Medical workers treated injured migrants and handed out medical supplies in the Samu Naves area on Wednesday, while several people gathered around an ambulance seeking help.

One young migrant claimed people have come from nearby areas to beat migrants and steal their food and belongings.

"They've treated us with such contempt. We sleep on the street, and there are people who take our food. Look, they're beating us, assaulting us, and trying to take our belongings by force," the migrant said.

"We're helpless because we're strangers here, so we're forced to stay silent, and this is more than we can bear," he stressed.

Another migrant described the situation as "horrific", claiming women and children in the area face severe dangers, including drugs, armed attacks and sexual exploitation.

"Women are being stripped naked and forced into prostitution in public," he alleged. "We're living in terror here. We're just sitting around when some people attack us with guns and strange weapons and scare the children here."

A third migrant said people were struggling with exposure and hunger, claiming the food being provided was not enough.

"We're suffering here from the cold at night and the scorching heat in the morning. Winter is coming, but we have no blankets or anything else. The cold here will kill us," he said.

"The second problem is hunger, my brother, because the authorities here give us food only once a day, which isn't enough for us, and we go hungry all day long," the migrant added.

Reports of violence against migrants have emerged elsewhere in Ceuta. El Pais documented neighbourhood patrols in early August, including groups carrying weapons and coordinating efforts to drive migrants from residential areas.

Spanish authorities have not publicly addressed the specific allegations of violence against migrants in Ceuta. The government has reinforced security in the enclave and announced additional accommodation and humanitarian support for migrants.

Spanish authorities are reportedly investigating allegations of sexual violence against migrant women and girls in Ceuta. At least four migrant girls were reported to have received hospital treatment following alleged sexual assaults.

Meanwhile, UNICEF has warned that hundreds of migrant children remain in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, with some sleeping on the streets for weeks and urgently needing food and medical care.

Spain's Ministry of Inclusion said on Monday that four temporary sites were being prepared in Ceuta, adding 1,500 places. The ministry added that the Red Cross has been distributing around 4,000 food kits a day since August 3.

The measures follow the influx from Morocco on July 30 and 31, when tens of thousands of people entered Ceuta by land and sea. Thousands are still believed to remain in the enclave, although estimates from Spanish and local authorities have varied.

Daniel Lopez, President of Spain's Professional Police Union (SPP), called for stronger diplomatic cooperation with Morocco to speed up the return of migrants without a legal right to remain.

He said Ceuta was "a long way from returning to normal" and accused the central government of failing to provide sufficient personnel and resources.

Carlos Prieto, Secretary General of Spain's Unified Police Union (SUP), also called for "extraordinary measures" to identify and process new arrivals.

Police unions further criticised conditions for some officers deployed to Ceuta, alleging they had been forced to sleep on mattresses on the floor and share limited bathroom facilities.

Aaron Rivero, General Secretary of the JUPOL police union, said officers had also faced violent incidents involving knives and machetes. "There were fights among them - with machetes and knives - and when the police showed up, they all banded together to attack us," Rivero said.

The unions said the Government Delegation in Ceuta had not responded to requests for meetings. Tuesday's talks were attended by PP representatives and Ceuta President Juan Jesus Vivas.

The scale of the late-July crossings remains disputed, with estimates ranging from around 40,000 according to Moroccan authorities to 72,000 in a later Spanish estimate. There is no established evidence that Morocco deliberately organised the crossings, while reports have pointed to online rumours and misinformation encouraging people to head towards the border. Moroccan authorities have since strengthened security around Ceuta, while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez chaired another government coordination meeting on Monday to review security measures, migrant identification and assistance.

He left his family, university studies and home in Morocco behind with one goal: reaching mainland Europe and helping his younger brother pursue a career in football.

Nizar shares breakfast with friends inside their makeshift shelter on Playa del Trampolin before heading onto the sand to play football with other migrants.

He also walks through Ceuta to buy food, calls his worried mother and shares photos and videos of his younger brother playing football back home in Morocco.

"When I first came here, I had absolutely nothing," Nizar said. "I had to sleep on the ground with no blankets, but people in Ceuta helped us. Together we built this hut. Sometimes it gets good, sometimes it gets bad, but all we have here is patience."

For Nizar, football also provides a connection to the life he left behind.

"We lost our families, we lost our homes, but we still have this ball. It helps us forget the reality we are living in," he said.

Nizar, who studied at Mohammed Premier University in Oujda, said he swam to Ceuta 18 days ago without telling his parents.

He left university and his family hoping to reach mainland Europe, where he believes he can help his younger brother secure a place at a football academy.

"I came here with one goal in mind. I need to get my brother an opportunity [...] I left my mother, my father, I left university, I left everything back home. My dream is to see him playing on the big screen one day," he continued.

"I am surviving here just to get to Europe and maybe find him a place in an academy. As an older brother, I did all I could and I hope my work doesn't go to waste," he added.

Nizar shares the beach hut with his friend, 20-year-old Achraf Khannous from Sale, who also swam to Ceuta after studying to become a specialised technician.

The pair are now among hundreds of migrants living along the beach as they wait to find out what happens next.

Playa del Trampolin has become one of the most visible sites of Ceuta's migration crisis after mass crossings from Morocco at the end of July overwhelmed the Spanish enclave.

Hundreds of makeshift shelters now line the shoreline, with migrants sleeping rough while awaiting decisions over their future.

The beach remains under heavy security after fresh attempts to reach Ceuta led to another crackdown on both sides of the border over the weekend.

Spain reinforced National Police , Civil Guard and maritime patrols, while Morocco increased operations along its northern coast to prevent further crossings.

Moroccan authorities initially said 148 people were intercepted around Fnideq on Saturday, with later reports putting the number detained at close to 300.

The operation followed online calls for another mass attempt to enter Ceuta and Melilla. Authorities also detained dozens of people suspected of promoting irregular crossings on social media .

Spain sent additional National Police and Civil Guard personnel to Ceuta, increased maritime patrols and installed new barriers off the coast.

The measures follow the mass influx from Morocco on July 30 and 31, when tens of thousands of people entered Ceuta by land and sea.

Thousands are still believed to remain in the enclave, although estimates from Spanish and local authorities have varied.

Scores of people also died during the crossings, with Spanish and Moroccan authorities and humanitarian groups reporting different death tolls.

Mohammed Jaafar, a migrant from Nigeria, said he was trying to support his family. "I have two children. I have a wife, I have a mother and father," he said. "They are waiting for me because I am the one who takes responsibility."

Moroccan authorities increased security around Fnideq and other areas near Ceuta after calls circulated on social media encouraging coordinated crossings on August 15.

Moroccan media reported that more than 350 people had been intercepted in and around Fnideq by 16:00 local time on Saturday, most from sub-Saharan African countries.

Authorities also said 61 people had been arrested in recent days on suspicion of promoting irregular migration on social media. Spain reinforced security in Ceuta, increasing deployments and surveillance by land, sea and air.

The measures followed a mass crossing from Morocco into Ceuta at the end of July, when tens of thousands entered the Spanish territory by land and sea, and dozens died.

Alex, one of the migrants, described difficult conditions and appealed to Spanish authorities for accommodation at Ceuta's Temporary Stay Centre for Immigrants (CETI).

"At night, it is very cold... I wish they would improve our situation. To admit us to the centre, to CETI," he said. "Our situation is inhumane," he added.

Another migrant, Adnan Menfas, said he had spent six hours swimming to Ceuta and was seeking asylum in Spain.

Others described risking their lives to reach the Spanish enclave. Mohamed, from Tetouan, said migrants had witnessed people dying during their journeys and were struggling without adequate food and clean water .

Meanwhile, Moroccan authorities said they intercepted more than 148 people around Fnideq as they attempted to cross irregularly into Ceuta.

Morocco and Spain have stepped up security amid calls on social media for another mass crossing into Ceuta and Melilla.

Footage shows migrants watching as the partially obscured sun descended towards the horizon. Red Cross workers are also seen distributing supplies and assisting migrants.

"Today is an exceptional day for me because we happened to come out here by chance. We didn’t expect to see this exact scene, but it is extraordinary and amazing," one of the migrants said.

For another migrant, the eclipse brought mixed emotions as he reflected on his situation in Ceuta.

"At this moment, I have a strange feeling. I don’t know whether it is sadness or happiness. There is no future for us. Where are we supposed to go in this world ?," he said.

On August 12, the eclipse crossed Greenland and Iceland before reaching Spain in the evening. The path of totality stretched across much of northern Spain before reaching the Mediterranean and Balearic Islands.

About 15 million people watched the rare celestial event from the ground across Spain, including in Leon, Valladolid and Palma de Mallorca.

The last total solar eclipse visible from mainland Spain took place in 1905. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, completely blocking the sun for observers within the path of totality.

Around 72,000 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco during the mass influx beginning on July 30. Spanish authorities say about 70,000 were subsequently returned to Morocco.

Ceuta's president, Juan Jesus Vivas, said on Monday that between 8,000 and 11,000 migrants could still be in the city, disputing lower estimates from Spain's central government.

Footage shows children sleeping on cardboard and makeshift bedding beside warehouses. Some said they had spent days without food, water or basic sanitation while pleading with authorities to move them into shelters.

"We sleep here on the ground. Even for the restroom, God forbid, we can't find a place to relieve ourselves, and I'm asking the authorities to take us to the shelter for minors. This is what I'm requesting," one minor said.

"We crossed the sea, and the police are harassing us. Just a few moments ago, they even beat up a journalist here. The women here are sleeping on nothing but cardboard. The suffering here is immense," another added.

Spanish authorities estimated that more than 70,000 people crossed into Ceuta in less than 48 hours between July 30 and 31, making it the largest migrant influx in the enclave's history .

Most of those who crossed have since returned to Morocco, but more than 1,000 unaccompanied children remain in Ceuta, where reception centres continue to operate beyond capacity.

By February 25, Spanish authorities had relocated 1,019 unaccompanied migrant children from Ceuta, Melilla and the Canary Islands to other parts of Spain under changes to the country's immigration system. The legislation passed without the support of the conservative People's Party or Vox.

In July, Spain approved €35 million ($41 million) to support the care of unaccompanied migrant children nationwide, including €5.5 million ($6.4 million) for Ceuta.

Under Spanish law, unaccompanied minors are protected by child welfare procedures and cannot be summarily returned across the border. Authorities must determine their status before placing them under the care of child-protection services .

Afloun said Faten worked and played football but felt she had no future in Morocco.

"She left to build her future, to have money, and to help her mother so that I would not have to work, to help the sick one get treatment, and to help us pay the rent and the water and electricity bills. She was the home's pillar," she said.

She added that Faten had been told she could obtain a football-related visa through a club president, although she did not know the details.

The Moroccan Professional Footballers Association expressed its sorrow over Al-Azizi's death.

Her death came during a mass attempt to reach Ceuta from Fnideq, when tens of thousands of people headed towards the Spanish enclave by land and sea. Spanish authorities estimated that between 50,000 and 60,000 people crossed into Ceuta, many by swimming around coastal border barriers, before most later returned to Morocco.

Morocco’s Interior Ministry said 11 migrants had died attempting to reach Spanish territory, with media reports putting the toll at at least 71. Authorities linked the surge in crossings to misleading information online and smuggling networks, as tens of thousands moved towards Ceuta, prompting a large security operation, a state of emergency in the enclave and political tensions between Spain and other European Union countries.

Resident David blamed Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's migration policies and accused Morocco of using the crossings to pressure Spain.

"We have a feeling inside that we are on edge, with tears, with frustration, with hopelessness," he said. Tensions resurfaced after members of the far-right group Nucleo Nacional and political activist Alvise Perez visited the city, triggering counter-demonstrations.

Another resident, Helena, criticised the visit and questioned Morocco's claim that it had no prior knowledge of the mass crossing.

Spanish authorities said at least 67 people died during the incident, with many drowning while attempting to swim around coastal barriers.

Others argued that Europe is struggling to cope with rising migration, linking the influx to concerns over crime and pressure on public services .

The developments have renewed debate across Europe over border security , migration policy and the need for a coordinated response to one of the continent's most pressing challenges.

Spain's Interior Ministry estimated that around 50,000 people entered Ceuta, while the regional government put the figure as high as 60,000. Many crossed on foot or by swimming around coastal border barriers.

Thousands, including unaccompanied children , were left without shelter. Some migrants said they were returning to Morocco because they could not find food or accommodation in Ceuta.

Spanish authorities said at least 57 people died during the crossings, either by drowning or in crushes near the border.

Spanish security officials estimated that around 53,000 people later returned voluntarily to Morocco, although they said departures were easier to count than arrivals.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the mass crossing as a "violation of Spain's territorial integrity" and said the government was working with Morocco to accelerate returns and strengthen border security.

The crisis also prompted political tensions across Europe. Italy temporarily restored border checks for air and sea travel from Spain, while France strengthened controls along its border with Spain.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the scenes as "unacceptable", calling for an end to dangerous crossings, action against migrant smuggling networks and faster returns under European Union rules.

One resident was seen throwing a lifebuoy into the water to help those struggling to reach land, while others arrived visibly exhausted and were assisted by emergency responders. Some migrants were placed in wheelchairs or recovery positions by Spanish authorities after reaching shore.

The resident said he had learned through social media that the so-called harraga — migrants who attempt the crossing by swimming — believed they could no longer be returned after arriving in Ceuta.

"When they found out about that, they all jumped into the water," he said. "To be honest, it really breaks my heart to see so many people suffering, and who knows how many have actually drowned along the way."

He also questioned the expectations many migrants have before making the dangerous journey.

"I don't understand why they're led to believe that there's a future here," he said. "When they arrive, they're faced with the harsh reality that they have nothing, and that people treat them as if they were nobody."

Among those who completed the crossing, one migrant said he had been swimming "since 6 or 7" in the morning before reaching Ceuta. Another, when asked whether many more people were waiting to cross from Morocco, replied: "Yes, a lot."

Migration from Morocco into Spain's North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla has long been a politically sensitive issue between Madrid and Rabat, with sea crossings continuing despite the dangers involved.

FC Barcelona supplied more players to Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup-winning squad than any other club, underlining the Catalan club's continued influence on the national team after Spain secured its second men's world title.

The squad featured a strong domestic core, with Barcelona contributing eight players, the largest representation of any club. Atlético Madrid followed with four players, while Athletic Club provided three and Real Sociedad one, reflecting the continued importance of La Liga in producing Spanish internationals.

Spain's success was also built on players competing abroad. The English Premier League accounted for the largest overseas contingent, with Arsenal contributing three Spain internationals, while Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Crystal Palace each had one player in the squad.

Paris Saint-Germain was the only French club represented, while Celta Vigo also contributed one player from Spain's domestic league.

The composition of the squad illustrates the growing international footprint of Spanish footballers. According to FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players and UEFA competition records, increasing numbers of Spain internationals now develop in La Liga before moving to Europe's biggest leagues, particularly the Premier League.

Barcelona's influence remains closely tied to its renowned La Masia academy, which has produced generations of Spain internationals. The club previously formed the backbone of Spain's teams that won UEFA Euro 2008, the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012, with players such as Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Piqué and Carles Puyol central to that era.

The 2026 champions continue that tradition. Barcelona's representatives included several of Spain's most influential performers throughout the tournament, reinforcing the club's role as the country's leading developer of elite talent.

The Premier League's seven representatives also demonstrate England's growing appeal to Spain's top players. Arsenal had the largest contribution among English clubs with three internationals, while Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, Chelsea and Crystal Palace each added one.

In Argentina, fans filled the roads around Ezeiza International Airport to welcome the national team following its return from the tournament.

Supporters waved flags, chanted and set off fireworks as an open-top bus carried the squad towards the Argentine Football Association's training complex.

Argentina returned without the World Cup trophy and without captain Lionel Messi, but fans continued to celebrate the team's run to a second consecutive World Cup final.

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, with Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal in the 106th minute.

The victory secured Spain's second men's FIFA World Cup title and ended Argentina's reign as defending champions.

Crowds dressed in Spain shirts and carrying Spanish flags gathered across the city in the early hours of Monday to celebrate the historic win. Cars and motorbikes formed long convoys through Ambon, while supporters waved flags as they crossed one of the city's main bridges.

For many fans, the victory ended a wait that had lasted more than a decade.

"Spain means everything to me. I love the way they play, calm, patient, and always effective. They build up their attacks slowly, making it difficult for opponents to read their game, but when the opportunity comes, they always find the goal. That's exactly what happened today," said supporter Esteren Apriyani.

She said Spain's latest success proved the team had built another championship-winning generation.

"We've waited 16 years for Spain to become world champions again. I think this generation is truly exceptional. Since winning in 2010, Spain has shown that they don't need a team full of legendary players to win the World Cup again," she added.

Another supporter, Lidya, credited Spain's defence for keeping Lionel Messi quiet during the final.

"Spain played brilliantly today. Even Lionel Messi couldn't break through their defence. He barely had any chances on the ball."

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time at New York New Jersey Stadium, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute.

The result secured Spain's second men's FIFA World Cup title and ended Argentina's reign as defending champions.

Speaking in Brussels on Monday, Albares criticised remarks Rajoy made in a newspaper column published ahead of Tuesday's World Cup semi-final between Spain and France.

Rajoy wrote in El Debate that France had a world-class squad, "but without French players," prompting criticism in both Spain and France.

"I am not a judge, but of course that phrase conceals something terrible," Albares said.

"It is not only hurtful, but extraordinarily dangerous. We cannot allow it. We cannot allow that under phrases spoken in such a way, which seem to conceal, deep down, directly or indirectly, racist and xenophobic sentiments."

The foreign minister urged Popular Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo to publicly reject Rajoy's remarks and called for the article to be withdrawn.

"France, alongside Spain, is a driving force of European construction. We share values. The Popular Party is acting against all of that. Going against all of that is nothing more and nothing less than a former Prime Minister. I respect the figures of former Prime Ministers immensely, but I also demand responsibility from them in how they conduct themselves and what they say," Albares said.

Feijoo, who has a long-standing political and personal relationship with Rajoy, had not publicly responded to the minister's demand at the time of publication.

The controversy also drew criticism from France.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described Rajoy's remarks as unacceptable and said France is a diverse country where everyone has a place.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also weighed in, saying a person's national identity should not be judged by their "surname, place of birth, or skin colour."

One Iranian participant said the deaths were part of a broader pattern of violence against children in the region.

"It was not surprising for me, because it is not the first time that they tried to kill children, to kill students. They did this pattern in other countries in the Middle East , like in Palestine, in Gaza, in Lebanon, in Syria," she said.

"The students are also a wealth for a country, because they will grow up and build their future. So it's not surprising for me they want to kill the children ," she added.

Another activist from the United States criticised Washington's response to the incident, accusing the country of avoiding accountability.

"I have never seen the country take responsibility for colonialism, imperialism, or the wars it causes. They always have an excuse," she said. "They are never going to take responsibility for the killings, the wars they start, or the aggressions they carry out. No, I do not expect to see that happen in my lifetime."

The Minab school strike was among the deadliest reported incidents of the conflict. Iranian authorities said up to 170 people were killed, including many children.

Spain has emerged as the top choice among American adults to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a new Pew Research Center survey .

The survey found that 9% of U.S. adults believe Spain will lift the trophy when the World Cup is hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next year. Defending champions Argentina and five-time winners Brazil followed closely behind at 8% each, while France and the United States were tied at 7%.

Spain's position at the top of the poll comes after a remarkable resurgence in international football. The Spanish men's team won UEFA Euro 2024, defeating England in the final and showcasing one of the youngest and most talented squads in world football.

With stars such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Nico Williams leading a new generation, Spain has become one of the bookmakers' favourites for the 2026 tournament.

Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar continues to resonate with fans, helping the South American champions secure second place in the survey. Brazil, despite not winning the World Cup since 2002, remains among the most respected teams globally due to its rich history and depth of talent.

France, finalists in both 2018 and 2022, also featured prominently, reflecting confidence in a squad led by some of the sport's biggest stars.

The United States received 7% support, matching France and highlighting growing optimism surrounding the host nation.

The 2026 tournament will mark the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across North America . U.S. Soccer hopes home advantage and increasing interest in the sport can help the national team make a deep run.

Spain has emerged as Europe’s highest-ranking country for LGBT rights protections in 2025, according to Rainbow Map and Index published by advocacy group ILGA-Europe, highlighting widening differences in equality laws and protections across the continent.

The ranking, visualised by World Visualized using ILGA-Europe’s 2025 data, measures legal and policy standards affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across Europe.

Spain led the index with a score of 88.7%, narrowly ahead of Malta at 87.7%, while Iceland, Belgium and Denmark also ranked among Europe’s strongest performers on LGBT equality protections.

At the opposite end of the scale, Russia recorded the lowest score at just 2% , followed by Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Belarus, reflecting ongoing restrictions on LGBT rights and public expression.

Countries at the top of the ranking generally combine anti-discrimination laws, same-sex marriage recognition, legal gender recognition frameworks and protections against hate crimes.

Spain has expanded LGBT protections significantly over the past two decades and remains one of Europe’s most progressive countries on gender identity and marriage equality laws.

Malta, frequently ranked highly by ILGA-Europe in recent years, has been recognised for broad legal protections covering family rights, gender recognition and anti-discrimination measures.

Nordic countries, including Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland, also maintained strong scores, reflecting long-standing support for civil liberties and equality legislation.

Several Eastern European and Caucasus countries continued ranking near the bottom of the index amid growing political and cultural tensions surrounding LGBT rights.

Russia’s low ranking follows years of increasingly restrictive legislation, including laws banning what authorities describe as “LGBT propaganda” and broader crackdowns on LGBT activism.

Türkiye and Belarus also recorded low scores as rights groups raised concerns over restrictions on freedom of assembly, censorship and discrimination protections.

In Georgia, Armenia and parts of Eastern Europe, activists say conservative political movements and religious influence continue slowing progress on LGBT equality reforms.

ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map evaluates countries using criteria including equality laws, family rights, hate crime protections, legal gender recognition and civil society freedoms.

The vessel remained offshore while nearly 150 passengers and crew were evacuated in stages for medical screening and repatriation. Flights are expected to continue through Monday, May 11.

Spain allowed the ship to anchor off Granadilla under strict health measures after days of discussions with regional authorities, who had initially raised concerns over possible public health risks. The World Health Organisation has said the overall public risk remains low.

The outbreak is believed to have started after exposure during the ship’s South America itinerary, before it departed Ushuaia on April 1. Contact tracing has since expanded across several continents after some passengers left the vessel in Saint Helena before the outbreak was confirmed.

South African authorities also began tracing contacts after a Dutch woman became seriously ill while travelling and later died after being taken off a flight in Johannesburg. Officials in Saint Helena said local contacts had been identified and given health guidance.

The WHO has reported eight cases linked to the outbreak, including six confirmed and two probable cases. Three deaths have been recorded.

“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.

From April 11 to 15, Sánchez conducted a five-day official visit to China, his fourth in four years. During his stay, he explored Beijing’s cultural landmarks, including the Drum Tower and the Summer Palace, met with President Xi Jinping and other top leaders; visited two of China’s elite universities; and toured the Xiaomi Science and Technology Park, where he experienced Xiaomi’s latest smartphones, electric vehicles, and AI glasses. His visit generated significant buzz on Chinese social media. His previous stances on Middle Eastern issues—specifically his willingness to say "no" to the United States—had already bolstered his popularity. Now, footage of his travels captured by onlookers has gone viral on short-video platforms. Chinese netizens have dubbed the tall, athletic Prime Minister "dashing," turning him into something of a digital icon.

Changing the perspective

The metaphor of Ricci’s map introduced by Sánchez has become a focal point for Chinese media . Historians often marvel at Ricci’s adaptability: when the Jesuit missionary realized his Eurocentric map clashed with the worldview of the "Middle Kingdom," he collaborated with Ming official Li Zhizao to create the Kunyu Wanguo Quantu (A Map of the Myriad Countries of the World). By shifting the prime meridian 170 degrees to the left, he placed China at the center of the world.

This 400-year-old "cartographic correction" finds a modern echo between Madrid and Beijing. During his visit, Sánchez remarked that even today, some still view the world through that same "distorted map." In an era of accelerating multipolarity, refusing to see Asia as a periphery is not just a geographical acknowledgment, but an act of strategic self-reflection.

Sánchez’s metaphor is more than a historical retrospective; it is a profound geopolitical allegory. It traces the journey from an era of "perceptual bias"—where Europe was the centre and Asia the edge—to a present where both nations seek new coordinates in a turbulent international order. A redrawing of "strategic resolve" is quietly underway.

Fragile order

In the early spring of Beijing, the talks between the two sides touched upon deeper anxieties. The Chinese side invoked the idiom "Li Beng Yue Huai" (the collapse of rites and music ). Originating from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (770 BC–221 BC), this term describes the disintegration of social ethics and order—a description that strikes a chord with the current global state of affairs.

 From Venezuela to Iran, the proliferation of unilateralism and the weaponization of sanctions are viewed as the squeezing of justice by raw power. Here, China and Spain reached a subtle moral consensus: in an age where the "law of the jungle" threatens to return, defending the UN-centered international system is no longer a mere formality, but a sovereign responsibility toward global order.

Official Chinese statements described this consensus as "jointly answering the questions of our time." According to the press release, President Xi Jinping noted that how a country treats international law and order reflects its worldview, values, and sense of responsibility.

In response, Spain expressed its desire for close communication and coordination with China to uphold international law and address global challenges. Spain’s embrace of multipolarity is, in essence, an attempt to revise the "obsolete map" dominated by a few superpowers.

Industrial transformation

If diplomatic rhetoric provides the latitude and longitude of the map, industrial cooperation represents the actual cultivation of the land. Under the shadow of EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Sánchez’s visit carried a strong sense of "risk hedging." Spain’s ambition is clear: it is no longer content to be a mere destination for Chinese exports. Madrid seeks "technology sharing rather than simple imports," and Chinese companies are responding with tangible investment:

Chery Automobile has taken over and renovated a former Nissan plant in Barcelona.

Envision Energy is building Europe’s first LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery gigafactory in Extremadura, and CATL is partnering with Stellantis to build a battery plant in Aragon.

Consumer choice is the ultimate proof. Statistics show that 2025 marked a historic turning point for Chinese cars in Spain, with their market share surpassing 10% for the first time. While in China, Sánchez’s took the opportunity to test drive the high-powered Xiaomi SU7.

Stability and law

In the final stages of the visit, "strategic resolve" became the keyword of the bilateral relationship. Sánchez emphasized that Spain is committed to developing a partnership characterized by such resolve. His statement—"Just like China, we are a stable and predictable country"— is unusually bold by European standards and reflects Sanchez’s position as one of the longest serving EU leaders..

On the "Matteo Ricci map" of global geopolitics, Spain is consciously shifting its position. It is no longer satisfied with being a follower on the fringes of the EU. Instead, it is using its "predictability" as leverage, seeking long-term economic stability through deep industrial integration amidst the frictions of China-EU trade.

From the corrected map of four centuries ago to the green supply chains spanning half the globe today, the China-Spain relationship proves one thing: in this chaotic era of "collapsed rites," the ability to sit down, realign coordinates, and refuse a return to the law of the jungle is a piece of strategic foresight of immense value.

Du Yubin is a journalist and producer for CGTN. He was stationed in Washington, D.C. and London for six years each, focusing on China-US and China-EU relations. He has over 15 years of experience in international communication and new media. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own.

Lyons was arrested on March 28 at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport after arriving from Singapore, when immigration systems flagged him as the subject of an Interpol Red Notice. 

Who is Steven Lyons?

Lyons is identified by law enforcement agencies as a senior figure in an international crime syndicate and the alleged leader of the Lyons crime group in Scotland. Police said the group has been involved in a long-running and violent feud with a rival organization for more than two decades.

Lyons previously lived in Spain before relocating to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. He has been on Spain’s wanted list for about two years, following a 2024 killing linked to investigations in the country. His wife was also arrested in Dubai in a related operation, and both are wanted by Spanish authorities.

Indonesian police said Lyons is suspected of leading a transnational criminal network operating across multiple jurisdictions, including Spain, Scotland, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkey.

What is he wanted for?

Spanish authorities are seeking Lyons over allegations of drug trafficking, money laundering and membership in a criminal organization. Investigators from Spain’s Civil Guard estimate that funds laundered by the network exceed €30 million.

Officials said the group allegedly used shell companies across Europe and the Middle East to conceal illicit proceeds and facilitate financial flows linked to narcotics trafficking routes between Spain and the United Kingdom.

The case is part of a broader multinational investigation involving Indonesian, Spanish and Scottish authorities, with coordinated raids carried out in locations including Glasgow, Barcelona and Malaga. Additional arrests have been reported in Turkey, the Netherlands and the UAE, with support from Europol.

What Indonesian authorities said

Indonesian officials described Lyons as a “mafia boss” and Interpol fugitive, emphasizing that his deportation reflects the country’s stance against international criminal activity.

“We will not allow Indonesian territory, especially Bali, to become a haven or operational base for international criminals,” said Bugie Kurniawan, head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office.

Bali police chief Daniel Adityajaya said Lyons was believed to be the leader of a “large-scale transnational criminal organisation engaged in drug trafficking and money laundering.”

Untung Widyatmoko, secretary of Interpol’s Indonesia bureau, said the group’s operations spanned multiple regions, underscoring the cross-border nature of the investigation.

Authorities added that two associates who arrived in Bali on the same flight as Lyons remain unaccounted for, with no arrest warrants currently issued against them.

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 remaining posts affected by the decentralisation drive will move largely to Bonn, Germany.

Albares said the decision reflected “Spain’s commitment to development cooperation and multilateralism,” welcoming Madrid as the destination for about 100 UNDP jobs leaving New York. 

Why the relocation?

The UNDP said the relocation was part of an effort to adapt to an evolving financial and development landscape, strengthen partnerships and improve its ability to support vulnerable populations. 

Germany is already a major UNDP hub, with Bonn hosting the United Nations Volunteers programme. With the new transfers, the organisation’s footprint in the German city will exceed 400 positions. 

UNDP said it was “grateful to Germany and Spain for offering to host the organisation,” noting that the agreements would reinforce joint efforts “to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, protect the environment, and support crisis stabilisation and recovery.”

While New York will remain the UNDP’s global headquarters, only a small fraction of its workforce is based there. 

Fewer than 7% of staff work in the US city, according to the agency, which operates in about 170 countries and territories and employs roughly 22,000 people worldwide. More than 19,000 of them are already based in country offices and regional hubs.

The shift away from New York has been underway for months. At the start of 2026, UNDP also relocated 30 positions from the US to regional offices in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Arab States, Central Europe, and Asia and the Pacific, in a move aimed at placing staff closer to the communities they serve.

Is Trump building his own UN?

This UNDP exodus from New York comes as Trump establishes the so-called “Board of Peace,” a US-led initiative that some diplomats and analysts see as an attempt to sidestep the United Nations’ existing role in global conflict management.

According to the White House, the board will be central to implementing Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, providing strategic oversight, mobilising international funding and ensuring accountability as the territory shifts from conflict to reconstruction. 

The initiative has triggered unease at the UN. 

La Neice Collins , spokesperson for the president of the UN General Assembly, stressed that global peace and security remain the UN’s exclusive mandate. 

“There is one universal multilateral organisation to deal with peace and security issues, and that is the United Nations,” she said.

The timing of the Board of Peace — alongside the relocation of hundreds of UN jobs out of New York — has sharpened questions about whether Washington is reshaping multilateral diplomacy around US-controlled structures, potentially eroding the authority of the UN system it once helped to build.

Their global spread is not a coincidence but the result of centuries of European exploration, colonisation, and Christian missionary activity that permanently reshaped the world’s maps.

From the 15th century onward, European empires used place-naming as both a religious expression and a political tool. Catholic explorers from Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy frequently named newly charted lands after Christian symbols, saints, or religious feast days. The cross, as the central symbol of Christianity, became one of the most common references.

According to Britannica , European colonial powers routinely imposed familiar religious names on foreign landscapes as a means of asserting ownership and spiritual authority over newly acquired territories. Naming was part of the broader colonial system that linked faith, empire, and governance.

The Spanish version, Santa Cruz, dominates the map largely because of Spain’s vast colonial reach. At its height in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Spanish Empire controlled most of Latin America, large parts of the Caribbean, and territories in Asia, including the Philippines.

Cities such as Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia), Santa Cruz (California), and Santa Cruz (Tenerife, Spain) were named during different waves of Spanish expansion and missionary settlement. Many of these places were established near missions , forts, or religious outposts where Catholic clergy played a central role in administration and education.

The French equivalent, Sainte-Croix, appears most prominently in the Caribbean and parts of Europe. The best-known example is Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Originally inhabited by Indigenous Taíno peoples, the island passed through Spanish, French, and Danish control before being sold to the United States in 1917.

The name reflects France’s Catholic heritage and its colonial presence in the Caribbean during the 17th century, when sugar plantations and transatlantic trade drove European settlement.

Santa Croce, the Italian form, is most closely associated with Europe, particularly Italy itself. The Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence , one of the most important Franciscan churches in the world, helped popularise the name.

While Italy did not establish overseas colonies on the same scale as Spain or France until much later, Italian missionaries and religious orders still carried Catholic naming traditions abroad.

New data from World’s Top Exports shows that Spain and Mexico dominate the global pumpkin market in 2024, together accounting for more than 64% of worldwide pumpkin exports.

With international demand rising for year-round cooking, health foods, and processed pumpkin products, the industry has become more important to farmers and exporters across Europe, North America, Africa, and Oceania.

According to the 2024 export rankings, Spain leads the world with 32.8% of global pumpkin exports, valued at about $574 million. Mexico follows closely with 32%, earning $559 million.

The large market share held by both countries reflects their strong agricultural infrastructure, export-oriented farming, and access to major global markets.

The rest of the top exporters include:

How global events are shaping the pumpkin market

Climate change is shifting growing seasons

Farmers across Europe and North America are adjusting planting cycles due to unpredictable rainfall, heat waves, and changing soil conditions. Some regions in Spain and Mexico have benefited from longer warm seasons, allowing for stronger yields.

Food security continues to be a global priority

With conflicts disrupting trade routes , such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, countries are looking toward more stable and diverse agricultural suppliers. Pumpkins, being versatile and widely cultivated, fit into this wider push to secure reliable food imports.

Rising global celebrations and food trends

Pumpkin has become more than a seasonal item . From soups and baked goods to the globally popular “pumpkin spice” trend, food producers are buying more pumpkin for processing and export. This helps keep demand strong throughout the year.

According to World’s Top Exports , Nigeria exported about $63.3 billion worth of goods in 2023, with crude oil and petroleum products still making up the majority of the value.

The data in the image highlights Nigeria’s leading export partners by value, as Spain tops the list at $5.6 billion, followed closely by France and the Netherlands, each just under the $5 billion mark.

India, the United States , Indonesia, Canada, Italy, China, and the Ivory Coast also feature prominently, illustrating the extensive reach of Nigeria’s export network, which extends across Europe, Asia, North America, and West Africa.

Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted long-standing supply routes, European countries have increasingly turned to African producers such as Nigeria for crude oil and natural gas. This shift remains part of a broader EU effort to diversify energy sources and reduce dependency on Russia.

India ’s steady demand is driven by its large refining sector and growing energy needs, while Indonesia’s imports have risen as the country expands its consumption of petroleum products. China’s position, although slightly lower, remains significant, especially since its imports vary depending on industrial activity and shifts in manufacturing demand.

Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast’s position on the list highlights growing intra-African trade, a key aspect of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to strengthen economic links across the continent.

A new map shows exactly how well (or badly) nations match their time zones to their natural solar time: some tick in near-perfect alignment (marked in dark green), while others live in what feels like a parallel timeline (shaded brown).

Take, for instance, the case of Spain. Despite much of its territory sitting west of the prime meridian, it operates on Central European Time, a choice rooted in history, not geography.

The result is the country being broadly categorised in the “totally off” zone on the map. This means that many Spaniards are eating dinner late, finishing work into the evening and waking up under a shifted sun.

Researchers argue this misalignment isn’t just quirky; it has real effects. According to studies of social jet-lag, “artificial” time zones contribute to sleep disruption, productivity losses and other subtle impacts on health and economy.

Meanwhile, within the European Commission, the debate is heating up about clock changes and permanent time zones. The discussion centres around how to align social time better with “sun time” while maintaining economic coordination across countries.

In a world where remote work, global teams and international travel are now the norm, being out of sync even by one hour creates friction.

The case revolved around the Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC) consortium, led by Sacyr alongside Italy’s Salini Impregilo and Belgium’s Jan de Nul, which accused the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) of design errors that inflated costs. The ICC, however, ruled that the contractors assumed those risks when signing the 2009 contract, confirming the ACP’s stance.

For investors, the ruling reinforces Panama’s reputation as a country where the rule of law prevails in complex international disputes — a reassuring sign in a region often criticised for legal uncertainty. It highlights the ACP’s professional management of the canal, a strategic asset that generates around 6% of the country’s GDP and continues to attract global trade and private investment.

The verdict also sets a precedent for other states engaged in large infrastructure projects: it shows that governments can successfully defend themselves against corporate claims when contracts are clear and institutions remain firm.

For Sacyr, the loss represents not only a financial setback but also reputational damage in future tenders. For Panama, it consolidates its image as a dependable and sovereign player in global infrastructure and a reminder to investors that the canal remains a stable, well-governed engine of trade.

On arrival, several recounted what they described as degrading treatment in Israeli custody.

”There has been humiliating and inhumane treatment throughout. We have been treated like animals,” one activist said. 

“When we were shouting and asking for insulin for one of the people , a 75-year-old comrade who had been asking for insulin for three days, one of the soldiers said they didn’t have doctors for animals in prison,” he added. “Another Mexican colleague, who was asking for medicine for her heart condition, said it was urgent, and he said it would only be urgent when her heart stopped, according to another of the people who was there.”

Others expressed relief but also worry about what they described as a continuing genocide in Gaza . 

“I am free and I am happy to be free, but my friends are still imprisoned in Israel, and Palestine is still not free. So all we can do is wait until everyone is free, until the genocide is stopped and Palestine is free,” an activist said.

The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a fleet of vessels attempting to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza. None of the ships reached the enclave, with the closest being a vessel that had entered Gaza’s territorial waters but was intercepted by Israeli forces minutes away from the shore.

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said he was “proud that flotilla activists are being treated as terrorists,” adding, “Anyone who supports terrorism is a terrorist and deserves the same conditions applied to terrorists.”

Supporters of the flotilla say the mission was peaceful and humanitarian, intended to deliver aid and highlight the ongoing blockade of Gaza. 

Footage spread by Israel-linked actors claimed no aid was on board the intercepted ships, an allegation Global Sumud Flotilla organisers have vehemently dismissed as “verifiably false” and a “systematic smear campaign.”

For its part, Israel has denounced the Spaniards’ inhumane treatment allegations as “fake news .” 

“As we said, Israel is keen to have all the participants of this provocation deported as quickly as possible, but some of them deliberately chose to prolong the legal deportation process, preferring to linger in Israel,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote on social media . 

“All the legal rights of the participants in this PR stunt are fully upheld,” it continued. “Don’t believe the fake news they are spreading.”

While the 21 Spaniards are now home, hundreds of other activists from around the world remain in Israeli custody.

Several countries, including Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland, have stated they will boycott next year’s contest in Vienna if Israel is allowed to compete.

Broadcasters are citing humanitarian concerns over the war in Gaza, the killing of journalists, restrictions on media access, and other ethical and political issues.

Spain has become the first of Eurovision’s “Big Five” countries (which contribute large financial support to the contest) to make such a conditional withdrawal.

RTVE, Spain’s public broadcaster, passed the decision at a board meeting and called for a resolution before the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) sets its December deadline for confirming participants.

The Netherlands’ broadcaster AVROTROS echoed this stance, stating that it could not justify Israel’s participation given what it sees as ongoing and severe human suffering in Gaza, and concerns over journalistic safety and media transparency.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s RTÉ described participation under these conditions as “unconscionable,” referencing loss of life, journalists’ deaths, and restricted media access in the territory.

The EBU has responded by stating it respects each broadcaster’s decision. It has opened consultations with members to assess how to handle the participation of Israel amid mounting pressure. Decisions on participation are due by mid-December.

This situation raises significant questions. Eurovision has long branded itself as apolitical, promoting unity through music. But as countries weigh moral considerations against entertainment and cultural diplomacy, it becomes clear that international events are increasingly arenas for political statements.

The precedent of excluding Russia in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine gives one frame of reference for how the contest can adapt when geopolitics and ethics collide.

These activities, frequently carried out without protective measures, have been linked to cancers, liver and kidney diseases, respiratory problems, and even birth defects.

In Spain, the Educational Association Reciclanet in Bilbao, a pioneering approach to electronic waste management, is transforming discarded technology into valuable resources, while curbing environmental harm and supporting the circular economy .

Reciclanet specialises in collecting obsolete IT equipment from companies and educational institutions, reconditioning viable devices, and responsibly recycling those beyond repair.

“We let only those that will be able to be reused pass,” explained Andrea Valiente, a representative of the centre. “If it does not have the minimum characteristics that people are willing to accept, it goes directly to what we call CHAE, electronic junk.”

The process involves meticulous sorting —green-coded items for reuse, yellow for repair, and red for waste— which ensures that hazardous components like lead, mercury, and cadmium are handled by licensed waste managers.

These discarded devices are dismantled to extract critical materials such as copper, lithium, tungsten, and even gold . As Valiente noted, “Europe needs [these] to boost the circular economy.”

The centre’s work also responds to concerns over the unethical export of unusable electronics to Africa under the guise of donations. Investigations have shown that much of the shipped material is scrap, leaving local communities to manage hazardous waste.

“The material that is sent is not of practical use… for me, I think [they] throw it away directly,” Valiente said, referencing a European Union probe that found countries like England and Poland breaking export laws.

Globally, e-waste generation is growing at an alarming rate, estimated between 60,000 and 71,000 tonnes annually, with a 17% year-on-year increase, according to the World Health Organisation.

The documentary linked to Reciclanet’s work was filmed at electronic waste sites in Ghana and Cameroon, with interviews in Spain. It was produced by Asociación Sociocultural Afrika Miniaturan in partnership with Asociación Cultural Ghana Union, with funding from the City Council of Vitoria-Gasteiz.

His remarks came during a high-profile gathering of Europe’s far-right leaders convened by French National Rally leader Marine Le Pen in the Loiret region south of Paris.

The meeting, held to commemorate the first anniversary of Le Pen’s National Rally’s best-ever performance in European elections, served as a rallying point for anti-immigration forces emboldened by Donald Trump ’s return to the White House and recent electoral gains across Europe.

Joining Orban were prominent right-wing figures, including Matteo Salvini, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the League party, Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain’s Vox party and Andrej Babis, former Czech Prime Minister.

Speaking at the meeting, Orban reaffirmed his longstanding position that Europe’s migration policy is fundamentally flawed.

"We will not let them destroy our cities and the safety of our streets. We will not let them violate our daughters and our women. We will not allow peaceful citizens to be killed. My friends, we will not stand idly by, pointing at Brussels and international law like losers. We will act. What is happening is not migration, it is an organised exchange of populations intended to replace the cultural bedrock of Europe," he said.

The European Union has long sought to manage migration through a mix of border controls, humanitarian resettlement, and burden-sharing among member states. Key elements include:

It is a traditional spectacle practised in several Spanish-speaking countries, featuring a dramatic contest between humans and bulls . At its core, it involves matadors attempting to subdue, immobilise, or kill a bull—typically the Spanish Fighting Bull (Toro Bravo), a breed native to the Iberian Peninsula.

Often viewed as both a sport and a form of performance art , bullfighting blends ritual, skill, and pageantry.

The red cape, a hallmark of the event, is used not to provoke the bull, since bulls are colour blind, but to conceal bloodstains and enhance the visual drama as the bull charges at movement rather than colour.

However, the spectacle now faces increasing bans and social resistance.

Countries like Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and parts of Mexico once embraced the practice but have since outlawed it, reflecting shifting attitudes toward animal rights and public morality.

The Philippines, a former Spanish colony in Southeast Asia, prohibited the practice decades ago, although it once had a thriving bullfighting scene under colonial rule. The Canary Islands (Spain) also enacted a ban and became the first Spanish region to do so in 1991.

On the other hand, Countries marked in red on the map—such as Spain, Mexico, Colombia and Peru—still host regular Spanish-style bullfighting events. These involve matadors, ornate arenas, and often the killing of the bull as the climactic moment.

Although Ecuador banned the killing of bulls in Quito in 2011, the country still permits events in other parts of the country.

Critics of bullfighting label it institutionalised animal cruelty, emphasising the physical torment and death of animals for entertainment .

International organisations , such as PETA and Humane Society International, have condemned the practice and pushed for broader bans, especially in Latin America and Europe. Meanwhile, UNESCO has faced criticism for past moves to consider bullfighting for heritage status.

Without formal recognition, the revolutionary government risked isolation, lacked access to trade and military support, and remained vulnerable to Britain’s efforts to reclaim its rebellious colonies.

Securing international legitimacy was thus a critical step in establishing the United States as a sovereign entity in the 18th-century global order.

Morocco: First to recognise the United States (1777)

The first country to formally recognise the United States was Morocco . On December 20, 1777, Sultan Mohammed III issued a decree that opened Moroccan ports to American ships, making the kingdom the earliest foreign power to extend official recognition. This act was later formalised through the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship, signed in 1786 and ratified in 1787. Remarkably, this treaty remains the oldest unbroken treaty in U.S. history.

France: First major power and strategic ally (1778)

France, a longtime rival of Britain, was the first major European power to recognise the U.S., offering not only legitimacy but also crucial military and financial support. On February 6, 1778, France signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance with the United States. These agreements pledged mutual defence and solidified a Franco-American alliance.

French involvement—through military leadership like General Rochambeau and naval support under Admiral de Grasse—proved decisive in pivotal battles such as the Siege of Yorktown (1781), effectively ending major combat operations in the Revolutionary War.

The Netherlands: Diplomatic recognition and the first U.S. embassy (1782)

The Dutch Republic formally recognised the United States on April 19, 1782, when it accepted John Adams as the American Minister Plenipotentiary. This recognition marked a diplomatic milestone as the U.S. established its first official embassy in The Hague, a move that underscored growing international acceptance.

The Netherlands also extended loans to the U.S. government, helping stabilise the fragile post-war American economy.

Spain: Cautious support turned official recognition (1783)

Spain, though initially cautious and reluctant to directly confront Britain, eventually extended recognition to the United States on February 20, 1783, just months before the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Spain’s involvement during the war, particularly through operations in the Mississippi Valley and Gulf Coast, indirectly aided the American cause.

Recognition came after Spain’s strategic interests aligned with weakening British influence in North America .

Sweden: A neutral power with early commercial ties (1783)

Sweden, under King Gustav III, became the fifth country to formally recognise the United States. On April 3, 1783, the two nations signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce , establishing peaceful and profitable relations. Sweden’s early recognition illustrated the United States' growing credibility among even neutral European powers.

It’s rather easy to imagine driving in the left or right directions but mixed-direction driving may sound rather wild right? While the latter barely exists today, many countries around the world drive either on the left or the right depending on traffic rules, and usually, cars in the country are made to suit this plan or imported with this in mind.

About  30% of the world’s countries  mandate left-side driving and another 70% stay to the right.

This makes it easy for smoother and safer transportation. Here is a compilation of some European countries that switched from left to right driving directions and how it impacted their roads and people.

Spain

A hybrid driving system still existed in Spain in 1918 despite the country switching to Right-Hand Traffic (RHT). Drivers in Madrid were still driving on the left despite the law but by 1924, a national law was introduced, making it mandatory for every driver to switch to RHT.

Italy

Italy  started driving on the right in the 1890s, and it became mandatory with the 1912 highway code. Cities with trams could keep driving on the left but by 1927, all cars in Italy began driving on the right.

Portugal

The change happened on the same day across Italy and its colonies. But areas next to countries that drove on the left like Portuguese East Africa (now Mozambique) were not included.

Austria

Between 1921 and 1935, the Austrian regions of Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Carinthia, and part of Salzburg switched to driving on the right. When Germany annexed Austria in 1938, Hitler mandated an overnight change for the rest of the country. Austria changed to right-hand driving completely by 1938.

The tunnel was found during a police search of a warehouse in Ceuta. It runs about 12 metres underground and stretches several dozen metres in length.

Reports suggest it may extend at least 50 metres into Moroccan land, but investigators are still working to determine its full size. The tunnel was reinforced with wood, making it strong enough for smuggling operations.

The discovery was part of a police crackdown on drug trafficking known as Operation Hades. Over the past three weeks, authorities have arrested 14 people, including two police officers, and seized 6,000 kilos of hashish.

Ceuta is a major gateway for drugs moving from North Africa into Europe. Smugglers often use creative ways to bypass security, and this tunnel shows the lengths they will go to avoid getting caught.

Police are now investigating whether the tunnel was used for other illegal activities and how long it has been in operation.

In this piece, we'll take a look at the strongest passports in each continent, based on the 2025 Passport Index , a global ranking of passports according to their total mobility score.

The Mobility Score (MS) represents the total number of countries that can be easily accessed with a particular passport. It is calculated based on the number of destinations offering Visa-free, Visa-on-arrival, eTA, and eVisa options available within a 3-day timeframe.

Asia: UAE

With a score of 179, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) takes the top spot in Asia and globally. UAE citizens can travel to an impressive 179 countries without needing a visa, including popular destinations like France, Austria, and Mexico.

Europe: Spain

Spain's passport is one of the strongest in the world, with a visa-free score of 178. This means Spanish citizens can travel to 178 countries without needing a visa, including most European countries, Argentina, and Canada.

Oceania: New Zealand

New Zealand's passport is one of the strongest in the world, with a visa-free score of 174. New Zealand citizens can travel to 174 countries including Belarus, China and Denmark without a visa.

North America: Canada

With a mobility score of 173, Canadian passport holders can travel visa-free to 173 countries, including the Bahamas, Belgium, and Germany.

South America: Brazil

Brazi's passport is the strongest in South America, with a 165 visa-free score. Brazilian citizens can travel to countries like Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina.

Africa: Seychelles

The Seychelles, an archipelago off the coast of East Africa, boasts the strongest passport in Africa. With a visa-free score of 148, Seychelles citizens can travel without a visa to countries such as Dominica, Estonia, and Denmark.

According to research from Railway Supply, Spain is the European leader, ranking second globally, boasting approximately 4,327 kilometres of high-speed rail. This network, primarily operated by Renfe, connects major hubs like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, with trains reaching speeds of up to 310 km/h. The system has revolutionized travel within the country, offering efficiency and convenience.

France’s TGV trains, synonymous with speed and innovation, operate across approximately 3,977 kilometres. These high-speed trains facilitate seamless travel within France and to neighbouring countries, maintaining a reputation for reliability and efficiency.

Germany’s high-speed rail system integrates Intercity Express (ICE) trains into its broader network, achieving speeds of up to 300 km/h. This service provides rapid connectivity within and to bordering nations, reinforcing Germany’s commitment to modern transport solutions.

As countries continue to invest in high-speed rail, the infrastructure transforms domestic travel and enhances international connections, shaping the future of global mobility.

As of August 2024, several countries stand out for their impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants.

Here are the top 5 countries leading the way in food excellence:

France

France remains the undisputed leader with 636 Michelin-starred restaurants. Renowned for its culinary heritage, France boasts a diverse array of dining experiences, from traditional bistros to avant-garde eateries like Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen and Arpège in Paris.

Japan

Japan holds the second spot with 387 Michelin-starred restaurants. The country is celebrated for having one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars in the world with a place like Kitcho Arashiyama Honten in Kyoto

Italy

Italy is close behind Japan with 381 Michelin-starred restaurants. Known for its rich culinary traditions, Italy offers a variety of exquisite dining options that celebrate regional flavours and innovative techniques at restaurants like Villa Crespi in Orta San Giulio.

Germany

Germany ranks fourth with 330 Michelin-starred restaurants. The country's fine dining scene is often underrated but features a wealth of high-quality establishments that blend tradition with modernity.

Spain

Spain, with 267 Michelin-starred restaurants, is renowned for its avant-garde cuisine and legendary chefs. Spanish gastronomy continues to push boundaries and delight food enthusiasts worldwide with restaurants like Lasarte, Cocina Hermanos Torres and ABaC in Barcelona.

These sites are legally protected by international treaties and are considered important to the collective interests of humanity.

UNESCO's top 10 list highlights the countries with the most recognised cultural and historical landmarks, out of a total of 1,223 heritage sites spread across 168 countries.

Here’s a look at the countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2024:

Italy

Italy tops the list with 60 World Heritage Sites, reflecting its rich history as the birthplace of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. Notable sites include the Colosseum, the historic centre of Florence, and the archaeological areas of Pompeii.

China

China closely follows with 59 sites, showcasing its ancient civilisation and diverse landscapes. Key sites include the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army.

Germany

Germany's 54 sites highlight its cultural and architectural heritage. Famous sites include the Cologne Cathedral, the castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust, and the historic centres of Bamberg and Regensburg.

France

France boasts 53 sites, reflecting its historical and cultural richness. Iconic sites include the Palace of Versailles, Mont-Saint-Michel, and the prehistoric sites and decorated caves of the Vézère Valley.

Spain

Spain's 50 sites illustrate its diverse cultural history. Noteworthy sites include the Alhambra, the historic city of Toledo, and Antoni Gaudí's works in Barcelona.

India

India has 43 sites, showcasing its ancient history and natural beauty. Prominent sites include the Taj Mahal, the Qutub Minar, and the Sundarbans National Park.

Mexico

Mexico's 35 sites reflect its rich pre-Columbian and colonial history. Key sites include Chichen Itza, the historic centre of Mexico City, and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.

United Kingdom

The UK also has 35 sites, highlighting its historical and cultural landmarks. Important sites include Stonehenge, the Tower of London, and Bath.

Russia

Russia's 32 sites showcase its vast cultural and natural heritage. Notable sites include the Kremlin and Red Square, the historical centre of Saint Petersburg, and Lake Baikal.

Iran

Iran's 28 sites reflect its ancient Persian history and architectural marvels. Key sites include Persepolis, the historic city of Yazd, and the Golestan Palace.

Sheinbaum on her part explained in a statement that the decision to exclude Spain’s king was because the country did not respond directly to her predecessor, Lopez Obrador’s previous request for a public apology for the 1968 repression of the student movement during which abuses were.

She accused the Spanish monarchy of failing to acknowledge the harm caused by colonisation.

During a press conference on October 2, the president confirmed that the relations between both countries remain good but maintained the country’s position on the matter.

"It's good (relations with Spain). There's no reason for it to change. But we will always defend (Mexico's) position, and with Spain, we have commercial and tourist relations," Sheinbaum was quoted by AFP.

Tensions rise in Tanzania as police crackdown on opposition protests over alleged killings

Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, faced a heavy crackdown on Monday, September 23, as riot police were deployed across key areas of Dar es Salaam to prevent planned protests. Read more here .

DR Congo artist uses religious symbolism to condemn prison conditions

A 28-year-old Congolese artist, Niamba Malafi is using religious symbolism and art to denounce the harsh realities of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s prison system. In a dramatic performance with his crew, Malafi carried a heavy wooden cross on his shoulders, to symbolise the burden inmates endure at Makala, the country’s largest prison.  Read more here .

Activists keep Kenya’s protest revolution alive on public buses, slums

A street poet and two activists are keeping the spirit of recent protests alive in Nairobi through a civic movement on public buses and discussions in local slums. They use spoken word and community organising to engage residents, in a bid to promote accountability and participation in Kenya’s political process. Read more here.

Latin America

Bolivia wildfires set to blaze past record as forests burn

Wildfires in Bolivia are now running on a track to set an all-time record, the latest satellite data show, with fire hot spots to date overtaking the rate in the same period during major blazes in 2010 as the wider South American region burns. Read more here.

Researchers uncover remains of Ice Age mastodons in Peru

The fossilised remains of three mastodons from the Ice Age have been uncovered in the Peruvian Andes, raising questions as to how the behemoths arrived in the area. Excavations starting in 2019 uncovered the behemoths, believed to be between 11,000 and 12,000 years old, in the valley of the town of Chambara, about 300 km (186 miles) east of Lima. Read more here.

More migrants arrive in Spain’s Canary Islands despite rising death tolls

More migrants are trooping into Spain’s Canary Islands using boats. Despite the many deaths recorded from these migrant journeys, people within several sub-Saharan African countries keep moving from their countries seeking greener pastures. AFP reports that a boat carrying migrants capsized off Spain's Canary Islands on September 27, killing at least nine people and leaving 48 missing. Read more here.

Asia

Ex-Singapore minister pleads guilty to corruption charges

Former Singaporean Transport Minister, S. Iswaran has pleaded guilty to bribery charges in a graft trial. The trial was the first of a political office holder in over four decades. The minister who helped bring Formula 1 to the city-state was hit with 35 charges related to corruption widely cited as one of the least corrupt in the world. Read more here.

Disabled Indian artisans find creative means of tackling waste pollution

In India, one of the world's top plastic polluters, a group of artisans is tackling the waste problem through creative upcycling. At a workshop north of New Delhi, 28-year-old Ram Babu, an amputee, transforms discarded cigarette packets into papier-mâché candles. Babu, who lost his leg in a 2005 train accident, credits his father and the Society for Child Development for helping him find a new purpose. Read more here.

Thailand becomes the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage

Thailand has become the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage after King Maha Vajiralongkorn granted royal assent to the law on September 24. Set to take effect in 120 days, the first marriage is expected to be recorded in January 2025. The legislation allows for gender-neutral marriage terms in place of “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives” and includes adoption and inheritance rights for same-sex couples. Read more here.

AFP reports that a boat carrying migrants capsized off Spain's Canary Islands on September 27, killing at least nine people and leaving 48 missing.

The National Maritime Rescue Service confirmed that 84 persons were on board the boat. A total of 27 were rescued following a distress call from El Hierro in the archipelago.