family Purity Day, highlighting traditional values amid rising tensions over LGBTQ+ rights and controversial new laws. 18/05/2024