EU external relations, diplomacy, and security
More than half a million faithful are expected to gather in Paris for an open-air Mass as the Pope embarks on a historic visit to France. The trip is the largest pastoral event the country has seen in a generation — and the city is bracing for it.
The European Union has removed two Russian oligarchs from its official sanctions list, a move that’s already drawing scrutiny from critics watching Brussels’ Ukraine-related measures. The delistings come at a sensitive moment in the conflict.
Families of victims linked to Kenneth Law are delivering emotional impact statements as sentencing hearings begin in a Toronto-area court. Law admitted targeting buyers on suicide forums and shipping lethal products to 41 countries, but escaped murder charges.
The EU is developing a formal associate membership tier that would give neighbouring countries market access and cooperation rights — without a seat at the decision-making table. Here’s what it means and why it’s gaining momentum now.
Russia and China have vetoed a US-drafted resolution to extend the UN expert panel monitoring Iran’s nuclear sanctions, dissolving a key oversight body. The 11-2 vote in favor wasn’t enough to overcome the dual vetoes from Moscow and Beijing.
Canada has welcomed a formal EU proposal to grant Ottawa associate membership status, with PM Mark Carney hailing the potential deal as a democratic lifeline. Formal negotiations are expected to begin within 90 days.
The IMO’s chief has warned that conflict must not become a cover for attacking civilian shipping, as violence in Middle Eastern waterways intensifies. Meanwhile, Nicaragua’s democratic collapse deepens and a new report flags a dangerous rise in political denialism across 22 countries.
UN aid agencies warned Monday that Sudan’s humanitarian response could collapse due to a severe funding crisis. More than 25 million people are at risk as the world’s worst hunger emergency goes largely unfunded.
Ursula von der Leyen is set to propose a new ‘European Security Council’ in her State of the Union address, signalling a major shift in how the EU handles defence. The bold move comes as European military spending hits record levels and pressure mounts to act independently of Washington.
UN investigators are demanding an immediate halt to hostilities after US airstrikes on Iran killed civilians in recent weeks. Meanwhile, more than 4,000 people have been displaced in Yemen as the regional crisis deepens.
