Admins Two Russian military aircraft have briefly entered Lithuania’s airspace in what appeared to be a new provocation from Moscow as European Union leaders discussed how to strengthen their defences amid deepening concerns the war in Ukraine could spill over into their nations. Lithuania’s armed forces said in a statement that the two aircraft – an … Read moreLithuanian president says Russian jets violated the country’s airspace
Leaders across the European Union have agreed to help Ukraine fund its fight against Russia’s invasion, but stopped short of approving a plan that would draw from frozen Russian assets to do so, after Belgium raised objections. EU leaders met in Brussels on Thursday to discuss Ukraine’s “pressing financial needs” for the next two years. … Read moreEU leaders delay decision on using frozen Russian funds to aid Ukraine
Voters in Ireland will head to the polls on Friday to elect a new president for a seven-year term. While the Irish presidency is a mostly ceremonial role, this election takes place amid a historic shift towards a more polarised political system, Barry Colfer, director of research at Dublin’s Institute of International and European Affairs, … Read moreIrish presidential election: Who is running and what’s at stake?
The European Union is preparing to adopt a new round of sweeping sanctions against Russian energy exports on Thursday, a day after United States President Donald Trump imposed similar measures against Moscow amid setbacks to his efforts at diplomacy with Vladimir Putin. These steps come as Russia and Ukraine are increasingly targeting each other’s energy … Read moreTrump, Ukraine and Europe target Russian energy as diplomacy falters
Russia is increasing air attacks to compensate for its failure to crack Ukrainian defences on the ground, according to Kyiv. “Russia has started a new wave of air terror against Ukraine – against our cities and civilian infrastructure,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told NATO’s 71st Parliamentary Assembly on October 13. Zelenskyy spoke days after Russia … Read moreUkraine’s Zelenskyy to meet Trump as Russia focuses on Donetsk offensive
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has survived two confidence motions, just days after he appointed his new government in time to submit a draft budget to parliament in a bid to end the political turmoil that has gripped the country for months. A motion sponsored by Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally and its allies … Read moreFrench PM Lecornu survives no-confidence parliament vote, now eyes budget
The European Commission is in discussions to adopt a new counter-drone initiative to protect European Union airspace from Russian violations, as it seeks to strengthen border security with its own advanced drone technology after a string of drone incursions were reported in a host of EU and NATO member countries over the past month. The … Read moreEU discusses ‘drone wall’ to protect airspace from Russian violations
Central bankers and financial delegates have gathered in Washington, DC this week for the annual International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings, which conclude on Saturday. Discussions this week have focused on global economic headwinds, as the IMF warns of signs of distress following US trade tariffs and protectionism. The IMF is widely seen … Read moreWhich countries owe the IMF the most money in 2025?
France’s President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister, days after he stepped down from the same post. Lecornu, 39, whose resignation was accepted on Monday just weeks after he took office, is now tasked with forming a new cabinet, Macron’s office said in a statement on Friday. His return is a surprise … Read moreFrance’s Macron reappoints Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister
Maria Corina Machado, a key opposition leader in Venezuela, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 for her struggle to promote democratic rights in her country. Machado, a 58-year-old industrial engineer who lives in hiding in Venezuela, was blocked by its courts from running for president against President Nicolas Maduro in the 2024 elections. … Read moreVenezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado wins Nobel Peace Prize