“I just had a good conversation with the Prime Minister of Slovakia. Officially, we appreciate that Slovakia has taken steps to unblock the European support package for Ukraine and the sanctions package against Russia ,” Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian leader said both sides agreed on the need to maintain strong bilateral relations despite recent differences. According to Ukraine’s presidential office, Zelensky and Fico also discussed a possible in-person meeting, with their teams expected to work on scheduling details.

Zelensky said Slovakia had reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union. Ukraine’s presidential office said Fico told Zelensky that Slovakia supports Ukraine’s EU membership and is ready to share its own experience of accession.

The comments follow weeks of tensions over EU support for Ukraine, including a €90 billion package and additional sanctions against Moscow. The funding had been held up amid objections from Hungary and Slovakia linked to disputes over Russian oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, Viory reports.

Ukraine said the pipeline had been damaged by a Russian strike and later repaired it after requests from the European Union. Zelensky said on April 21 that Kyiv had completed “all necessary steps” on its side and expected the EU to deliver on its commitments.

Hungary, under outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, had repeatedly blocked or delayed EU measures in support of Ukraine. Orbán’s Fidesz party lost Hungary’s April 12 election to Péter Magyar’s Tisza party, raising expectations in Kyiv and Brussels that Budapest’s stance on Ukraine could shift.

Orbán had accused Ukraine and the EU of interfering in Hungary’s election campaign, allegations that his opponents denied. The dispute over Ukraine aid, sanctions and energy transit had become a central issue in Hungary’s election campaign and in EU negotiations on support for Kyiv.

“We demand the release of the Spanish citizen who has been unlawfully detained by Netanyahu’s government ,” Sánchez said.

His comments followed the interception of vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led aid mission seeking to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza . Israeli authorities detained activists from the flotilla, including Spanish-Swedish activist Saif Abukeshek and Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, according to AP.

The flotilla began its Barcelona departure window in mid-April, with organisers describing it as one of the largest civilian-led maritime missions to Gaza. AP reported that more than 70 boats and over 1,000 activists were involved in the mission, with departures delayed by bad weather .

Israel’s foreign ministry said about 175 activists were detained after Israeli forces intercepted 22 vessels. Flotilla organisers accused Israel of carrying out an unlawful seizure in international waters, while several governments criticised the operation. Turkey described the interception as “piracy,” and Italy demanded the release of its nationals.

At the Málaga rally, Sánchez also rejected calls for Spain to raise defence spending to five percent of GDP, a target backed by the United States and discussed within NATO.

“It would mean an extra €3,000 per citizen in Spain, €80 billion more per year,” Sánchez said. “That would mean raising taxes or cutting the welfare state.”

He added that his government would “always stand on the side of the welfare state.”

Sánchez has previously opposed NATO’s proposed five percent defence spending target, calling it unreasonable and incompatible with Spain’s welfare priorities. Spain later secured an agreement with NATO allowing it to avoid the five percent target while raising defence spending to 2.1 percent of GDP.

May Day rallies are held every year on May 1 in France and across the world , with workers and unions using the occasion to demand better wages, improved working conditions, and expanded social protections. In Paris, this year’s inter-union march was expected to move from Place de la République to Place de la Nation.

The demonstrations come amid renewed tensions over workers’ rights in France, including opposition from unions to proposed changes affecting work rules on the May 1 public holiday.

According to the artist, the robot dogs are programmed to occasionally “poop out” printed images of their surroundings, captured through built-in cameras. These images are processed by artificial intelligence systems, which reinterpret the visuals based on the cultural, artistic, or ideological “style” linked to each figure.

Some participants were seen raising their hands in a Nazi salute while chanting “Heil Hitler” during the procession.

The gathering later moved to Via Paladini, where attendees paid homage and laid flowers at Sergio Ramelli’s memorial site.

Sergio Ramelli was a 19-year-old militant from the Youth Front, the youth branch of the Italian Social Movement party. He was killed on April 29, 1975, in Milan in a political assassination carried out by militants belonging to the left-wing Workers Vanguard.

Press freedom remains sharply uneven worldwide in 2025, with Nordic countries maintaining their dominance at the top of global rankings, while dozens of nations continue to operate under constrained or reduced media conditions, according to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The index, which scores countries on a scale from 0 to 100, shows Norway once again leading globally with a score of 93, followed closely by Estonia and the Netherlands at 89, and Sweden at 88. Finland, Denmark and Ireland also rank among the highest performers, each scoring 87, reinforcing Northern Europe’s longstanding position as a stronghold for independent journalism.

European countries dominate the upper tier of the index, with several nations, including Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, and Czechia, scoring in the mid-80s, indicating a broadly stable media environment. The United Kingdom and Canada sit slightly lower at 79, reflecting what RSF describes as “moderate but notable pressures” on press independence.

Despite Europe’s overall strength, the index highlights variations within the region. Countries such as Hungary (63) and Greece (55) fall into lower categories, underscoring concerns about political influence, media concentration and journalist safety.

A large group of countries falls into what RSF classifies as “moderate” or “constrained” press freedom. These include major economies such as the United States (65), Japan (63), and South Korea (64), where structural and political challenges continue to affect journalistic work.

In Africa, the picture is mixed. Ghana (67) and Namibia (75) perform relatively well, while others, such as Zambia (57) and Niger (57), face tighter constraints. Similarly, Latin American countries show divergence, with Uruguay (65) and Costa Rica (73) outperforming regional peers like Bolivia (54) and Ecuador (54).

Asia-Pacific nations also display a broad spectrum. Australia and New Zealand remain in the moderate category, while countries such as Papua New Guinea (58) and Malaysia (56) highlight ongoing struggles with regulatory and political pressures.

At the lower end of the index, countries including Benin, Bolivia, Ecuador and Tanzania all score 54, placing them in the “reduced press freedom” category. Serbia, Brunei, Eswatini, Kosovo and Angola follow closely with scores of 53.

These rankings point to systemic issues such as censorship, legal intimidation, limited access to information and threats to journalists’ safety, factors RSF identifies as key barriers to a free press.

The 100-year-old showed his military awards and documents from his time in the Red Army. Serving under Soviet military leader Georgy Zhukov, Gspoyan carried out reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines to collect intelligence. During the Battle of Berlin, he sustained serious injuries from shell fragments to his back.

Doctors removed two fragments but left two near his spine due to the risk of damaging nerve endings. He marked Victory Day in the hospital.

After the war, Gspoyan remained in the military until 1951. His service earned him several honours, including the Order of the Patriotic War II degree, the Medal "For Bravery", and personal recognition from Joseph Stalin for his role in the Battle of Berlin.

Gspoyan is now the last living veteran of the 89th Taman Division. On May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory, Russian President Vladimir Putin personally congratulated Armenian veterans after the parade on Red Square.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reportedly condemned the flag-burning, describing it as “provocative and tension-inducing behaviour.”

April 24 has been declared by the European Parliament as the “Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Armenian Massacres in the Ottoman Empire.”

The events of 1915–1916, which involved the deportation of hundreds of thousands of Armenians, remain a subject of dispute. Turkey maintains that the events cannot be described as a “genocide” and estimates that around 300,000 people were killed. Armenian sources often place the death toll at about 1.5 million.

“The EU asked Ukraine to repair the Druzhba oil pipeline, which Russia had destroyed. We have repaired it. We hope the EU will also deliver on the agreed commitments,” he said.

Zelensky also expressed concern over what he described as a lack of progress on additional EU sanctions against Russia, warning that delays risk weakening international pressure on Moscow.

In 2025, nuclear accounted for roughly 23% of EU electricity generation , ahead of wind at about 18% and natural gas at around 17%, based on data compiled by energy analysts and platforms tracking Europe’s power system.

Combined, low-carbon sources, including nuclear, wind, solar and hydropower, now make up the majority of electricity generation across the EU.

This reflects a broader structural shift. According to Ember and European energy data, wind and solar together generated more electricity than fossil fuels in 2025 for the first time, a milestone widely seen as a turning point in Europe’s energy transition.

Solar alone contributed roughly 13% of electricity generation, while wind accounted for close to 17%, supported by sustained investment and policy backing across the bloc.

Despite the growth of renewables, fossil fuels still play a significant role.

Natural gas, coal and oil together accounted for roughly 27% of EU electricity generation, underlining the bloc’s continued reliance on dispatchable power sources to stabilise grids during periods of low renewable output.

Gas remains particularly important for its flexibility, though analysts warn that Europe’s electricity prices remain closely tied to gas markets, exposing the system to geopolitical volatility.

Coal, once a dominant source of European power, has continued its long-term decline, falling below 10% of the electricity mix in recent data.

Renewable energy has expanded rapidly in recent years.

According to Eurostat and industry reports, renewables accounted for around 47% of EU electricity generation in 2024, up sharply from previous years, driven largely by wind and solar expansion.

In 2025, that momentum continued, with record solar installations and strong wind output contributing to further gains.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that renewables are now the fastest-growing sources of electricity globally, with solar leading growth and accounting for a significant share of new energy supply.

Where are the leaders from? 

Using data from the last ten heads of state (or equivalent leaders) in Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa , India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, UK, France, Italy, USA, Japan, and Australia, Global South World categorised their birthplaces into three groups: biggest city, top three major cities; and outside the top three major cities.

Across the dataset, one pattern that stands out is that leaders are more likely to be born outside major urban centres than within them.

Countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, India, Tanzania, and the United States show strong decentralisation, with a majority of leaders originating from smaller cities, towns, or rural regions.

Which leaders are from outside major cities

Nigeria and India show particularly strong patterns, with most leaders born outside the major cities. In Brazil and Australia, leadership emerges from diverse regional bases rather than a single dominant city. The United States, often seen as a hub of elite politics, has presidents born across many different states, far from Washington, D.C.

This suggests that political legitimacy is often built at the grassroots level, with leaders rising through regional structures before entering national politics.

Which leaders are from capital cities 

While decentralisation is common, some countries remain heavily capital-centric. Argentina shows a strong concentration around Buenos Aires, reflecting its highly centralised administrative and educational systems.

Mexico exhibits similar patterns, with Mexico City playing an outsized role in political leadership. In Thailand, Bangkok remains the dominant political and elite hub.

These systems often feature centralised bureaucracies, elite educational institutions clustered in capitals, and political networks that are difficult to access from outside

Federal systems contributing to geographic diversity

One of the clearest drivers of geographic diversity in leadership is the structure of the state itself. Federal or highly decentralised systems such as those in India, Brazil and the United States consistently produce leaders from a wide range of regions.

This is because political careers in these countries are often built locally, such as governors, regional leaders, and state officials rising through subnational systems. Also, national leadership becomes the culmination of regional influence, not just central access

Africa’s distinct pattern

African countries in the dataset, particularly Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa, stand out for their highly decentralised leadership origins.

This reflects several dynamics like the need for ethnic and regional balance, strong rural political mobilisation and historical scepticism toward capital-based elites

In many cases, being from outside the capital or a major city is not a disadvantage but a political asset.

Graphics by Edward Sakyi

The IMF estimates Asia’s nominal GDP at about $42.2 trillion , representing roughly 36% of global economic output. This places it ahead of North America, which contributes around $35.5 trillion, or 30%, and Europe at $29.6 trillion, or 25%.

The region’s leading position reflects the combined weight of major economies such as China, Japan and India, alongside fast-growing Southeast Asian markets. Over the past two decades, Asia has steadily increased its share of global GDP, driven by industrialisation, trade expansion and rising domestic consumption.

IMF data shows that emerging Asian economies continue to outpace global growth averages, reinforcing the region’s long-term economic influence.

Despite Asia’s lead, North America remains a dominant economic force, anchored by the United States, the world’s largest single economy. The region’s 30% share highlights its continued importance in global finance, technology and consumption.

Europe, with a 25% shar e, maintains a significant but comparatively smaller role. Its economy is spread across multiple advanced nations, including Germany, France and the United Kingdom, with growth shaped by both integration within the European Union and external trade.

Other regions account for much smaller portions of global output. South America contributes around $4.4 trillion, or 3.8%, while Africa’s total stands at approximately $3 trillion, or 2.6%.

Oceania, led by Australia and New Zealand , represents the smallest share among major regions, with about $2.1 trillion, or 1.8% of global GDP.

The Israeli leader accused European nations of losing control over their identity and values, adding that Israel’s actions were helping protect the continent.

“In the coming weeks we will reorganise ourselves, visit every constituency, and convene our volunteers, activists, representatives, and candidates,” Orbán said. “On April 28, we will hold a national assembly meeting. Today, the work has begun.”

Orbán noted that more than 2.25 million voters had backed the ruling alliance of Fidesz and KDNP in the vote.

With 98.89% of the vote counted, TISZA won 138 seats, Fidesz-KDNP secured 55 seats, and Mi Hazánk obtained 6 seats.

The outcome marks a major political shift in Hungary, where Orbán had been one of Europe’s most controversial leaders. He was widely seen as the European Union’s most autocratic leader and maintained close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. His removal is expected to ease tensions within the EU, where officials have long accused him of undermining democratic systems and taking advantage of institutional weaknesses.

Orbán also faced criticism over his stance on Ukraine. He was accused of supporting actions that helped block €90 billion in European support to Ukraine, raising concerns among European leaders about Hungary’s role in the bloc.

Despite endorsements from Trump and campaign support that included visits from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, the vote appeared to be driven mainly by domestic issues.

Voters were reported to be concerned about Hungary’s economic challenges, as well as allegations of corruption and cronyism linked to Orbán’s administration. The scale of the defeat indicated widespread dissatisfaction, as TISZA was projected to dominate both the national party-list vote and many individual constituencies.

In his speech to supporters, Magyar promised to return Hungary to the main fold of European politics , pledging a pro-European Union and pro-NATO direction for the country.

“My fellow citizens, Hungary will once again be a strong ally in the European Union and NATO. Hungary will once again be a strong ally representing Hungarian interests, because our country's place for a thousand years in Europe was, is, and will be. We will rebuild and strengthen, we will place it on new foundations and expand the cooperation of the Visegrad Four wherever possible,” he said.

The result sparked celebrations in Budapest, where tens of thousands of people took to the streets.

With a projected majority above the threshold required to govern alone, Magyar is expected to form the next government , ending Orbán’s long hold on power and signalling a shift in Hungary’s position within Europe.

This is the end of our live coverage of the 2026 Hungarian parliamentary election. Follow all Global South World Channels for more updates.

01:43 GMT : After 16 years of Orbán, Hungary votes for change as Magyar vows return to Europe

H ungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has lost power after 16 years following a decisive election defeat , with more than 98% of votes counted in a result expected to have political implications beyond Hungary.

Near-final results from the National Election Office show that Orbán’s ruling Fidesz-KDNP alliance suffered a heavy loss in the 199-seat parliament, while opposition challenger Péter Magyar and his TISZA movement secured a commanding lead.

With 98.89% of the vote counted, TISZA won 138 seats, Fidesz-KDNP secured 55 seats, and Mi Hazánk obtained 6 seats.

In his speech to supporters, Magyar promised to return Hungary to the main fold of European politics, pledging a pro-European Union and pro-NATO direction for the country.

20:50 GMT : Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has conceded defeat in key parliamentary elections, marking a significant political shift after 16 years in power. Orban lost to his rival, conservative Peter Magyar, a former government insider and political newcomer who has promised “system change.” The election outcome signals a challenge to Orban’s long-standing leadership in the central European country. “The election results, though not yet final, are clear and understandable; for us, they are painful but unambiguous. We have not been entrusted with the responsibility and opportunity to govern. I congratulated the winning party,” Orban said.

19:51 GMT : After 16 years in power, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is on course to lose by a wide margin in Sunday’s vote. With more than 53 % of the vote counted, his opponent Péter Magyar was projected to win 136 seats in the 199-seat parliament, while Orbán’s Fidesz party was on track to secure 56 seats. Magyar stated on his official social media account that Orbán had called to congratulate him.

17:43 GMT : Polling stations across Hungary have closed following the national parliament election held today. The National Election Office (NVI) is expected to begin the official vote count, with preliminary results scheduled to be released later tonight.

17:40 GMT : Voter turnout in Hungary’s national parliament election reached 77.80% by 18:30 (1630 GMT) in 2026, according to data from the National Election Office. The figure marks an increase compared to previous election years. In 2022, turnout at the same time stood at 67.80%, while in 2018 it was recorded at 68.13%. The data indicates a rise of 10 percentage points from 2022 to 2026, and a 9.67 percentage point increase from 2018 to 2026.

16:26 GMT : Less than an hour to go before polls close. Over 5.5 million voters had already cast their ballots as of 17:00 (1500 GMT). According to the National Election Office, the current voter turnout is at 74.23% of eligible voters, with 25.77% yet to vote.

14:42 GMT : Voters in Budapest expressed mixed views on Sunday as they queued outside polling stations for Hungary’s parliamentary elections, following a campaign marked by allegations of foreign interference.

"We have never encountered such a disgusting campaign before," one voter said.

13:52 GMT : Less than 4 hours to go before polls close, and the voter turnout data remains high. According to the National Election Office, more than 4.9 million, representing 66.01% of eligible voters, had already cast their vote at 15:00 (1300 GMT).

13:02 GMT : Turnout in Hungary’s closely watched parliamentary election reached record levels by midday on Sunday, April 12, according to figures from the National Election Office.

More than 4 million voters had cast their ballots by 13:00 (1100 GMT), representing 54.14% of eligible voters. Authorities reported that turnout hit 54% by noon, which is more than 14 percentage points higher than at the same stage in the 2022 election.

Opinion polls suggest that the Tisza party, led by pro-European conservative Peter Magyar, is performing ahead of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s party. Magyar, a former government insider, has pledged a “system change,” and analysts say the high turnout could work in his favour.

11:33 GMT : 7 hours of voting done, 6 hours more until polls close in the pivotal Hungarian parliamentary elections. Voter turnout continues to remain high, according to the figures from the National Election Office, with over 4 million voters (54.14% of eligible voters) as at 13:00 (1100 GMT).

10:52 GMT : Magyar has described the country’s parliamentary election as a decisive moment for political change, positioning it as a choice on governance and public communication. After casting his vote, Magyar, who is the main rival of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, said the election could mark a turning point in Hungary’s political system. He stated that “today, there will be a change of system in Hungary.”

10:02 GMT : Peter Magyar, leader of the pro-European conservative TISZA party, has cast his ballot in Hungary’s closely watched parliamentary elections. The vote is being seen as a significant political moment that could bring an end to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year period in power. Magyar’s participation comes as voters decide whether to continue with the current leadership or support a shift in direction.

09:53 GMT : 5 hours since polls opened, recorded voter turnout as at 11:00 (0900 GMT) is 37.98%, representing over 2.8 million voters. The turnout so far from this year's vote stands higher than the last 4 elections.

09:27 GMT : Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban spoke to journalists at a polling centre as voters went to the polls in Budapest for the parliamentary elections, outlining his position on Hungary’s relationship with the European Union and responding to a question about Ukraine.

He responded to reports that officials in Brussels could challenge the outcome if he secured victory, stating, “To deny? No, they have to accept the intention and the will and express the opinion of the people.”

“We are members of the European Union, and this is the right which belongs to the member states,” he added. “We firmly stand on the basis of the national rights and sovereignty.”

When asked whether he would consider ceding territory to Russia in a hypothetical peace deal if he were leading Ukraine, Orban replied, “I'm lucky enough not to be Zelensky.”

08:37 GMT : Orban cast his ballot on Sunday as he faces his most significant electoral challenge in more than ten years. Footage showed Orban arriving in a van alongside his wife, Anikó Lévai, entering a polling station surrounded by journalists, voting, and then leaving the premises.

08:16 GMT : Voter turnout recorded as at 09:00 (0700 GMT) is 16.89%, representing 1,271,768 of registered voters, according to the National Election Office. Voting has been ongoing for over 3 hours since polls opened at 0400 GMT. The turnout so far has exceeded the last 4 elections

06:31 GMT : Over 2 hours since polls officially opened at 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) across the various voting centres in the country. The voting is expected to end at 7 p.m. (1700 GMT), with results expected later in the evening.

06:18 GMT : As at 07:00 local time, the voter turnout recorded was 3.46%, representing 260,556 of registered voters, according to the National Election Office.

06:02 GMT : US Vice President JD Vance accused the EU of interfering in Hungary’s elections, describing it as one of the most serious cases he has seen. Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Orban in Budapest on Tuesday, Vance said the EU had taken actions that negatively affected Hungary.

05:43 GMT : During a final campaign address in Budapest, Orban described the country’s election as a defining moment for national sovereignty, warning of foreign interference and outlining his government’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

He said Hungary would not support Ukraine with resources or military assistance. “We will not give our children to Ukraine, we will not give our money, and we will not give our weapons,” he said. “Hungary will remain an island of peace and will continue to be the safest country in Europe after the elections.”

05:06 GMT : In the lead-up to the polls, the ruling Fidesz party saturated Hungarian streets with posters that frame the upcoming election as an existential choice between "war or peace" by depicting foreign leaders and the domestic opposition as menacing threats. Prominent billboards feature "harshly lit" and unflattering portraits of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, portraying them as the faces of a "pro-war lobby" in Brussels intent on dragging Hungary into the conflict. At the same time, opposition leader Magyar is branded as an “agent of Brussels”.

04:53 GMT : Magyar, 45, is not a typical opposition figure. He comes from Orbán’s inner circle and broke away after a corruption and pardon scandal. Since then, his Tisza Party has gained momentum. His focus is different. He talks about the economy, corruption, and the rule of law, what he calls everyday issues. He has also promised to unlock between €18 billion and €22.5 billion in frozen EU funds by restoring Hungary’s alignment with European standards. Unlike past challengers, Magyar connects with voters in rural areas through retail politics, and his right-leaning background makes him harder to dismiss. Read more

04:43 GMT : Ahead of Sunday's election, Prime Minister Orbán urged voters to back his ruling Fidesz party, warning that Hungary could lose key achievements on migration, energy protection and its confrontational stance toward Brussels if the opposition prevails.

04:29 GMT : Why Hungary's election could change more than just its government

Hungary heads to the polls in what many are calling its most important election since the end of communism in 1989.

For the first time in 16 years, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is facing a serious challenge not from the usual opposition but from someone who once stood beside him.

That challenger is Péter Magyar, a former Fidesz insider who now leads the Tisza (Respect and Freedom) Party. What looks like a domestic political contest is also being watched closely far beyond Hungary, with implications for the EU, the US, Russia, and Ukraine.

Orbán’s campaign has focused heavily on the idea of “war or peace.” He has positioned himself as Hungary’s protector, warning that “progressive forces” in the West and Ukraine are trying to pull the country into conflict. Read more

04:00 GMT : Polls open in Hungary

Polling stations open at 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) and close at 7 p.m. (1700 GMT), with results expected later in the evening. According to the National Election Office, there are over 8.1 million eligible voters.

What to know about the election and possible outcomes

The election is being hailed as the most pivotal moment for the country since the collapse of communism in 1989. Opinion polls suggest that Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his nationalist Fidesz party could lose power after 16 years to the centre-right, pro-European Union Tisza party, led by former Orban loyalist Peter Magyar.

The Key Players

How the voting works

Exactly 8,114,688 registered voters will elect 199 members of parliament. Of these, 106 are chosen in single-member constituencies under a first-past-the-post system, while 93 are selected from national party and ethnic minority lists.

Since 2010, Orbán has rewritten election laws, including gerrymandering districts and making it easier for Hungarians living abroad to vote. Ethnic Hungarians living abroad have the right to citizenship and can vote on party lists by letter. According to National Election Office data, close to 500,000 such citizens have registered for the 2026 election, and most have traditionally supported Fidesz.

The Tisza Party may need to lead Fidesz by at least six percentage points nationally just to secure a simple majority. Voters with a registered Hungarian address must vote in person, either at polling stations in Hungary or at official representations abroad.

Parties must secure at least 5% of the vote to enter parliament.

What happens after the election

President Tamas Sulyok will convene the new parliament within 30 days of the election, likely in May.

Parliament elects the prime minister by a simple majority vote. The president proposes a candidate, usually from the winning party, and parliament votes on the nomination.

If the proposed candidate is not elected, the president must submit a new proposal within 15 days. If parliament fails again to elect a prime minister, the president can dissolve parliament and call a new election.

Core campaign issues

International and geopolitical stakes

Potential scenarios

Orbán accused the opposition Tisza party of threatening stability and suggested a change of government could pull Hungary closer to Brussels and deeper into external conflicts. The election has increasingly been framed by Orbán as a choice between “peace and war,” with his campaign focusing heavily on immigration, the war in Ukraine and Hungary’s fraught relationship with the European Union .

The vote on April 12 is shaping up to be Orbán’s toughest contest in years. Opposition leader Péter Magyar and his Tisza party have gained momentum by casting the election as a referendum on Hungary’s place in Europe and on Orbán’s 16 years in power, during which critics say democratic standards have eroded and ties with Brussels have deteriorated.

Recent polling has painted a mixed picture, though several independent surveys have shown Tisza ahead among likely voters, while Orbán has retained strong backing in rural areas and among older Hungarians.

Bulgaria recorded the highest death rate at 1,076 per 100,000 people, followed by Ukraine (930) and Latvia (897), figures that far exceed Western European averages.

The data reflects a long-standing health gap across Europe. Countries in Eastern Europe , including Lithuania, Serbia and Romania, consistently report significantly higher cardiovascular mortality rates than their Western counterparts.

According to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for around 45% of all deaths in Europe, making them the continent’s leading cause of mortality.

Eurostat data similarly show that heart disease and stroke remain dominant causes of death, particularly in countries with lower healthcare spending and higher exposure to risk factors.

Public health experts point to a combination of structural and lifestyle factors driving the elevated mortality rates in Eastern Europe:

The WHO notes that many cardiovascular deaths are preventable through improved public health policies and lifestyle changes, including better nutrition, increased physical activity and stronger tobacco control measures.

Countries most affected

The ranking shows a cluster of high mortality rates across Eastern Europe:

That challenger is Péter Magyar, a former Fidesz insider who now leads the Tisza (Respect and Freedom) Party. What looks like a domestic political contest is also being watched closely far beyond Hungary, with implications for the EU, the US, Russia, and Ukraine.

Orbán’s campaign has focused heavily on the idea of “war or peace.” He has positioned himself as Hungary’s protector, warning that “progressive forces” in the West and Ukraine are trying to pull the country into conflict.

Across Budapest, that message is hard to miss. Posters show Volodymyr Zelensky and Ursula von der Leyen as threatening figures, often described as part of a “pro-war lobby.” Orbán has also claimed—without evidence—that Ukraine could attack Hungary. His allies have gone further, branding Magyar as an “agent of Brussels.”

Magyar, 45, is not a typical opposition figure . He comes from Orbán’s inner circle and broke away after a corruption and pardon scandal. Since then, his Tisza Party has gained momentum.

His focus is different. He talks about the economy, corruption, and the rule of law, what he calls everyday issues. He has also promised to unlock between €18 billion and €22.5 billion in frozen EU funds by restoring Hungary’s alignment with European standards.

Unlike past challengers, Magyar connects with voters in rural areas through retail politics, and his right-leaning background makes him harder to dismiss.

The outcome matters on several levels. At home, Hungary is ranked as the most corrupt country in the EU, with most of its media and judiciary under state control. A Magyar win would aim to reverse that and dismantle what critics call a “soft autocracy.”

In Europe, Orbán has built a reputation as the EU’s “disruptor-in-chief,” often blocking aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. Some EU leaders are now even considering suspending Hungary’s voting rights.

There are also wider geopolitical stakes. Hungary has been accused of acting as Moscow’s “mole” inside the EU, with leaked calls suggesting coordination with Russian diplomats. If Orbán loses, Russia could lose a key ally, and Ukraine could find stronger support.

In the US, Orbán has backing from Donald Trump and has hosted Vice President JD Vance, but some US Senators are pushing sanctions over Hungary’s ties to Russian energy.

Even with polls putting Tisza ahead by 10 to 12 points, victory is not certain. Orbán has reshaped the system, rewriting the constitution and gerrymandering districts to favour Fidesz.

Experts say Magyar may need at least a six-point lead just to win a majority. The campaign has also been hit by claims of Russian-backed disinformation, known as “Gamechanger,” aimed at damaging the opposition and even suggesting staged assassination plots.

“Ukrainians have clear objectives. The goal of the Ukrainians is to oust Russian gas from Europe and exclude Russian oil entirely. To this end, they have taken political steps, and even legal actions have been initiated, as we must not forget that the first such violent event related to energy supply was the explosion of the Nord Stream gas pipeline,” he said.

He further alleged a pattern of actions targeting energy infrastructure.

“Ukrainians blew up the Nord Stream pipeline, and then they closed the major natural gas pipeline through their territory,” Szijjarto continued. “In recent weeks, they attacked several times with dozens of drones the TurkStream pipeline on Russian territory. And now, it aligns with this that yesterday the Serbian authorities prevented a terrorist attack in which they intended to blow up the Serbian section of the TurkStream pipeline.”

The Nord Stream pipeline explosions in 2022 were blamed on Ukraine, with German investigators identifying Ukrainian divers involved. The United States was also implicated in some media reports, while both Washington and Kyiv denied involvement.

Szijjarto stated that TurkStream plays a key role in Hungary’s energy supply, accounting for about 56% of its daily gas needs. He announced plans to deploy military protection along the 250-kilometre pipeline.

Another protester described the law as “barbarism in the 21st century” and accused Israel and the United States of justifying abuses under the banner of religion.

The protest is the latest in Spain to denounce Israeli policies toward Palestinians amid continued anger over the conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway located between Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman. It is one of the most important global energy transit routes, with about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it. The strait has been effectively closed by Iran since the United States and Israel launched attacks on 28 February. This has disrupted one of the world’s busiest oil shipping channels.

"Russia can offer the world such solutions and play an important role in shaping the new architecture of global logistics and international trade as a whole. For our partners, Russian logistic routes can be economically beneficial due to reduced transportation times as well as in terms of diversifying global transport flows," he added.

According to estimates from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), about 20 million barrels of oil passed through the strait per day in 2025. This represents nearly $600 billion (£447 billion) in annual energy trade .

More than 110,000 Syrians acquired EU citizenship last year, making them the largest group by country of origin. Moroccans followed with just over 97,000 new citizens, reinforcing their long-standing position among the top nationalities obtaining EU passports.

The data highlights how geopolitical instability and economic migration continue to shape citizenship trends across the bloc. Syrians, many of whom arrived during the peak of the refugee crisis beginning in 2015, are now transitioning from asylum status to full citizenship in host countries such as Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

Moroccan nationals, by contrast, reflect more established migration corridors, particularly into France, Spain, Belgium, and Italy, driven by historical ties and labour demand.

Albania ranked third, with around 48,000 new EU citizens, followed by Türkiye (41,300) and Romania (39,900). While Romania is itself an EU member state, the figures reflect intra-EU mobility and naturalisation processes across member countries.

Citizenship grants were not limited to Europe’s immediate neighbourhood. Venezuela (37,500), Ukraine (34,400), India (33,800), Russia (31,000), and Brazil (30,100) also featured among the top ten origin countries.

The presence of Venezuelans reflects ongoing economic and political instability in Latin America, while Ukrainians continue to move across the EU amid the ongoing war with Russia. Indian and Brazilian nationals highlight skilled migration flows, particularly into countries with labour shortages in technology, healthcare, and engineering sectors.

Eurostat data shows that 88% of new EU citizenship recipients in 2024 came from non-EU countries , underscoring the bloc’s role as a destination for global migration. Only 11% were previously citizens of other EU member states, reflecting comparatively lower rates of intra-EU naturalisation.

This distribution signals that citizenship acquisition remains closely tied to long-term settlement of third-country nationals rather than mobility within the union.

Using the North American findings as a benchmark, the team reported differences by city. London’s gas contained about 64 times more benzene, Amsterdam about 73 times more, and Milan about 8.5 times more, compared with the earlier North American data.

The study also raised concerns about leaks inside kitchens. When researchers checked appliances while stoves were switched off, they found leaks in roughly 40% of kitchens. They estimated that about 9% of homes had leaks large enough to exceed recommended exposure limits under UK and EU guidelines.

A key problem, researchers said, is that many people may not get a clear warning. Gas utilities add sulphur-based odorants so leaks can be detected by smell, but the study found odour levels were often too low to alert households before benzene concentrations could rise to hazardous levels.

Ventilation helped reduce indoor pollution , opening windows or using extractor hoods lowered concentrations during cooking, but researchers said constant leaks would require hours of ventilation a day, making the issue hard to manage at the household level.

“This is really a systemic problem,” lead author Dr Tamara Sparks said, arguing that stronger measures, such as improving leak detection and increasing odorisation levels, could help people identify smaller leaks sooner and reduce long-term exposure risks.

Belgium has long faced scrutiny over the killing. A 2002 parliamentary investigation concluded the Belgian state was “morally responsible” for Lumumba’s death.

Prosecutors say Davignon, who was a junior diplomat at the time and later became a European commissioner, is accused of war crimes linked to Lumumba’s unlawful detention or transfer, the denial of his right to an impartial trial, and what they described as “humiliating and degrading treatment.” He is also accused in connection with the deaths of Lumumba’s political allies Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito.

Davignon is the only living suspect among those accused of involvement in the killing. The case was brought by Lumumba’s family and later taken up by Belgian federal prosecutors.

After the ruling, Lumumba’s granddaughter Yema Lumumba said it was “a step in the right direction,” adding: “What we want is to search for truth and establish different responsibilities.” The family’s lawyer, Christophe Marchand, called it “a gigantic victory,” saying it is difficult for a country to judge its own colonial crimes.

Lumumba, who was 35 when he was executed, remains a symbol of African independence movements. The only known remains of the slain leader, a single gold-capped tooth, were recovered years later after being held by the family of a deceased Belgian officer linked to the disappearance of his body.

Public health researchers say the trend reflects a mix of cultural traditions, economic factors and policy differences across the continent.

Countries, including Romania and neighbouring states, fall into the highest consumption categories, with average intake estimated between 15 and 17 litres of pure alcohol per person per year.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Europe as a whole has the highest alcohol consumption levels in the world, with adults consuming an average of 9.5 litres of pure alcohol annually, significantly above the global average.

Across Western Europe, alcohol consumption typically ranges between 10 and 12 litres per adult per year.

Countries such as France, Spain and Germany fall into this mid-range category, reflecting long-standing wine and beer traditions.

However, public health campaigns and changing lifestyles have contributed to declining consumption in several Western European countries over the past two decades.

Northern European countries, including Norway and Iceland, record some of the lowest alcohol consumption rates on the continent, averaging around 4 to 6 litres per person annually.

This is attributed partly to strict alcohol regulations, high taxes and limited retail availability, policies widely used in Nordic public health strategies.

Research from the European Commission’ s health statistics database shows that stronger alcohol control policies are linked to lower overall consumption levels and reduced alcohol-related harm.

Figures compiled by World Population Review show that Australia ranks first globally for average home size, followed closely by the United States and New Zealand.

Australia's residential properties average about 2,303 square feet (214 square metres).

The large average reflects Australia’s suburban development patterns, relatively lower population density and a long-standing cultural preference for detached houses.

Many Australian homes include large outdoor spaces, multiple bedrooms and expansive living areas, features common in suburban developments across cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

The United States ranks second globally, with the average new single-family home measuring roughly 2,299 square feet, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

American housing has historically grown larger over the decades, driven by suburban expansion and consumer demand for bigger living spaces.

U.S. housing statistics show that new homes often include features such as large kitchens, garages and open-plan layouts, contributing to the country’s high average residential floor area.

New Zealand follows closely with an average home size of about 2,174 square feet (202 square metres).

Canada ranks fourth, with average homes around 1,948 square feet (181 square metres), reflecting similar suburban development trends seen in North America and parts of Oceania.

Both countries have relatively low population densities compared with many European nations, allowing for larger residential developments.

European countries generally have smaller homes on average, largely due to higher population density, historic urban design and different housing traditions.

Norway ranks fifth globally with homes averaging 1,496 square feet, followed by Greece at 1,356 square feet and Belgium at 1,293 square feet.

The Netherlands and France also appear in the top ten, with average homes measuring around 1,261 square feet and 1,206 square feet, respectively.

Spain rounds out the list with an average home size of 1,044 square feet, reflecting the country’s high proportion of apartment living in urban areas.

These installations serve as logistical hubs, training grounds and command centres for American and allied forces, forming the backbone of NATO’s deterrence posture in the region.

U.S. military installations are located in several European countries, including Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Poland, Romania, Greece, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey, Norway, and Kosovo.

Germany hosts one of the largest concentrations of American military facilities in Europe. Among the most prominent is Ramstein Air Base, a major command centre for U.S. Air Forces in Europe and NATO Allied Air Command.

Ramstein plays a central role in coordinating air operations and logistics for missions across Europe, Africa and the Middle East . The base alone hosts more than 16,000 military personnel and civilian staff, making it one of the largest U.S. military communities outside the United States.

Other key hubs include:

U.S. European Command (EUCOM), headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, oversees American forces across the region. Estimates suggest more than 65,000 active-duty U.S. troops are stationed within the EUCOM area, according to Department of Defence data cited by Newsweek.

These troops are supported by thousands of civilian employees, contractors and family members living near bases throughout Europe.

The network of bases is believed to allow the United States to maintain a rapid response capability and reassure NATO allies, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Forward-deployed forces help Washington project power, conduct joint exercises, and support allied operations, while also signalling the United States' commitment to European security.

Many bases date back to the early Cold War era but have since evolved into modern logistical and command centres integrated into NATO’s collective defence structure.

Despite their strategic role, the scale of the American presence has become a subject of debate in recent years.

Recent discussions about possible troop reductions in Eastern Europe have heightened concerns among NATO allies about maintaining deterrence near the alliance’s eastern flank.

Hungary has vetoed the package amid a dispute over the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian crude to parts of Central Europe. Budapest says Ukraine deliberately cut supplies, while Kyiv says oil flows stopped after a Russian attack damaged pipeline infrastructure in late January, and repairs are underway. Zelensky said the Soviet-era pipeline could be operational again “within a month and a half.”

Orban, who faces Hungary’s parliamentary election on April 12, has accused Ukraine of trying to influence the campaign and has urged the European Commission to pressure Kyiv to restart deliveries.

In a letter shared publicly this week, Orban claimed there was “no technical or operational reason” the pipeline could not return to normal immediately.

The standoff comes as Ukraine continues to fight Russia n assaults along the front line. An analysis by Finland-based open-source group Black Bird Group found Russia lost more territory than it gained in February for the first time since 2023.

Now recognised internationally as a symbol of Ukrainian resistance and solidarity, the slogan appears in many linguistic forms across the continent, including “Glory to Ukraine” in English, “Gloire à l’Ukraine” in French, “Gloria all’Ucraina” in Italian, and “Sláva Ukrajině” in Czech.

“Slava Ukraini” is a Ukrainian national salute meaning “Glory to Ukraine.” It is typically answered with the response “Heroyam Slava,” meaning “Glory to the heroes.”

According to the Britannica, the phrase has been used in Ukrainian nationalist movements since the early 20th century and gained wider popularity during Ukraine’s struggle for independence in the early 1900s.

In modern times, it became a widely recognised national slogan following Ukraine’s 2014 Revolution of Dignity, when protesters used it during demonstrations supporting democratic reforms and closer ties with Europe.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the phrase has spread globally as a symbol of solidarity with Ukrainians.

The above map illustrates how countries across Europe have adapted the phrase into their own languages.

Examples include:

In Nordic countries, the phrase appears as “Ære til Ukraina” in Norwegian and “Kunnia Ukrainalle” in Finnish.

The widespread translations reflect the strong political and cultural support many European countries have expressed for Ukraine since the war began.

The phrase has appeared at protests, political speeches, sporting events and social media campaigns across Europe.

Several international leaders have publicly used the slogan when expressing support for Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has ended speeches with “Slava Ukraini,” including remarks at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin in 2024 , where she concluded by saying: “Slava Ukraini. And long live Europe.”

Other political figures who have used the phrase include former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who have referenced the slogan in speeches or public statements supporting Ukraine during the war.

The phrase has also become widely used by public figures beyond politics. Ukrainian athletes such as Oleksandr Usyk, Andriy Shevchenko, and Elina Svitolina frequently repeat the slogan in interviews and public appearances, while demonstrations around the world have adopted it as a chant of solidarity with Ukraine.

A new map from The World in Maps outlines projected journey times and shows how cities from Lisbon to Tallinn, Stockholm to Athens could be connected through faster, integrated rail corridors. If delivered as proposed, the network would mark one of the most ambitious transport transformations in EU history.

The high-speed expansion aligns with the European Commission’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) policy, which aims to build a modern, interoperable transport system across EU member states. The revised TEN-T regulation, politically agreed in 2023, sets binding deadlines for completing core corridors by 2030 and an extended comprehensive network by 2050.

According to the European Commission, high-speed rail is central to achieving the EU’s climate targets under the European Green Deal, which seeks to cut transport emissions by 90% by 2050. Rail already produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions per passenger kilometre than aviation or road transport, making it a cornerstone of decarbonisation strategy.

The Commission has also designated 2021–2030 as Europe’s “Digital and Green Decade” for transport investment, with billions of euros channelled through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to co-finance cross-border rail infrastructure .

What the proposed travel times suggest

The visual projection highlights significantly reduced journey times between major European cities:

Many of these reductions depend on upgrading existing lines to high-speed standards and eliminating bottlenecks at border crossings, long recognised as weak points in Europe’s rail system.

For example, the long-anticipated Rail Baltica project , supported by the EU and currently under construction, aims to connect Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and Warsaw via a high-speed standard-gauge line. The European Commission confirms this corridor as a priority TEN-T project intended to better integrate the Baltic states into the wider EU rail network.

Similarly, improvements between Berlin and Prague, and onward to Vienna and Budapest, fall within the North Sea–Baltic and Orient/East-Med core corridors outlined by the EU.

Aviation currently dominates many short-haul European routes. However, the European Environment Agency consistently reports that rail emits far less CO₂ per passenger kilometre compared to flights. As part of the EU’s “Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy”, the Commission aims to double high-speed rail traffic by 2030 and triple it by 2050.

Cross-border fragmentation has historically limited Europe’s rail competitiveness. Different signalling systems, track gauges, and national regulations have slowed integration. The rollout of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is intended to standardise signalling and improve cross-border efficiency.

The Commission argues that a fully interoperable network would make rail the default choice for journeys under 1,000 kilometres, a distance that covers much of mainland Europe.

In the United Kingdom, the regular army has fallen from 110,000 personnel in 2010 to 73,000 in 2024. British Defence Minister Al Khan has warned that the army, at its current size, could be depleted within six months to a year in a major conflict .

Russia, despite facing similar demographic pressures, has intensified overseas recruitment. 

According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, about 1,400 African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces. While some joined for ideological reasons, many were reportedly drawn by higher pay amid limited job prospects at home.

Africa’s labor force is projected to expand by 541 million over the next 25 years, even as the European Union ’s workforce is expected to shrink by 24 million. 

According to a comprehensive list of openly LGBTQ heads of state and government, all nine such leaders in modern history have come from European countries.

This week’s spotlight falls on the Netherlands, where a newly sworn-in prime minister has added another chapter to that story.

Netherlands’ new Prime Minister makes history

On February 23 23, 2026, Rob Jetten was sworn in as prime minister of the Netherlands, becoming the country’s youngest leader ever and its first openly gay head of government. His minority coalition government must navigate a split parliament, but his appointment is being widely noted for its symbolic and political significance.

Jetten, who leads the centrist Democrats 66 (D66) party, has built a reputation as a progressive voice on climate policy and European cooperation. His rise comes amid a fragmented political landscape in the Netherlands, where his bloc holds a slim 66 out of 150 seats in the lower house of parliament.

Current LGBTQ leaders in Europe

Beyond the Netherlands, several European states are led or were led by openly LGBTQ figures:

Trailblazers

Several former leaders also broke barriers:

The southern states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg emerge as corporate powerhouses.

In Bavaria, cities like Munich and Ingolstadt are anchors for automotive giants such as Audi and BMW. Just to the west in Stuttgart (Baden-Württemberg), the global headquarters of Mercedes-Benz Group and engineering group Porsche AG sit alongside high-tech suppliers like Bosch and automation specialist KUKA.

These firms are central to Germany’s reputation as the world’s leading exporter of vehicles and machinery, a status backed by federal data showing that automotive and mechanical engineering account for significant portions of national exports.

This region also houses SAP, Germany’s most valuable tech company and one of the largest enterprise software makers globally, headquartered in Walldorf.

Moving northwest, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) stands out for its industrial diversity.

City hubs such as Cologne, Düsseldorf and Essen host companies ranging from chemical and pharmaceutical firms to logistics players.

Corporations like Henkel (consumer goods), Deutsche Post DHL Group (logistics and shipping) and RWE (energy) anchor the region, which historically developed through coal and steel before evolving into a modern services and industrial base.

The Ruhr Valley, once Europe’s industrial heartland, continues to host major employers and head offices tied to manufacturing, chemicals and power generation, a reflection of how Germany has transitioned from heavy industry to high-tech and sustainability-focused sectors.

In the north, port cities like Hamburg and Bremen appear as hubs for shipping and trade. Hapag-Lloyd , one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, is headquartered in Hamburg, as are major logistics and trade firms. The North Sea ports are central to Germany’s external trade, handling cargo flows that connect Europe with Asia and North America.

Though historically industrial regions east of the old Berlin Wall lagged in corporate headquarters, the map shows new growth sectors.

Berlin, the capital, has become a centre for tech start-ups and digital media companies. While traditional industrial headquarters are fewer than in other regions, Berlin’s influence is rising through innovation and venture capital investment.

In eastern states like Saxony and Thuringia, specialised engineering and cleantech firms have headquarters there, mirroring national efforts to expand renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

At a recent African Union summit, reparations for the mass human trafficking, colonialism and apartheid were designated as a flagship priority of the Union. The move marks a significant moment in a long-running effort to coordinate Africa’s position on one of the gravest chapters in global history.

Ghana has been tasked with leading the development of a unified proposal. Situated on the West African coast, Ghana - like several neighbouring countries - became a major hub in the trafficking of enslaved Africans. Hundreds of thousands of men, women and children were forcibly taken from its shores and transported across the Atlantic in appalling conditions.

For decades, there was little international consensus about how to address this history. Many of the countries responsible sought to frame slavery as a closed chapter. Some African states prioritised other urgent post-independence challenges. Caribbean nations, whose populations include many descendants of enslaved Africans, developed their own approaches shaped by different political and economic realities.

Now, however, the African Union is attempting to bring together African states and the wider diaspora behind a common position.

The gravest crime

At the heart of the new initiative is a draft declaration that characterises the trafficking and enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.

Slavery is already prohibited under international law as a peremptory norm - a jus cogens principle from which no derogation is permitted. The proposed resolution builds on this legal foundation and rests on three pillars - historical accuracy, legal defensibility and continental and diaspora alignment.

The language has been deliberately refined. The draft title reads: Declaration of the Trafficking in Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity . Supporters argue that such precision matters. It recognises the systematic trafficking of millions of Africans, the racialised and institutional nature of chattel enslavement, and the unprecedented scale and enduring consequences of these crimes.

The emphasis on describing slavery as a crime - rather than merely a trade or an economic system - reflects a broader shift in tone. For many African leaders, justice begins with acknowledgement: first, that a crime occurred, and second, an understanding of its nature and consequences.

A 15-point plan

Although the full text of the new declaration has yet to be published, its direction is informed by the 2023 Accra Proclamation on Reparations.

That proclamation sets out a 15-point plan. It includes the creation of a reparations fund, but extends far beyond financial compensation. It calls for reform of international financial institutions to produce a fairer global system for countries subjected to slavery and colonial exploitation. It demands the return of cultural artefacts removed during periods of enslavement and colonial rule. It urges the formation of a joint front across nations and peoples who suffered as a result of these systems.

The proclamation also links historical injustice to contemporary global inequalities. It highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on the Global South and argues that patterns of extraction and dependency established during colonialism continue today through economic and cultural dependence on former colonial powers.

In this framing, reparations are not simply about calculating a monetary sum for historical suffering. They are about restructuring relationships and correcting systemic imbalances that trace their origins to slavery and colonial rule.

It's not (only) about the money

African leaders have been clear that the issue of reparations and restitutive justice goes beyond money.

Setting the historical record straight is seen as a central objective. Around 12 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic. An estimated 2 million died during the Middle Passage - some from disease and brutality, others thrown overboard, and some choosing death over a life in bondage.

The argument is that this historical reality must be formally recognised at the highest international level. Supporters stress that no single payment or lump sum could meaningfully account for the scale of suffering or the generational harm inflicted. The damage extended far beyond those who were taken. Entire societies were destabilised. Generations of descendants across Africa and the diaspora continue to live with the social and economic consequences.

Questions of financial quantum are still under research, and leaders suggest that any eventual settlement would not simply involve distributing money to governments. Instead, they envision a broader programme of transformation - returning stolen artefacts, addressing structural inequities, and restoring opportunity to affected communities.

A Changing Global Context

The renewed push comes at a time of uncertainty in the international system. The multilateral order established after the Second World War is under strain. Nations increasingly act unilaterally and prioritise domestic interests. Humanitarian assistance and overseas development funding to Africa and other parts of the Global South are declining.

In this context, African leaders argue that the continent cannot remain a passive actor, appealing for aid while global priorities shift. Instead, they say Africa must take its destiny into its own hands and assert its moral and legal claims on the world stage.

The past cannot be undone. But it can be acknowledged. For those leading this initiative, acknowledgement is the first step towards justice.

After centuries in which the suffering of enslaved Africans was minimised, reframed or ignored, many across the continent believe the moment has come to secure formal recognition - and to begin reshaping the systems that grew out of that injustice.

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

Today, it remains a live issue.

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has reported that many Jewish Europeans experience harassment and feel antisemitism has worsened in their countries.

In response, the European Commission launched its EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life (2021–2030), acknowledging the need for coordinated action across member states.

Against that backdrop, the new Eurobarometer 2026 data offers insight into how the wider public perceives the scale of the problem.

Where Europeans see antisemitism as a problem

Concern is highest in parts of western Europe:

In these countries, more than seven in ten respondents say antisemitism is an issue.

Mixed views in Central Europe

In countries such as:

Between four and six in ten respondents perceive antisemitism as a national problem.

Lower perceived levels in parts of Eastern and Southern Europe

Some countries report lower percentages of public concern:

However, this perception does not equal incidence. Public awareness, media coverage and the size of Jewish communities can influence how respondents interpret the question.

“We have drastically reduced our presence in Europe and the UK,” Lavrov told lawmakers. “And 90% of these redundant employees have been redeployed to African destinations.”

Since Russia ’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, hundreds of Russian diplomats have been expelled from Western countries amid accusations of espionage and sabotage. According to Russia’s state-run Tass news agency, at least 574 diplomats were declared persona non grata in the first year of the war alone.

As relations with Europe deteriorate and Russia faces economic strain from the war, Africa has emerged as a key arena for Moscow’s diplomatic outreach. Unlike China or the United States , Russia is not offering large-scale infrastructure investments. Instead, it is relying on lower-cost tools of influence.

The Russian Orthodox Church has expanded its presence to at least 34 African countries in recent years. At the same time, Russia has tripled the number of scholarships available to African students to study in Russian universities.

Bloomberg also reported that the Kremlin has created a new international relations department focused on countries selected by President Vladimir Putin, with a special team dedicated to Africa policy .

The strategy allows Moscow to increase its global footprint while avoiding major financial commitments.

“I have seen that Europe continues to buy Russian gas, but Europe does not want our countries to talk about Russia,” he said. “I think we need to be a bit more honest and sincerely recognise each other’s potential. Our struggle is to determine for ourselves with whom we want to cooperate,” he added.

Traore said Burkina Faso wants the freedom to “analyse, choose, formulate, create and evaluate” its partnerships independently.

Traore also confirmed that Burkina Faso is deepening cooperation with Russia in civil nuclear energy.

“This is no longer just a plan,” he said. “We are already collaborating with Russia in the field of nuclear energy. The Minister of Energy has signed the memorandum.” He added that the country is now working to establish the legal and institutional framework required for the project.

Burkina Faso, led by a military government since a 2022 coup, has strengthened ties with Russia while distancing itself from France, its former colonial power.

Despite sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, several European Union countries continue to import Russian fossil fuels.

According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), France was the EU’s largest importer of Russian fossil fuels in February 2025, purchasing €399 million worth. Some liquefied natural gas (LNG) delivered to France’s Dunkerque terminal was later sent to Germany.

Hungary ranked second with €307 million in imports, including crude oil and pipeline gas. Belgium was third, importing €266 million worth of Russian LNG, some of which may have been re-exported to other EU states.

Overall, the EU accounted for 14 percent of global Russian fossil fuel purchases in February, spending around €1.7 billion, nearly half of which was on LNG.

For thousands of years, Indigenous nations lived in every region of the continent, from the forests of the Northeast to the plains, deserts, mountains, and Arctic coastlines. These were not scattered groups, but organised societies with distinct languages, governance systems, spiritual traditions, and deep connections to place.

Then came a new age of upheaval.

With European colonisation, Native communities faced centuries of displacement, forced removal, disease, violence, and assimilation policies. Entire nations were pushed from ancestral lands, while others were confined to reservations or relocated across vast distances. Despite this, Indigenous peoples endured, and Native nations remain very much alive today.

A new map from The World in Maps echoes this reality.

The image, titled Percentage of Native Americans by U.S. State, highlights where Native Americans made up the largest share of each state’s population based on 2010-era data.

The map was shared via Reddit by the account u/ImOkNotANoob , whose credit appears directly on the graphic.

It uses colour shading to show the percentage of Native Americans in each state:

According to the map, the highest proportions of Native Americans were concentrated in:

These patterns align closely with what the U.S. Census Bureau has reported historically, particularly Alaska’s position as the state with the highest share of Native people, including Alaska Native groups such as the Yupik, Iñupiat, and Aleut communities.

States like Oklahoma rank highly for reasons rooted in forced history. The relocation of tribes during the 19th century, including the Trail of Tears, reshaped Indigenous geography in lasting ways.

In the Southwest, tribal nations such as the Navajo Nation, Hopi, Zuni, and Apache communities remain central to the region’s cultural and political landscape.

“Poland certainly does not intend to send Polish soldiers to the Gaza Strip. We have our own security challenges,” he said.

The prime minister added that the government does not foresee formal participation in the Peace Council initiative. Any Polish presence, he said, would be strictly observational.

Tusk also dismissed the idea of financing reconstruction or development projects in Gaza, saying Poland must prioritise investment in its own cities and domestic needs.

The policy was introduced after private clinics began offering cryopreservation services to troops in 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Lawmakers later stepped in to regulate the process and provide state funding.

At the state-run Centre for Reproductive Medicine in Kyiv, officials say a small number of troops have already enrolled, with more expected as awareness grows.

Maxim, a 35-year-old member of Ukraine’s National Guard stationed near the eastern frontline, recently froze a sperm sample during leave in Kyiv. He said he wants more servicemen to consider fertility preservation.

“Our men are dying. The Ukrainian gene pool is dying. This is about the survival of our nation,” he said in a phone interview .

Doctors say the programme also responds to broader demographic concerns. Ukraine faced falling birth rates even before the war, and losses among young men in combat, along with millions of refugees leaving the country, have deepened worries about population decline.

The policy initially drew criticism after early rules required samples to be destroyed if a donor died. The law has since been amended to allow partners to use preserved material for up to three years after death, provided consent was given.

For many soldiers, the option offers reassurance amid constant danger on the frontline. Officials say the programme is meant to support military families while addressing the long-term human cost of a war that has reshaped Ukrainian society .

A common list of 'safe countries of origin'

The EU has introduced its first common list of “safe countries of origin.” The list includes Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco, and Tunisia. EU candidate countries, including those in the Western Balkans, are also generally presumed safe.

Under the new rules, asylum applications from individuals coming from these countries will be processed through an accelerated procedure. This is intended to enable faster decisions and quicker rejections of claims considered unfounded.

The burden of proof has also shifted. Instead of the EU demonstrating that a country is unsafe, the individual applicant must now prove they have a “well-founded fear of persecution” or face a risk of serious harm in their specific case.

A country may be removed from the list if it experiences armed conflict, if its citizens have an asylum recognition rate above 20%, or if it faces sanctions for human rights violations.

Changes to the 'safe third country' rule

The reforms expand the “safe third country” concept, which allows the EU to transfer asylum seekers to countries outside the bloc.

Previously, an applicant was generally required to have a connection to a third country, such as family ties or prior residence, before being transferred there. Under the new rules, this “connection” requirement has been removed. Individuals may now be sent to countries they have never entered, provided there is an agreement between the EU and that country.

This change allows for the possibility of processing asylum claims outside EU borders through arrangements sometimes described as “offshore processing” or “return hubs.” Similar models have been attempted by the United Kingdom and are currently used by Italy in Albania.

Transfers can only take place if the third country agrees to assess the asylum application on its merits and complies with international standards, including the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning a person to a country where they may face danger.

Scope and exemptions

The new framework is designed to reduce what authorities describe as “manifestly unfounded” applications and to ease pressure on member states’ asylum systems.

Unaccompanied minors are exempt from transfer to safe third countries unless they have a direct connection to that country or have transited through it.

Human rights organisations have raised concerns that the changes may disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and survivors of violence, who may face challenges in proving their need for protection under accelerated procedures.

Political context

The reforms reflect what many observers describe as a “hardening” of EU migration policy . This shift follows years of rising anti-immigration sentiment and the growth of far-right political parties across several member states.

Supporters argue that the new rules will end “legal limbo” for migrants by delivering quicker decisions, address what they call “abuse” of the asylum system, and create a more “credible and functioning” framework based on shared responsibility among member states.

Concerns raised by critics

Humanitarian organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have warned of potential risks.

They cite concerns about possible human rights violations, particularly in countries such as Egypt and Tunisia, whose records have been widely scrutinised. Some Members of the European Parliament have also warned that third countries could use migration agreements to “blackmail” the EU in exchange for financial support.

Another concern relates to the removal of the “automatic suspensive effect” on appeals. Critics argue that this change could result in individuals being deported before a court determines whether their transfer was lawful.

The measures will take effect after formal approval by the Council. Most elements are scheduled to be implemented by June 2026, with some provisions, including the safe country lists, potentially coming into force earlier.

“Understand this, we are going to war with France. We were not at war before, but now we are going to war,” he is quoted by French news, Le Figaro .

The declaration follows a decree on general mobilisation adopted by Niger’s Council of Ministers at the end of December. Military officials have said the move is aimed at confronting what they allege are French efforts to destabilise the country.

General Tchiani has repeatedly accused France, along with leaders in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, of supporting Islamist armed groups and backing attacks against Niger’s government . He claimed the countries were behind a January 2026 attack on Niamey Airport.

Meanwhile, France has strongly denied the allegations. Colonel Guillaume Vernet, spokesperson for the French Armed Forces General Staff, said there was “no question of French involvement” in Niger and described the accusations as “information warfare.”

Relations between Niger and France have deteriorated sharply since a military coup in July 2023 ousted the elected government. The junta demanded the withdrawal of French troops and the French ambassador, accusing Paris of neocolonial interference. Military cooperation was suspended, marking a dramatic shift from years of close security ties.

Niger, which gained independence from France in 1960, has since pivoted away from Paris as anti-French sentiment grows across parts of the Sahel region.

“In this alliance, Poland is not and will not be — as long as I am prime minister — a vassal. We will be a loyal and faithful ally, but we will not be a vassal in relations with any country in the world ,” Tusk said. He added that alliances should not depend on “constantly nodding along and trying to achieve something through flattery.”

Federal investigators and journalists combing through the material have found that being named in the files does not in itself suggest guilt. The documents encompass schedules, contact lists, emails, photos and flight logs that map Epstein’s social circle, a network that spanned continents and decades.

According to multiple reviews of the Justice Department release, the files include references to prominent political figures and public leaders:

The release has also ignited political controversy in the United States and abroad. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers have accused the Justice Department of redacting names of influential individuals without clear justification, intensifying calls for full disclosure.

"Trump's FBI scrubbed these files in March. The documents Justice had the redactions that the FBI made back then. They need to unscrub the FBI files, so we know who the rich and powerful men are who raped underage girls," Democratic congressman Ro Khanna wrote on Facebook.

The department has responded by saying redactions protect victim privacy and comply with legal requirements, although all non-victims' names have been unredacted .