Desk

europe

Tommy Robinson Is Not the Problem. He Is the Reckoning.

The parties Europe once called fringe are no longer fringe. Europe is shifting to the right, as voters who feel their leaders stopped listening increasingly make their frustration clear at the ballot box

AfD Wins Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Its Second State Victory in Two Weeks

The AfD has won 38.2% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, securing its second state-election victory in two weeks after taking Saxony-Anhalt. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU fell below the 5% threshold, while other parties continue to rule out governing with the AfD.

Italy’s Government Plans Nationwide Ban on Islamic Veils in Classrooms

Giorgia Meloni says Italy will move to restrict burqas, niqabs and hijabs in schools as part of a broader integration package that could also cap foreign students per class and require some parents to learn Italian. The proposal has not yet become law.

Berlin and Mecklenburg Vote as AfD Surge Tests Germany’s Political Centre

Voters in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are heading to the polls in a major test for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The elections come just two weeks after the AfD won 43.8% in Saxony-Anhalt, intensifying pressure on Germany’s traditional parties.

Hundreds of Ukrainian Drones Target Moscow in Record-Scale Assault

Ukraine has launched what Moscow calls the largest drone attack yet on the Russian capital, with around 450 drones reportedly aimed at Moscow. At least two people were killed, residential buildings were damaged and the Moscow oil refinery was hit in the overnight assault.

On France’s Tiny Atlantic Outpost, Macron and Carney Make a Bigger Point

France’s Emmanuel Macron and Canada’s Mark Carney are meeting in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a French territory just off Canada’s coast. The summit will focus on defence, energy and technology, but its location gives it added weight amid mounting tensions with Washington.

Trump Coerces Denmark into a Permanent US Security Foothold in Greenland

The US has secured sweeping new military access in Greenland after months of pressure on Denmark, including tariff threats and demands for greater American control. Critics say the deal risks reinforcing a wider perception that Washington will use economic and strategic coercion to secure its goals.

Putin Accuses Ukraine of Election Interference and Blocking Peace Talks

Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of interfering in Russia’s parliamentary election and deliberately obstructing peace talks. Kyiv rejects the vote, particularly in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory, as illegal, while US-backed negotiations remain stalled over territory and security guarantees.

Italy Prepares Naval Mission to Protect Shipping Near Bab el-Mandeb

Italy is preparing a possible naval mission to protect its merchant ships near Bab el-Mandeb as Houthi advances and attacks raise fresh risks to Red Sea trade. Rome has activated the navy to prepare protective measures but has not yet announced which ships could be deployed.

Argentina Judge Moves to Stop Major Oil Project Near Falkland Islands

An Argentine federal judge has ordered Navitas Petroleum and Rockhopper Exploration to halt work on the Sea Lion oil project near the Falkland Islands. The ruling cites environmental and sovereignty concerns, but enforcement remains uncertain because Argentina does not control the territory.

Trump Warns EU of Trade Retaliation Over Canada Membership Plan

Donald Trump has threatened the EU with heavy tariffs and possible trade restrictions if Brussels moves ahead with plans for closer association with Canada. He called the proposal a potential “hostile act”, raising fresh uncertainty around the $1.6 trillion US-EU trade relationship.

EU Opens Door to Canada Becoming Its First ‘Associate Member’

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has proposed making Canada the bloc’s first “associate member”, opening the door to an unprecedented new relationship. The status does not yet exist in EU law, but could deepen cooperation in defence, trade, energy, technology and critical minerals.

EU Calls China Trade Deficit “Unsustainable” and Warns of Tougher Action

The EU has declared its trade deficit with China “unsustainable” after the gap reached €359.8 billion in 2025. Brussels says Chinese overcapacity, weak European exports and dependence on critical supply chains are now forcing it to consider tougher trade and industrial measures.