‘Georgia is now governed by Russia’: how the dream of freedom unravelled ‘Foreign agents’ law just one of many moves made back towards Moscow while the west looked the other way The Guardian - UK · May 17, 2024
'As Long As It Takes': Georgia's Gen Z Leading Street Protests In a hip coffee shop in Georgia's capital Tbilisi, 21-year-old Tekla Jailava is serving her last few cappuccinos before heading for a third night of protests against an anti-NGO law she fears will ruin the Black Sea country's ties with the West. International Business Times · May 17, 2024
EU Countries Call For Re-Evaluation Of Syrian Refugee Situation Eight EU member states issue joint declaration urging re-evaluation of Syrian refugee situation, emphasizing support for Lebanon and practical solutions. Top News · May 17, 2024
Friday briefing: What’s behind the increase in violent attacks on Europe’s politicians? In today’s newsletter: The shooting of the Slovak prime minister, Robert Fico, was the first attempt on the life of a European head of state since 2003 – and reflects a growing polarisation across the continent The Guardian - UK · May 17, 2024
LGBTQ+ gains thwarted by enduring discrimination and violence Despite legal advancements and greater openness about sexual orientation, discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ people is on the rise in places including Europe – while elsewhere in the world many countries still criminalise same-sex relationships. Radio France Internationale · May 17, 2024
Post-Brexit rules on antibiotic use on farms water down EU laws, experts say Scientists point to loopholes in new legislation that have been closed under European Union regulations The Guardian - UK · May 17, 2024
Rising Political Violence Threatens European Union Elections Assassination attempt on Slovak PM Fico underscores Europe's political tensions and safety concerns before EU elections. Top News · May 16, 2024
Post-Brexit deal on border between Gibraltar and Spain remains unresolved European Commission vice president, Maroš Šefčovič, cites progress on trade and economy for territory but not border checks The Guardian - UK · May 16, 2024
Europe in shock: What next after shooting of Slovak leader Fico? A black swan moment. The assassination attempt of populist Slovak leader Robert Fico has shocked both Slovaks and Europeans. But in hindsight it is easy to point to security lapses and a climate of verbal violence in a country that finds itself increasingly polarised. Our guests take a look. France 24 · May 16, 2024
British decline linked to Brexit, weak leadership and poor finances in damning report A damning report has shown that the UK has dropped out of the top 10 countries for good governance under Rishi Sunak’s leadership The Independent UK · May 16, 2024
Robert Fico: why the attempted assassination of Slovakian prime minister could fuel the information war between Russia and Europe The assassination attempt on Slovakian prime minister Robert Fico on May 15 has sent a shockwave through Europe. Unfortunately political assassinations are not unheard of in this part of the world – indeed, Slovakia itself continues to reverberate from the 2018 assassination of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak, an act which… The Conversation · May 16, 2024
Whether Robert Fico survives and resumes office or not, Slovakia stands on the brink The shock of an assassination attempt could heal deep divisions Fico exploited, but the omens are not promising, says author and broadcaster John Kampfner The Guardian - UK · May 16, 2024
New Dutch government vows to introduce 'strictest-ever' asylum policy outside EU rules New Dutch coalition vows to crackdown on migration in a potential showdown with Brussels Evening Standard · May 16, 2024
French Tiktok ban makes VPN usage soar in New Caledonia Proton VPN recorded a 2500% spike in sign-ups since France declared a state of emergency. Here's how a VPN helps you bypass TikTok blocks. TechRadar · May 16, 2024
The Guardian - UK · May 16, 2024 New Dutch coalition aims to reintroduce 80mph limit in cull of climate goals Government, including far-right leader Geert Wilders, announces it will abandon key green policies in strategy
The Independent UK · May 16, 2024 Majority of EU nations want more partnerships to stem migration from countries of origin A majority of European Union countries are calling for more agreements with countries where migrants depart from or travel through to get to Europe, saying the bloc needs to think outside the box to tackle irregular migration into the 27-member bloc
France 24 · May 16, 2024 ‘Lone wolf’ suspect in Slovak PM’s shooting charged with attempted murder The suspect in the shooting of Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico was charged with attempted murder with premeditation, Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said Thursday. Tuesday’s shooting attack was “politically motivated”, Sutaj Estok added.
The Conversation · May 16, 2024 Who is Robert Fico? Slovakia’s controversial prime minister in stable but serious condition after assassination attempt Slovakian prime minister Robert Fico remains in a serious condition after an assassination attempt on May 15. He was shot multiple times at close range after coming out of a meeting at a cultural centre in the town of Handlová. A man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder.
Evening Standard · May 16, 2024 Teenagers could soon be driving trains in and out of London under controversial new proposals Ministers have launched a consultation on the idea despite earlier warnings that 18-year-olds ‘may not be emotionally or cognitively mature enough’ to drive trains
Al Jazeera · May 16, 2024 EU investigates Meta over Facebook and Instagram child safety European Commission says it is concerned systems used by apps could ‘exploit weaknesses and inexperience’ of children.
The Guardian - UK · May 16, 2024 Eurovision winner Nemo urges Switzerland to recognise third gender First non-binary person to win song contest calls for home country to allow third-gender entries on official documents
Top News · May 16, 2024 EU Investigates Meta Over Child Safety Risks EU investigates Meta over child safety risks on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, focusing on content moderation and user protection.
The Guardian - UK · May 16, 2024 ‘We are very strong’: Georgia’s gen Z drives protests against return to past Resolutely European young people brave violent repression to loudly reject ‘foreign agents’ law and alignment with Moscow
The Independent UK · May 16, 2024 Facebook and Instagram face fresh scrutiny under the European Union's strict digital regulations The European Union opened fresh investigations into Facebook and Instagram over suspicions that they’re failing to protect children online, in violation of the bloc’s strict digital regulations for social media platforms
Evening Standard · May 16, 2024 P&O Ferries agrees deal with cross-Channel rival to reduce queues at Dover Tie up with Irish Ferries will allow passengers to board next available crossing from either operator