Displaying items by tag: Europe

Tens of thousands of Germans have protested in Berlin against perceived political collaboration with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The demonstrations followed votes in which the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, received AfD backing on immigration-related proposals. While Merz insists he did not seek AfD support, critics including former chancellor Angela Merkel view this as a violation of Germany’s post-war commitment to reject far-right alliances. The protests attracted around 160,000 participants. With national elections weeks away, CDU leads the polls, with AfD in second place. Merz has ruled out forming a coalition with AfD, but tensions remain high. Demonstrators, alarmed by potential shifts in Germany’s political landscape, have called on democratic parties to protect the nation’s values.

North Korean soldiers are reportedly fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, employing brutal, near-suicidal tactics. Western intelligence estimates up to 12,000 North Koreans have been deployed to Russia’s Kursk region since November, with 4,000 killed or injured. Ukrainian special forces describe the troops as relentless, often refusing to surrender and committing suicide with grenades to avoid capture. They are using strange warfare strategies, removing body armour for speed, executing frontal assaults, and even using fellow soldiers as bait to target attack drones. They leave behind propaganda-filled notes pledging loyalty to Kim Jong Un and condemning Ukraine. Despite extensive military training, they are struggling with modern warfare, particularly drone technology, leading to high casualties.

Giorgia Meloni has revealed she is under judicial investigation after her government released Libyan police officer Osama Elmasry Njeem, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape. Njeem, detained earlier this month in Turin, was unexpectedly repatriated to Libya on an Italian aircraft two days after his arrest. The ICC has demanded an explanation, stating it was not consulted. Meloni, who now faces allegations of aiding a crime and misuse of public funds, has denied wrongdoing. Njeem is linked to Libya’s Special Defence Force (SDF), operating notorious detention centres implicated in atrocities during Libya’s post-Gaddafi civil war. His release has strained Rome’s relations with the ICC, which has recently expanded investigations into crimes in Libya. Opposition leaders are demanding further explanations in parliament.

A surge of ten thousand unexpected day-trippers overwhelmed the Italian ski resort of Roccaraso after viral social media posts promoted the area’s heavy snowfall. Influencer Rita De Crescenzo’s videos encouraged budget tour companies to offer cheap bus trips, drawing massive crowds. On 27 January, 220 tour buses and countless cars clogged the narrow roads, frustrating local residents and causing safety concerns. Chaos ensued on the slopes as visitors disregarded ski etiquette, used makeshift sleds like saucepans, and even lit barbecues. Authorities have since introduced crowd-control measures, including bus restrictions. Roccaraso’s mayor, describing the situation as ‘hellish’, fears that an even larger influx could arrive next weekend. Officials are now working with law enforcement to manage future crowds and prevent similar disruptions.

The EU has signalled its readiness to negotiate with Donald Trump, hoping to avoid a damaging trade conflict. Ursula von der Leyen highlighted growing global competition and warned against trade policies that disrupt economic bonds. Trump’s administration has begun investigating US trade deficits and unfair practices: Germany is a potential target, but chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed cautious optimism after his first contacts with Trump's administration. Von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to collaboration with global partners, including India and China; she also voiced support for the Paris climate agreement, which Trump has exited. Noting that trade between the USA and the EU is worth 1.5 trillion euros, she said, ‘No other economies in the world are as integrated as we are. So our first priority will be to engage early, discuss common interests, and be ready to negotiate.’  EU officials see Trump’s policies as a wake-up call to fix their economies and become more competitive.

A Dutch court has ruled that prime minister Dick Schoof’s government must intensify efforts to reduce nitrogen pollution in protected areas, marking a legal victory for Greenpeace. Half of the country’s vulnerable habitats must meet nitrogen thresholds by 2030, with noncompliance incurring a €10 million penalty. Schoof’s administration, elected in 2024, shifted away from its predecessor’s €24.3 billion sustainability fund, favouring technological and voluntary measures instead. However, the court called for tangible financial and regulatory actions to address emissions from agriculture, industry, and transport. Greenpeace celebrated the verdict but emphasised the need for immediate action. The verdict reverberates with other countries facing similar legal challenges - seen now as a key tool to compel governments to environmental action - for the same reasons; it will also risk further protests from Dutch farmers who are concerned about anticipated herd reductions and new farm standards. The Schoof administration may appeal the decision, balancing stricter measures with potential rural unrest and EU compliance demands.

A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort has killed at least 76 people, marking one of the country’s deadliest hotel fires. Survivors reported that fire alarms failed to activate, and experts suggested that inadequate fire safety measures contributed to the high death toll. The fire, which began in the restaurant area, spread rapidly, forcing some guests to jump to their deaths. Discrepancies emerged regarding the hotel’s fire safety certification, with officials noting the absence of adequate fire escapes, alarms, and suppression systems. Nine individuals, including the hotel owner, have been detained as part of the investigation. Experts said that properly designed fire safety systems and escape routes could have mitigated the tragedy. Authorities continue to investigate claims of negligence and systemic failures, as questions grow over how such a disaster occurred in a major resort.

Tensions between Poland and Ukraine have been strained for years over the Volhynia Massacre, in which Ukrainian paramilitary forces killed around 100,000 Polish civilians during World War 2. Polish prime minister Donald Tusk has now announced that exhumations of the bodies will begin, thanks to cooperation between Poland and Ukraine’s cultural ministries. While Poland describes the massacre as genocide, Ukraine disputes this, viewing it as part of a broader conflict. The dispute intensified after Ukraine banned the search for Polish victims in 2017, but recent efforts, including a joint commemoration by presidents Duda and Zelensky, aim to heal wounds. Meanwhile, Tusk has accused Russia of plotting terrorist acts against Western airlines : see

Giorgi Gakharia, former prime minister and leader of the opposition party For Georgia, is in hospital with facial and head injuries, after a brutal assault by several men in a hotel lobby. His health was later confirmed to be stable. His party, calling this a politically motivated attack, accused the government of attempting to intimidate opposition voices. Georgia’s ongoing political crisis intensified after the disputed October parliamentary elections. Protests against the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party have erupted in Tbilisi and other cities, particularly after the government’s announcement to delay EU accession talks. The protests have led to widespread crackdowns, including arrests and beatings, drawing criticism from human rights groups. The attack on Gakharia follows similar assaults on opposition members and journalists.

Donald Trump has expressed sympathy for Russia’s opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, suggesting such membership provokes Moscow and risks escalating conflict. Trump criticised the Biden administration’s support for Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, stating that Russia has long opposed NATO’s presence near its borders. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is preparing a significant final weapons package for Ukraine before the transition of power. While details remain unclear, it follows earlier military aid, with most promised equipment already delivered. Ukraine’s foreign minister announced the rescheduling of a meeting with Trump’s special envoy, emphasising the need for a meaningful dialogue. On the battlefield, tensions have escalated. Ukraine reported 94 clashes in Russia’s Kursk region, double the prior day’s count, and announced a new offensive. Fighting persists in Kurakhove, where Russia claims control, but Ukrainian forces dispute this, accusing Russia of using scorched-earth tactics. Both nations report heavy losses, but independent verification remains elusive.