English

Gavin Blackburn

Europe News

China rejects claims it is aware its citizens are fighting in Ukraine

The rebuke came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his government had evidence of at least 155 Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russia on Ukrainian territory.

Japan

Japan, NATO agree to deepen security ties in face of regional threats

"A stronger NATO will benefit Japan greatly," Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said at a press conference with Rutte, who was visiting Japan for the first time since becoming secretary general of the alliance in October.

North Korea

Kim Yo Jong mocks Western calls to denuclearise North Korea

Tensions in the regions have increased as Kim Jong Un continues to flaunt his military nuclear capabilities and align with Russia over President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Europe News

Germany's CDU and SPD reach deal on new coalition government

The centre-right CDU and its sister party, CSU, have agreed on a joint coalition agreement with the centre-left SPD, which they plan to present on Wednesday afternoon.

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Panama

US Defence Secretary says China poses a threat to Panama Canal

Hegseth's visit comes amid tensions over US President Donald Trump's repeated assertions that the United States is being overcharged to use the Panama Canal and that China has influence over its operations.

Europe News

Frontex investigates Greece over alleged migrant rights violations

Greece has come under increased international scrutiny and criticism from human rights groups following a migrant boat sinking in 2023 off its southern coast that killed hundreds.

Libya

Libya cracks down on 10 NGOs providing aid to migrants

The Internal Security Agency said the organisations were also suspected of money laundering because they avoided transparency in how financial transfers are made for their projects.

Europe News

Kallas says Albania faces tricky reforms but its future is in the EU

Brussels decided in 2020 to start full membership negotiations with Albania, and talks began last October on how the Western Balkan country aligns with the EU in its fundamental principles.

Europe News

Dutch cannabis growers welcome expansion of scheme to legalise sales

While growing cannabis is still illegal, cannabis shops — known as coffeeshops — in 10 municipalities will be allowed to sell marijuana from 10 licensed producers.

Europe News

King Charles in Rome on first overseas trip since brief hospital stay

Charles is traveling with Queen Camilla on the four-day visit, which includes the first address to the Italian Parliament of a British monarch.

Europe News

Six cases of malnutrition among children found in Samos migrant camp

Doctors Without Borders Psarra says that the children in the Samos camp had already endured gruelling journeys and conditions inside the facility exacerbated their medical situation.

Europe News

Macron calls for 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza during visit to Egypt

Egypt, along with the United States and Qatar, were the major negotiators of the previous ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hamas which came into force on 19 January.

Europe News

Rescuers continue search for girl after migrant boat sank off Lesbos

The boat sank in the early hours of Thursday morning, killing seven people.

USA

Pentagon to review Hegseth's use of Signal to convey Yemen strike plan

The use of the app came to light when a journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic, was inadvertently added to a Signal text chain by national security adviser Mike Waltz.

Europe News

Senator slams Pentagon 'mid-level' leaders on Europe troop level plan

While there has been no official announcement about any reduction in US military numbers in Europe, President Donald Trump has made it clear he wants NATO to do more to defend its own region.

Europe News

Bulgaria's government survives parliamentary no-confidence vote

The conservative GERB party condemned the motion as an attempt to derail Bulgaria’s desire to adopt the euro at the beginning of 2026, a move that would consolidate its European integration.

Israel

At least 50 killed in overnight Israeli air strikes on Gaza

Israel has vowed to escalate the nearly 18-month war with Hamas until the militant group returns dozens of remaining hostages, disarms and leaves the territory.

Europe News

Seven dead after migrant boat capsizes near Greek island of Lesbos

Greece is one of the main entry points into the EU for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, with many making the short but treacherous journey from Turkey to Greek islands in inflatable dinghies.

Europe News

Greece to spend €25 billion on hi-tech overhaul of military

The initiative comes as European countries ramp up military spending in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine and indications that the Trump administration wants to reduce the United States’ commitment to European defence.

Europe News

Poland's PM says party computer systems targeted in cyberattack

'Foreign interference in elections begins,' Tusk said in a post on X, a reference to next month's presidential ballot.

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