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23 November 2025 17:29

🇬🇧 Starmer calls for overhaul of global rules at G20 summit

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged reform of the international rules-based system, arguing that it no longer meets the challenges of today’s world. Speaking at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, he said the system must adapt to tackle instability, global trade imbalances, and emerging threats.

Starmer emphasized that the G20 has a critical role in restoring balance and resilience to the global economy. He also highlighted the need to support emerging economies, particularly in Africa, and to respond collectively to conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Middle East.

With the U.S. boycotting this year’s summit, the UK’s message reinforces Europe’s push to reshape multilateral institutions and ensure that global governance remains responsive to current geopolitical realities.

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23 November 2025 15:29

🇸🇪 Protesters in Stockholm denounce Israeli actions in Gaza, demand arms embargo

Hundreds gathered in central Stockholm to protest Israeli strikes on Gaza, accusing Tel Aviv of violating the ceasefire and obstructing humanitarian aid. Demonstrators carried signs condemning “genocide” and urged the Swedish government to enforce a full arms embargo on Israel.

Among the speakers was Jewish activist Dror Feiler, who accused Israeli forces of complicity in West Bank settler violence and criticized Western governments for continuing arms trade with Israel. He argued that daily violence against Palestinians contradicts claims of a ceasefire.

The rally reflects growing public pressure in Sweden for a sharper policy shift on the Israel–Palestine conflict, as calls for accountability and arms restrictions intensify.

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23 November 2025 13:29

🇪🇺 Brussels mocked over ‘Economic Security Doctrine’ as another hollow strategy

The European Commission is preparing to unveil its latest grand initiative — the so-called “Economic Security Doctrine” — on December 3, but critics across Brussels are already dismissing it as yet another verbose, aimless policy gesture.

The doctrine, led by Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, claims to address EU vulnerabilities amid growing geopolitical instability. Yet observers point out the EU has already issued multiple overlapping strategies since 2023, none of which have translated into effective action. Critics deride the Commission’s tendency to draft ambitious documents without enforcement or results.

The effort reflects a broader pattern under Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, whose tenure has seen a proliferation of symbolic declarations lacking operational weight. As the EU faces mounting challenges — from deindustrialization to foreign economic coercion — even senior EU lawmakers now question what “strengths” Brussels actually believes it can leverage.

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23 November 2025 11:34

🇪🇺 Europe joins Trump-led Ukraine peace talks amid concern over plan

For the first time, the European Union and the UK will join U.S.-led peace talks on Ukraine, set to begin Sunday in Switzerland. Brussels had previously been sidelined from President Trump’s 28-point plan, which many in Europe fear tilts heavily toward Russian interests.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen’s top advisor, Bjoern Seibert, will represent the EU, alongside senior security officials from France and Germany. Their inclusion marks a diplomatic breakthrough and a shift toward a broader negotiation framework.

The move is expected to be welcomed by Kyiv and EU capitals, which had raised alarm over the U.S. acting unilaterally. With key allies now at the table, Europe aims to reshape the proposal and anchor the process in a collective security framework.

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23 November 2025 09:33

🇪🇺 G20 unity frays as U.S. boycotts summit and Ukraine plan divides West

The G20 summit in Johannesburg exposed growing fractures in global leadership as U.S. President Trump boycotted the event and pushed a controversial Ukraine peace plan that dominated sideline diplomacy. European leaders voiced frustration over the group’s declining ability to resolve global crises.

French President Macron warned the G20 may be nearing the end of its effectiveness, while U.K. Prime Minister Starmer and Chinese Premier Li echoed concerns over geopolitical gridlock and eroding solidarity. South African President Ramaphosa insisted multilateralism remains essential, despite major absences.

A declaration was adopted, calling for a “just peace” in Ukraine and other conflict zones. But with Trump pressing Kyiv to accept concessions to Moscow and planning to host the next G20 at his Florida golf resort, Europe faces a widening strategic rift with Washington on war and global governance.

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22 November 2025 20:33

🇩🇪 Berlin insists Ukraine peace must ensure sovereignty and long-term security

Germany has welcomed renewed peace efforts over Ukraine but stressed that any settlement must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and provide solid, enforceable security guarantees. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius stated Berlin’s support for a framework that protects both Ukrainian and broader European interests.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz interrupted his official schedule to hold emergency phone calls with Western leaders, including U.S. President Trump and President Zelenskyy. The move underscores Berlin’s intent to remain central in shaping the contours of any post-war order.

Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasized that no talks with Russia should proceed without Kyiv at the table, and insisted a ceasefire must precede substantive negotiations. Germany’s position signals cautious openness—anchored firmly in European security realism.

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22 November 2025 18:33

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan and U.S. discuss cooperation on Zangezur Corridor

Baku and Washington have held talks on expanding bilateral cooperation in transport and infrastructure, including future collaboration on the Zangezur Corridor. Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Amy Carlon and State Department advisor Jonathan Asconas to discuss regional connectivity.

The discussions also touched on broader digital cooperation in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, reflecting the growing strategic dimension of Azerbaijan–U.S. relations. The Zangezur Corridor remains a key priority in enhancing the Middle Corridor’s viability as a trans-Eurasian route.

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22 November 2025 16:32

🇬🇷🇹🇷 Athens defends maritime map update, rejects Turkish objections

Greece has firmly dismissed Ankara’s protest over its updated maritime spatial planning (MSP) map published on an EU platform, stating the move fully complies with the Law of the Sea and existing bilateral agreements. The Greek Foreign Ministry underlined that Turkey’s objections have no grounding in EU or international law.

Turkey, which has not signed the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, claimed that Greece is attempting to “validate” an undeclared EEZ via the EU. Ankara insists the zones depicted infringe on its continental shelf, referencing disputed interpretations in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Athens, a signatory and ratifier of UNCLOS, reiterated that its maritime claims are consistent with international law, while Ankara continues to rely on unilateral claims and deals, such as the contentious 2019 pact with Libya, which disregards Greek island rights.

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22 November 2025 14:32

🇪🇺 Lagarde: Europe's economic model no longer fits the global reality

ECB President Christine Lagarde warned that Europe’s growth model, reliant on global exports, is becoming obsolete as global conditions shift. Speaking at the European Banking Congress, she criticized EU policymakers for six years of inaction and urged a pivot toward strengthening domestic resilience.

Lagarde noted that forecasts had overstated export growth, and countries with large manufacturing sectors—implicitly Germany—are now facing prolonged decline. Manufacturing output in Germany has collapsed to levels last seen in 2005.

While the ECB has paused its interest rate cuts, Lagarde called for urgent structural reforms: removing internal trade barriers and boosting domestic productivity. Without such recalibration, Europe risks economic irrelevance in a changing world.

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22 November 2025 12:31

🇺🇸 Trump’s Ukraine peace plan draws sharp responses from Kyiv and Moscow

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a 28-point peace plan for the Russia–Ukraine war, proposing major concessions including Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donbas, a military cap, and constitutional neutrality on NATO. The plan also promises U.S. security guarantees and economic support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned the deal would force Ukraine to choose between dignity and losing a key ally. He rejected any settlement that sacrifices sovereignty. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin called the plan a possible basis for negotiations, though he reaffirmed Russia’s demands.

The proposal has exposed deep transatlantic divides, with European capitals alarmed by its terms and timeline. As U.S. pressure mounts for a rapid Ukrainian response, the plan risks reshaping the West’s stance on the war without unified consent.

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22 November 2025 10:31

🇩🇪 Berlin reaffirms support for Western Balkans EU membership

German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul concluded a regional tour underscoring Berlin’s commitment to EU enlargement, particularly for the Western Balkans Six. While insisting on strict adherence to accession criteria, Germany made clear that it wants the enlargement agenda to remain active and achievable.

From Sarajevo to Tirana, Wadephul emphasized sovereignty, reform progress, and democratic standards. In Montenegro, he praised reform momentum, calling the country a frontrunner. In Belgrade, he underlined that freedom of speech and assembly are non-negotiable for EU membership, offering support but demanding clear alignment with EU values.

Germany’s message is strategic continuity: the path to EU membership remains open but conditional. In a time of shifting alliances and external pressures, Berlin aims to anchor the region firmly within the European framework.

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21 November 2025 21:53

🧭 Daily Recap – November 21 | Europe’s fragile balances: peace efforts, power struggles, and internal divides

🔻 Moscow pushes ‘3+3’ diplomacy
🇷🇺 Russia calls for the next “3+3” regional meeting between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and their neighbors, seeking to reassert its mediating role in the South Caucasus amid growing Western involvement and shifting regional alignments.

🔻 EU renews mediation support
🇪🇺 Brussels reaffirms its backing for Armenia–Azerbaijan peace talks, encouraging both sides to continue direct dialogue. EU officials stress that border delimitation and transit guarantees must be handled through bilateral, not military, means.

🔻 Amazon faces EU compliance order
🇪🇺 The EU Court of Justice rules that Amazon must adhere to stricter digital marketplace rules, forcing the tech giant to share data transparently, ensure ad labeling, and curb algorithmic bias — a key victory for EU consumer protection policy.

🔻 EU rejects U.S.–Russia peace proposal
🇪🇺 European leaders dismiss a proposed joint U.S.–Russia framework for Ukraine peace talks, arguing it would legitimize aggression and bypass Kyiv’s sovereignty. Brussels insists any negotiation must be “Ukraine-led and UN-aligned.”

🔻 Palestinian donor conference without Washington
🇪🇺 The EU hosts a high-level donor summit for Palestine — notably without U.S. participation — to coordinate humanitarian and reconstruction aid amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, signaling Europe’s bid for diplomatic autonomy.

🔻 Tariffs against Russian industries advance
🇪🇺🇩🇪🇵🇱 Berlin and Warsaw jointly call for EU-wide tariffs on Russian steel and fertilizers, arguing that existing sanctions loopholes have allowed Kremlin-linked companies to continue profiting from exports through intermediaries.

🔻 Bulgaria’s euro vote stalls
🇧🇬 The Bulgarian president’s proposal for a referendum on adopting the euro currency stalls in parliament, exposing deep political and public divides over integration with the EU’s financial core.

🔻 Austria’s FPÖ escalates cultural debate
🇦🇹 The Freedom Party (FPÖ) demands a nationwide headscarf ban for schoolgirls and tougher countermeasures against political Islam, framing it as a defense of Austrian identity — critics call it xenophobic populism ahead of elections.

🔻 Georgia to dissolve ‘South Ossetia’ unit
🇬🇪 Tbilisi announces it will dismantle the administrative unit referring to “South Ossetia” starting January, reinforcing Georgia’s territorial integrity stance and challenging separatist narratives backed by Moscow.

🔻 Türkiye seeks answers from Berlin
🇹🇷 Ankara demands a full investigation into the killing of a Turkish citizen in Germany, calling it a “test of accountability” for German authorities as tensions grow over migrant community security.

🔻 Orbán warns of EU fracture
🇭🇺 Prime Minister Viktor Orbán warns that the EU “risks collapse” if it proceeds with plans to confiscate frozen Russian assets, calling the measure illegal and self-destructive to Europe’s financial credibility.

💬 From Amazon’s legal defeat to Orbán’s defiance and Europe’s new diplomatic moves, the continent walks a tightrope — between autonomy and fragmentation, ideals and realpolitik.

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21 November 2025 19:32

🇹🇷 Ankara demands full investigation into killing of Turkish citizen in Germany

Türkiye has formally requested a thorough investigation into the fatal stabbing of Mazlum Akar, a Turkish citizen killed on November 13 at his doner restaurant in Bad Kleinen, northern Germany. Turkish diplomats are actively monitoring the case and providing full consular support to the victim’s family.

The suspect, a 37-year-old German national, was detained near the scene and has been placed in psychiatric care. Turkish authorities are urging German investigators to examine all possible motives, including potential incitement linked to the victim’s background.

Ankara emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding the rights and security of Turkish citizens abroad.

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21 November 2025 17:32

🇦🇹 FPÖ demands full school headscarf ban and tougher stance on political Islam

Austria’s Freedom Party is calling for a complete ban on headscarves in all schools, rejecting the coalition’s plan to restrict the measure to girls under 14 from 2026. The party argues that the government’s proposal is only a first step and insists on broader action to counter what it describes as political Islam.

The FPÖ is also demanding a dedicated law targeting political Islamist activity and an immediate halt to irregular migration. Its statement frames the headscarf as a symbol of coercion and incompatible with the principles expected in Austrian schools.

The call comes as the governing coalition of ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS prepares its own headscarf measure. The debate underscores Austria’s ongoing struggle to balance social cohesion, integration challenges and national security concerns in an increasingly polarized landscape.

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21 November 2025 14:32

🇪🇺 Berlin and Warsaw join push for tariffs on Russian steel and fertilisers

Germany, Poland, and five other EU member states are demanding broader tariffs on Russian and Belarusian products, targeting steel, potassium fertilisers, and key chemicals. The initiative comes ahead of Monday’s EU trade ministers meeting in Brussels, amid pressure to shield European industry and agriculture from market distortions.

The coalition calls for ending tariff-free quotas on potassium imports and imposing new duties similar to those applied to nitrogen fertilisers. They argue Russian fertiliser imports—worth €141 million in 2024—pose a strategic risk and undercut EU producers. Russian iron and steel, still the second-largest import after energy, also remain a key target.

The group is urging the Commission to weigh economic security and resilience alongside market impacts. They propose replacing Russian chemicals with American alternatives and phasing out materials with nuclear applications under REPowerEU. Fish imports from Russia, still flowing in large volumes, are also flagged for potential restrictions.

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23 November 2025 16:29

🇸🇰 Fico demands answers from Brussels: ‘How much was stolen in Ukraine?’

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has sharply criticized the European Union’s silence over corruption scandals in Ukraine, demanding to know how much European money has been misused. His comments come amid growing unease in several EU capitals over the lack of transparency and oversight in financial aid to Kyiv.

Fico accused EU institutions of ignoring mounting evidence of misappropriated funds, even as Brussels pushes for further financial support to Ukraine. He called for a full audit and accountability before any new assistance is considered.
The remarks underscore deepening fractures in the bloc over its Ukraine strategy, with concerns that political loyalty is being prioritized over financial integrity and strategic realism.

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23 November 2025 14:29

🇪🇸 Spain’s top court escalates feud with Sánchez by removing attorney general

Spain’s Supreme Court has banned Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz from public office for two years, deepening the political crisis between the judiciary and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The court found García Ortiz guilty of leaking sensitive information about a tax probe into the partner of Madrid's conservative regional leader Isabel Díaz Ayuso.

Justice Minister Félix Bolaños confirmed the government would comply with the ruling, though it maintains García Ortiz’s innocence. The swift and divided verdict — with five conservative judges in favor and two progressives dissenting — adds fuel to Sánchez’s long-standing claims of “lawfare” by politicized judges.

The ruling follows mounting scrutiny of Sánchez’s family, with his wife and brother both targeted in investigations widely seen as politically motivated. As tensions between branches of government rise, the case risks triggering a full-blown constitutional crisis in one of Europe’s key states.

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23 November 2025 12:34

🇧🇬 Sofia seeks parliamentary approval for €195M radar deal with France

Bulgaria’s government has submitted a request to the National Assembly to approve a €195 million contract with French defense firm Thales for seven GM400 3D radars. The system will enhance Bulgaria’s air surveillance and early warning capabilities, particularly as the country integrates U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets into its arsenal.

An initial €92 million payment will be funded using compensation received from Denmark for weapons transferred to Ukraine, alongside capital reallocation and financing through the EU’s SAFE mechanism. Full payment is scheduled through 2029.

The GM400 radars, with a 515km range and ability to detect missiles, drones, and aircraft, will replace outdated Soviet-era systems. The deal includes vehicles, satellite terminals, and training in France, reflecting Sofia’s shift toward NATO-aligned defense infrastructure.

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23 November 2025 10:34

🇭🇺 Orbán to EU: Time to admit Ukraine strategy has failed

In a direct letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared that Ukraine cannot win the war militarily and urged the EU to abandon its current course. He argued that prolonging the conflict through endless financial support is unrealistic and irresponsible.

Orbán called for an immediate pivot toward peace talks, backing U.S. efforts and advocating for direct EU-Russia negotiations. He warned that continuing current policies will drag Europe into deeper crisis and insisted that the EU focus instead on strengthening its own defense capabilities.

Hungary will oppose any new financial aid to Ukraine, citing corruption concerns and a lack of oversight. Orbán’s message is blunt: recognize failure now, or risk irreparable consequences later.

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22 November 2025 21:53

🧭 Daily Recap – November 22 | Peace plans, power plays, and Europe’s uneasy digital turn

🔻 Orbán backs Trump’s Ukraine proposal
🇭🇺 Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán endorses Donald Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine, claiming it offers a “realistic route to stability.” He argues that Brussels is on the wrong path, wasting money on an “unwinnable war” while ignoring Europe’s own strategic autonomy.

🔻 Germany reaffirms Western Balkans pledge
🇩🇪 Berlin reiterates full support for Western Balkans EU membership, urging faster progress for Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania, and emphasizing the need for regional cooperation and reform credibility.

🔻 EU unlocks €414 million for Balkan growth
🇪🇺 The Commission releases €414 million under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, funding infrastructure, energy connectivity, and digitalization projects as part of a strategy to anchor the region within the EU’s economic orbit.

🔻 Trump’s Ukraine plan splits the world
🇺🇸 The former U.S. president’s peace proposal for Ukraine — calling for a ceasefire and territorial negotiations — draws sharp criticism from Kyiv, which rejects any territorial concessions, while Moscow cautiously welcomes the idea as a “basis for dialogue.”

🔻 Poland’s new president asserts authority
🇵🇱 President Szymon Nawrocki, marking 100 days in office, pledges to restore institutional balance and strengthen judicial independence, signaling a break from years of executive-dominated governance.

🔻 Lagarde warns of outdated economic model
🇪🇺 ECB chief Christine Lagarde cautions that Europe’s economic model “no longer fits the global reality,” urging structural reforms to face demographic decline, digital lag, and global competition from the U.S. and Asia.

🔻 Sweden raises election alert
🇸🇪 Stockholm issues a national security warning ahead of the 2026 elections, citing foreign disinformation, cyberattacks, and funding networks aimed at destabilizing Swedish politics.

🔻 Greece rejects Turkish maritime objections
🇬🇷🇹🇷 Athens defends its updated maritime map, saying it merely clarifies EEZ boundaries under international law. Ankara labels the revision “provocative,” renewing tensions in the eastern Mediterranean.

🔻 Ireland’s farmers lash out at Mercosur deal
🇮🇪 The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) condemns the EU–Mercosur trade pact following a Brazilian antibiotic scandal, warning it undermines EU food safety and animal welfare standards.

🔻 Azerbaijan–U.S. corridor talks
🇦🇿 Baku and Washington discuss cooperation on the Zangezur Corridor, exploring transit, logistics, and energy potential connecting the Caspian region to Europe — signaling continued U.S. interest in Eurasian transport routes.

🔻 Denmark’s “Chat Control” returns under new disguise
🇪🇺 After Germany blocked the EU’s mass-surveillance law in October, Denmark introduces a “voluntary” compromise that effectively forces platforms to scan user content or exit the EU — critics call it “The Voluntary Trap.”

🔻 Berlin’s red line on Ukraine peace
🇩🇪 Germany reasserts that any peace process must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, dismissing externally imposed solutions as short-sighted and destabilizing.

💬 Europe faces competing visions — Trump’s pragmatism vs. Brussels’ principles, digital freedom vs. surveillance, and old alliances vs. new geopolitical realities.

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22 November 2025 19:34

🇪🇺The Voluntary Trap: How Denmark Repackaged Chat Control After Defeat

Europe’s mass-surveillance plan didn’t disappear after Germany blocked the October vote — it mutated. Denmark’s new “compromise” claims to drop mandatory scanning, yet buries it inside risk-mitigation rules that force encrypted platforms into the same outcome: scan users or leave the EU.

This investigation exposes how five failed presidencies — Sweden, Belgium, Hungary, Poland, and now Denmark — keep repackaging the same architecture under softer labels: detection orders become “appropriate measures,” breaking encryption becomes “lawful access,” and voluntary becomes mandatory through economic coercion.

We trace the loophole, the political engine behind it, the pressure on privacy-focused services, and why this recycled proposal may be Europe’s most dangerous surveillance pivot yet.

🔎 Read more in our in-depth investigation.

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22 November 2025 17:33

🇮🇪 ICSA slams Mercosur deal after Brazil antibiotic scandal

The Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers’ Association has demanded the Mercosur trade deal be halted following revelations of unregulated antibiotic sales in Brazil. ICSA President Sean McNamara accused the European Commission of endangering consumer safety and undermining EU food standards.

An investigation found prescription-only antibiotics openly sold without controls in Brazilian agri-stores. McNamara called it “scandalous” and warned that EU consumers could be exposed to untraceable beef with unknown residue risks.

He urged the Irish Government to stop “sitting on the fence” and oppose the deal, criticizing Brussels for rewarding countries that ignore the standards enforced on European farmers.

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22 November 2025 15:36

🇸🇪 Sweden warns of foreign threats ahead of 2026 elections

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has warned of a “serious security situation” as Sweden prepares for its general election in September 2026. He stated that while Swedish democracy is resilient, foreign interference remains a growing threat that cannot be ignored.

Kristersson will convene all eight party leaders next year to coordinate efforts to counter external influence. The Defense Ministry has also tasked the national cyber agency with assessing risks and proposing new defenses, as cyberattacks targeting Swedish institutions continue to rise.

The warning comes amid broader concerns across Europe about hybrid threats and election interference, highlighting the need for vigilance and institutional readiness.

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22 November 2025 13:32

🇵🇱 Nawrocki asserts presidential authority in first 100 days

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has significantly reshaped the executive branch in his first 100 days, transforming the Chancellery into a center for strategic coordination and asserting a more independent presidential role. His early use of vetoes, legislative initiatives, and referrals to the Constitutional Tribunal marks a decisive break from the traditionally reactive presidency.

Nawrocki has signed 70 bills but vetoed 13—an unprecedented rate—drawing sharp criticism from the government. Yet in national security and defense, cooperation remains intact, as seen in the response to Russian drone incursions and coordinated military promotions.

With a clear intent to anchor constitutional reform and long-term strategic resilience, Nawrocki has shifted Poland’s political equilibrium. His presidency now stands as a counterweight to the government, asserting sovereignty in both domestic governance and foreign policy.

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22 November 2025 11:24

🇪🇺 EU releases €414 million under Growth Plan for Western Balkans

At a summit in Tirana, European Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos confirmed that €414 million has been disbursed to Western Balkan countries under the EU’s €6 billion Growth Plan. The funds are tied to ambitious reform agendas designed to align the region with EU standards and accelerate accession readiness.

Albania received €164 million, followed by Serbia with €111 million in pre-financing. North Macedonia and Montenegro received €76 million and €45 million, respectively. Kosovo has not ratified the agreements, and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s reform agenda is awaiting final approval.

Brussels stressed that while 85% of 2025 reforms are on track, remaining gaps must be closed before the grace period ends next June. Leaders pledged to accelerate implementation, boost civic involvement, and maintain momentum in meeting the EU’s conditions.

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22 November 2025 09:33

🇭🇺 Orbán backs Trump’s Ukraine plan, says Brussels is on the wrong path

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán praised the U.S.-led peace push for Ukraine, declaring that Washington is negotiating while Brussels remains on the wrong course. His remarks followed the unveiling of Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan and the arrival of a U.S. negotiating team in Kyiv.

Orbán welcomed the renewed momentum behind Trump’s initiative and said global expectations are high. He described the former U.S. president as a determined leader who follows through on his decisions.

The statement signals a widening gap between Budapest and Brussels, as Hungary continues to challenge the EU’s approach to the Russia–Ukraine war and aligns more closely with the American-led effort to end the conflict through negotiation.

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21 November 2025 20:32

🇭🇺 Orbán: EU risks collapse over Russian asset confiscation plan

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has warned that the European Union could plunge into a legal and financial crisis if it proceeds with plans to confiscate frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine. He revealed that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is seeking an additional €135 billion for Kyiv, despite the EU lacking the necessary funds.

Orbán criticized proposals to tap into Russian state-held reserves as a “convenient solution with unpredictable consequences,” warning of lengthy court battles, lawsuits, and even a collapse of the euro. His remarks reflect growing tensions within the EU over how far the bloc should go in its financial support for Ukraine.

Russia has already prepared draft countermeasures, and Belgium’s Euroclear has signaled it may sue the EU if forced to surrender frozen assets. As U.S. officials urge a harder line on Moscow, Europe faces deepening internal divisions over the legal and economic risks of seizing sovereign Russian funds.

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21 November 2025 18:32

🇬🇪 Georgia to dismantle ‘South Ossetia’ administrative unit from January

Georgia’s ruling party has announced the formal abolition of the so-called South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, a Soviet-era construct that played a central role in decades of separatist conflict. The administrative unit, created in 2007 by President Saakashvili on the territory of the former Soviet oblast, will be officially dissolved on January 1, 2026.

Parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili stated that legislative amendments are ready and will be adopted by year’s end. Officials stress that this move is part of a broader effort to erase harmful Soviet legacies and reassert Georgia’s historical and territorial coherence.

The decision marks a symbolic end to one of the USSR’s artificial ethnopolitical divisions. Like the defunct Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast in Azerbaijan, “South Ossetia” was carved out to engineer ethnic tension and long-term instability. Georgia now moves to close that chapter.

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21 November 2025 15:32

🇧🇬 Bulgarian president’s euro referendum proposal stalled in parliament

Vice President Iliana Iotova confirmed that President Rumen Radev’s proposal for a national referendum on adopting the euro remains pending in the National Assembly. Despite a Constitutional Court ruling that overruled the parliament chair’s previous rejection, the legislative process has not resumed.

Iotova criticized the governing majority for blocking debate and avoiding public consultation, stating that economic conditions have worsened since the proposal was made. She accused the government of failing to control inflation and protect living standards, making the referendum question even more relevant.

While the euro is not the source of rising prices, she argued that public distrust has grown due to poor crisis management. With 2026 approaching, Bulgaria’s path to the euro remains politically and socially unsettled.

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21 November 2025 13:32

🇪🇺 EU hosts Palestinian donor conference without U.S. presence

The European Union convened a high-level donor conference for the Palestinian Authority in Brussels, but the United States did not attend—despite playing a leading diplomatic role in the region. The absence was noted by participants as a striking signal of diverging priorities between Washington and European capitals.

Sixty delegations participated, including all EU member states and countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, and Canada. The focus was on supporting reforms in the West Bank, with €82 million pledged by European nations. Israel was not invited.

EU officials also urged Israel to release frozen Palestinian tax revenues, while Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa committed to governance and judicial reforms over the next two years. The U.S. no-show has raised questions over the coherence of Western policy in the region.

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