Europe
Ireland: turmoil as motion of no confidence in Speaker is tabled
Ireland’s political landscape is bracing for a showdown over Ceann Comhairle (Speaker) Verona Murphy, whose role is under fire amid a prolonged row over speaking rights in the Dáil. Since January, tensions have…
Ukraine: Putin agrees to a partial ceasefire
Vladimir Putin has agreed to a thirty-day pause in strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following a phone call with Donald Trump. The two leaders spoke for 90 minutes as the Trump administration works…
Turkey: key opposition leader arrested
The mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition leader, has been arrested days before he was to be selected as a presidential candidate. Along with 100 others, he has been charged with…
North Macedonia: protests after 59 die in nightclub fire
North Macedonia is in mourning after a devastating nightclub fire in Kočani killed 59 people, most of them young. As grief turns to anger, thousands have taken to the streets demanding justice and…
Ukraine: Russia considers US ceasefire proposal, claims it is regaining Kursk region
US officials have arrived in Moscow to discuss a proposed thirty-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Special envoy Steve Witkoff hopes to persuade Russia to agree to the deal, which Ukraine accepted earlier…
Portugal: voter frustration as another election is called
Voters in Portugal are growing frustrated as another snap election looms, with little hope for stability. Prime minister Luis Montenegro’s centre-right government collapsed after losing a confidence motion, forcing the president to call…
Ukraine / USA: first all military aid, now intelligence sharing is paused
Donald Trump’s administration has reportedly halted, at least partially, intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a move that could severely impact Kyiv’s defence against Russia. National security adviser Mike Waltz and CIA Director John Ratcliffe…
Germany: conscription to be reintroduced?
Germany’s conservative leaders have argued that the country should quickly reintroduce compulsory military service. Friedrich Merz, leader of the new CDU/CSU government, argues that Europe must take greater responsibility for its defence, especially…
Ukraine / USA: Trump says Zelensky will sign mineral resources agreement
Donald Trump is to meet Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington on 28 February to sign a preliminary agreement on sharing Ukraine’s mineral resources. While Trump touts the deal as a way for the USA…
Germany: chancellor-elect criticises Trump, struggles to form coalition
Following the 23 February election, Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz has criticised Donald Trump, calling for European defence independence. He warned that NATO’s future was uncertain and called for urgent action…
