English

Gavin Blackburn

USA

New York Times sues Pentagon over Pete Hegseth's new media rules

The Pentagon has argued that the policy imposes “common sense” rules that protect the military from release of information that could put them in danger.

Spain

Spain police arrest 11 over alleged smuggling of 300 foreign workers

In a statement, police said most of those smuggled had entered on tourist visas, including for other countries within the European Union's Schengen area.

China

Emmanuel Macron urges China to support peace plan for Ukraine

China has provided strong diplomatic support to Russia since its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine and has also extended an economic lifeline through increased trade.

United Kingdom

Putin 'morally responsible' for UK Novichok death, inquiry finds

Dawn Sturgess died after coming into contact with the Novichok nerve agent which was stored in a perfume bottle in an assassination attempt on double agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury.

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Moldova

Moldovan police investigate drone resident thought was 'a toy'

Europe is on high alert after drone flyovers into NATO airspace reached an unprecedented scale in September, prompting leaders to agree to develop a "drone wall" to better intercept drones violating Europe's airspace.

United Kingdom

China slams UK for delaying decision again on massive London embassy

The proposed structure at Royal Mint Court, near the Tower of London, would be the largest embassy in Europe, covering 20,000 square metres.

Myanmar

Myanmar opium cultivation hits highest level in a decade, UN says

There were signs that heroin from Myanmar is reaching markets in Europe previously supplied by Afghanistan, with several seizures over the past year that involved passengers travelling from Southeast Asia to Europe.

Syria

EU updates asylum guidance for Syrians a year after al-Assad's fall

The number of Syrians requesting asylum dropped significantly from 16,000 in October 2024, before the fall of al-Assad in December, to 3,500 in September 2025.

Germany

Germany activates Arrow 3 missile defence system bought from Israel

Israel has long relied on a multilayered missile defence system, including the Arrow, to protect communities around the country from rocket barrages from militants in Gaza and Lebanon.

Greece

Greek farmers block borders in dispute over delayed EU subsidies

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the government is open to dialogue with the farmers but cautioned against disruptive protest action.

Netherlands

Indonesia to repatriate two convicted Dutch drug traffickers

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime says Indonesia is a major drug smuggling hub despite having some of the strictest drug laws in the world.

United Kingdom

UK to scrap some jury trials in an attempt to clear court backlog

The government says there are almost 80,000 cases waiting to be heard in criminal courts in England and Wales, more than double the pre-pandemic figure.

Belgium

Mark Rutte dismisses concerns about US commitment to NATO

Rutte's comments come after President Donald Trump’s 28-point proposal to end the almost four-year war in Ukraine dismayed European allies as being slanted in Russia's favour.

South Africa

South African radio host arrested over recruiting fighters for Russia

The South African government has warned people to be cautious of campaigns promoted by South African social media influencers promising jobs and study opportunities in Russia.

Italy

Italy's most accomplished tennis player Nicola Pietrangeli dies at 92

Pietrangeli was the first Italian player to win a Grand Slam trophy, triumphing at the French Open in 1959.

Netherlands

ICC president vows to resist US and Russian pressure despite sanctions

The court's weeklong meeting opened on Monday and business on the agenda includes approving its budget against a backdrop of mounting pressure and unfavourable headlines.

France

Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris for Ukraine peace talks with Macron

US President Donald Trump has since played down the 28-point peace framework as a "concept" to be "fine-tuned."

China

Hong Kong says netting on buildings that caught fire did not meet code

The fire, which broke out on Wednesday, burned through seven of eight apartment towers, home to some 4,600 people, and wasn't fully extinguished until Friday morning.

Bangladesh

Former UK MP sentenced to prison in Bangladesh corruption trial

In January, Siddiq resigned as a government minister following pressure because of her ties to her aunt.

Sudan

EU sanctions Sudan's RSF leader after atrocities committed in Darfur

The war began in 2023, when tensions erupted between the army and the RSF that were meant to oversee a democratic transition after a 2019 coup unseated former President Omar al-Bashir.

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