EU Observer 11m

EU Parliament set to adopt tougher asylum laws amid far-right pressure

New anti-asylum laws are likely to be rubber-stamped by the European Parliament amid further alarm over the far-right influence on migration. The Strasbourg assembly on Tuesday (10 February) will most likely adopt two new laws that will make it legally easier to deport asylum-seeker hopefuls to cou»»»

euobserver.com
EU Observer 11m

France, Sweden and UK worsen in annual global corruption index

Global corruption is worse than it was a decade ago, with democracies particularly slipping, according to the new 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index published on Tuesday (10 February) by the Berlin-based NGO Transparency International. Governmental corruption has increasingly been a concern across t»»»

euobserver.com
EU Observer 11m

59 days to election: Hungary accused of cover-up at toxic Samsung battery plant, as sex-video smear targets opposition leader

In our ongoing weekly digest, award-winning journalist Veronika Munk summarises and explains the most important political developments in Hungary. We guide readers on the route to the key April 2026 election — a poll without precedent in the region over the past 15 years. This week, we cover: An in»»»

euobserver.com
EU Observer 11m

‘Deregulation’ tops leaders’ retreat, but critics point to investment gap and corporate lobbying

Europe’s national leaders are meeting in a medieval castle in Belgium on Thursday (12 February) to discuss how to modernise. Europe’s economic and political system is predicated on openness and rules, built over decades, that are meant to ensure companies compete on a ‘level playing field’. But wit»»»

euobserver.com
EU Observer 11m

Greece moves to arrest Nordic aid worker supporting migrants

Greek authorities have issued a European arrest warrant against Norwegian human rights activist Tommy Olsen, who leads an organisation supporting migrants. Olsen runs the Aegean Boat Report, a Norwegian non-governmental organisation (NGO) set up in 2018 to monitor and share data on people seeking r»»»

euobserver.com
EU Observer 11m

MEPs warn of democratic backsliding in Fico’s Slovakia

MEPs raised concerns about the weakening of democratic standards in Slovakia at a plenary debate on Wednesday (11 February) — while representatives of Slovak governing coalition parties called it a deliberate humiliation of the country. “No corruption, no problems with the rule of law. These are yo»»»

euobserver.com
EU Observer 11m

Why is the EU struggling to scale artificial intelligence?

When EU leaders met at a medieval castle this week to discuss how to ramp up Europe’s economic power, they were confronting a stark reality: Europe is lagging behind the innovation race with China and the US. In its 2026 competitiveness report, the European Commission admitted that Europe “risks lo»»»

euobserver.com
EU Observer 11m

From combat zone to the EU marketplace: the challenge for Ukraine’s farmers

“At the beginning of the full-scale war, we were most afraid of artillery,” says Vasyl Barninets, a manager at a large grain farm in the Zaporizhzhia region in southern Ukraine. “Now, the biggest fear is the drones.” “If we work close to the frontline, the staff have to put on bulletproof vests,” h»»»

euobserver.com
EU Observer 11m

Spain seeks probe into AI-generated child sexual abuse on TikTok, X and Meta

The Spanish government asked its public prosecutor on Tuesday (17 February) to investigate TikTok, X, and Meta for potentially spreading AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on their platforms.The move is an escalation in tension after the EU and national regulators stepped up scrutiny o»»»

euobserver.com
EU Observer 11m

EU top court new search tool dubbed a ‘disaster’ by lawyers

Hailed as a “new gateway to European justice”, the redesign of the main portal to access EU case law, InfoCuria, has drawn the ire of legal scholars from around Europe. “It’s a disaster,” one law professor wrote to EUobserver. A letter seen by EUobserver, dated 9 February, and signed by law practit»»»

euobserver.com
EU Observer 11m

From a digital Wild West to strict age limits: do social-media bans actually protect teens?

Teenagers’ access to social media has emerged as a topic of concern among politicians, not just parents, as more and more countries in Europe (and beyond) consider social media bans. Spain, France, Denmark, Portugal, Germany, Greece, Austria, and others have either initiated or announced plans, or »»»

euobserver.com
EU Observer 11m

Orbán bashes Ukraine on Nord Stream, as Trump tells Hungarians how to vote

Sensational claims that Ukraine blew up a German gas pipeline are being thrown around by Hungary’s populist prime minister Viktor Orbán ahead of upcoming elections. “Ukraine is trying to ensure that Russian energy reaches Europe only on its terms. Nord Stream bypassed Ukraine, so it was destroyed,”»»»

euobserver.com
Bulgarian News Agency 12m

Caretaker Government Allocates EUR 65 Mln for Snap Parliamentary Elections

The caretaker government is allocating EUR 65 million for the snap parliamentary elections on April 19, Prime Minister Andrey Gurov announced at the beginning of the first regular meeting of the new Council of Ministers on Monday. "We have a task that is both simple and difficult at the same time. »»»

bta.bg
Al Manar 21m

Third Round of Iran-US Talks Set for February 26 in Geneva - Al-Manar TV Lebanon

Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Third Round of Iran-US Talks Set for February 26 in Geneva 23-02-2026 15:40 PM The third round of indirect Inuclear negotiations between Ir»»»

english.almanar.com.lb
Bulgarian News Agency 24m

Yes, Bulgaria Co-Chair Bozhidar Bozhanov Challenges GERB to Back Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria Mayors Bill

Yes, Bulgaria co-chair Bozhidar Bozhanov called on GERB to debate Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB)’s bill to expand the powers of mayors in small settlements on Monday. Bozhanov posted on social media after GERB leader Boyko Borissov met mayors in Stara Zagora earlier in the day and »»»

bta.bg
Bulgarian News Agency 24m

Caretaker PM and Ambassador of Germany to Bulgaria Conduct Bilateral Meeting

Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Bulgaria Irene Maria Plank, the Council of Ministers reported on Monday on its Facebook page. During the conversation, Gurov presented the government's main priorities, which include holding fa»»»

bta.bg
Novinite 27m

The Caretaker Republic: How Bulgaria Learned to Govern Without Governing

Bulgaria has a constitution, a parliament, and a president. What it has struggled to maintain, with remarkable consistency over the past decade, is an actual functioning government. Since 2021 alone, the country has cycled through five caretaker cabinets, two of them led by the same man. By the tim»»»

novinite.com
Al Manar 27m

Sheikh Qassem Says Path of Hezbollah’s Resistance is Clear: Defending the Land Our Rightful Duty

On the first anniversary of the solemn funeral of former Hezbollah secretary generals Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, the Lebanese group leader Sheikh Naim Qassem stressed that the “resistance endures, through its leadership, its fighters, and its people.” Sheikh Qassem’s remar»»»

english.almanar.com.lb
Bulgarian News Agency 36m

Minister of Finance Urges Government Institutions to Apply Salary Indexation by 5%

Caretaker Minister of Finance Georgi Klisurski urged government institutions, ministries and municipalities to apply the 5% salary indexation as stipulated in the budget extension, during the regular briefing of the Coordination Centre under the Euro Mechanism in Parliament on Monday. According to »»»

bta.bg
The Peninsula 41m

Tudor says Tottenham can still beat the drop despite Arsenal loss

London: Igor Tudor believes there is still enough time for his Tottenham Hotspur side to avoid relegation from the Premier League provided they "stay humble". Spurs were overwhelmed 4-1 at home to league leaders and arch-rivals Arsenal in a lopsided north London derby, with Sunday's defeat leaving »»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
UPI 54m

Hungary blocks latest EU sanctions on Russia, $105B loan to Ukraine - UPI.com

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas arrives for a Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Monday. She vowed to find a solution to a threat by Hungary to veto the bloc's latest round of sanctions against Russia. Photo by Olivier Matthys/EPA F»»»

upi.com
BBC 57m

Jetten becomes Netherlands' youngest and first gay PM

Rob Jetten has become the youngest and first gay prime minister of the Netherlands, after his minority government was sworn in. The 38-year-old claimed victory in October's general election with his Democrats 66 party (D66) in a nail-biting election, narrowly beating anti-Islam populist Geert Wilde»»»

bbc.com
24 News Agency 58m

Elnar Subakozhoev appointed Deputy Minister of Digital Development - | 24.KG

Elnar Subakozhoev has been appointed Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies of the Kyrgyz Republic. The order was signed by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev. Elnar Subakozhoev began his career in 2008 at MegaCom as a contact center intern. Over the»»»

24.kg
Gulf News 59m

No Tejas crash, says HAL after reports of major damage

Dubai: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Monday rejected media reports suggesting serious damage to an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet, clarifying that the episode involved only a minor technical issue on the ground. In an official statement, HAL said there had been no crash involving»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 59m

Philippines boosts diaspora engagement amid shifting migration patterns in Europe

Dubai: As more Filipinos move to Europe for work and permanent residence, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has stepped up its efforts to deepen engagement with the diaspora, not just as remittance senders, but as long-term partners in nation-building. During a recent forum titled “The Eur»»»

gulfnews.com
Bulgarian News Agency 60m

Minister of Finance Urges Government Institutions on Salary Indexation by 5%

Caretaker Minister of Finance Georgi Klisurski urged government institutions, ministries and municipalities on salary indexation by 5%, as stipulated in the budget extension, during the regular briefing of the Coordination Centre under the Euro Mechanism in Parliament on Monday. According to Klisur»»»

bta.bg
Bulgarian News Agency 60m

Nataliya Efremova and Rumyana Petkova Appointed Deputy Ministers of Labour and Social Policy

Nataliya Efremova and Rumyana Petkova have been appointed Deputy Ministers of Labour and Social Policy by order of caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov, the Ministry's press centre announced on Monday. Both have extensive experience in social policy, labour, and employment, having held various lea»»»

bta.bg
Naharnet 1h

Maliki says won't allow attacks on diplomatic missions in Iraq amid Iran-US tensions

Iraqi prime ministerial candidate Nouri al-Maliki told AFP on Monday that maintaining a good relationship with the U.S. is essential but that Baghdad's ties with Iran are defined by shared interests. "I believe that a relationship with the American side is essential for Iraq's progress," Maliki sai»»»

Bulgarian News Agency 1h

Minister of Agriculture and Food Introduces New Ministry Cabinet

Caretaker Minister of Agriculture and Food Ivan Hristanov presented the Ministry’s new political team at a meeting with directors of the Ministry’s directorates and heads of its executive agencies and other bodies under the Ministry, the Ministry press service said here Monday. Ivana Murdzheva, Nik»»»

bta.bg
Al Manar 1h

Absolutely Baseless: Iran Dismisses ‘Interim Deal’ Rumors as Talks with US Loom

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has firmly dismissed speculation regarding an interim agreement between Tehran and Washington, clarifying that such claims have no basis in reality. The senior Iranian diplomat made the remarks during a press conference on Monday morning, addressin»»»

english.almanar.com.lb
Gulf News 1h

Pakistan eases path for Spain-based citizens to secure one-year residency cards

Islamabad: Pakistan has approved measures to simplify documentation requirements for thousands of its citizens residing in Spain, enabling eligible applicants to obtain one-year Spanish residency cards, according to Geo News. The policy direction was finalised during a high-level meeting jointly ch»»»

gulfnews.com
Bulgarian News Agency 1h

Victor Stoyanov Appointed Deputy Culture Minister

By order of Prime Minister Andrey Gurov, effective February 23, 2026, Victor Stoyanov has been appointed Deputy Minister of Culture. He is taking up the post for the third time, having previously served in 2014 and again in 2023 and 2024, the press centre of the Ministry of Culture said here on Mon»»»

bta.bg
Bulgarian News Agency 1h

Daniela Dasheva, Ivo Katsarov Appointed Deputy Ministers of Youth and Sports

Daniela Dasheva and Ivo Katsarov have been appointed deputy ministers, the Ministry of Youth and Sports announced on Monday. Professor Dasheva served as caretaker youth and sports minister in 2017 and was an MP in the 48th National Assembly, where she was deputy chair of the Committee on Children, »»»

bta.bg
Bulgarian News Agency 1h

President of Balkan Federation of Apicultural Associations: Lack of Pasture, High Bee Mortality Among Main Problems of Beekeepers

Diseases, lack of natural pasture and high mortality among bees are among the main problems facing beekeepers, Assoc. Prof. Julian Stanchev, President of the Balkan Federation of Apicultural Associations (BFAA), told BTA on Monday. Stanchev, who is also the chair of the Regional Beekeepers' Union i»»»

bta.bg
Sputnik 1h

Zelensky's Push for Extended Conflict Tied to ‘Personal Survival’ – Report

Media reports earlier said that Zelensky is poised to continue fighting despite the Ukrainian military’s huge losses and the Russian army’s ongoing advance on all front lines. Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly announced Ukraine’s readiness to fight Russia “for another three years" just as “the repercus»»»

sputniknews.com
Gulf News 1h

Ramadan 2026: 40 multilingual smart screens rolled out at Two Holy Mosques

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has deployed more than 40 multilingual interactive screens to disseminate trusted religious content during the holy month of Ramadan. Also Read: Hajj and Umrah Ministry issues step-by-step visit guide»»»

gulfnews.com
Bulgarian News Agency 1h

Angel Mavrovski Appointed Bulgarian Food Safety Agency Executive Director

Dr Angel Mavrovski has been appointed Executive Director of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA). Presenting him to the Agency’s staff, caretaker Minister of Agriculture and Food Ivan Hristanov said he expects the new management to ensure transparency, efficiency and uncompromising control in th»»»

bta.bg
Al Awsat 1h

Chevron, Iraq Agree to Exclusive Talks Over West Qurna 2 Oilfield 

Chevron has entered into exclusive talks with Iraq over the giant West Qurna 2 oilfield, moving closer to acquiring the field from sanctioned Russian oil firm Lukoil. The talks, which Chevron said will include the exchange of confidential data, could expand the US oil major's footprint in ‌Iraq aft»»»

english.aawsat.com
Naharnet 1h

EU diplomats scramble to overcome Hungary's threat to derail new sanctions on Russia

European Union diplomats scrambled Monday to overcome Hungary's veto threats as they seek to finalize new sanctions on Russia and a massive new loan for Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc's 27 foreign ministers gathering in Brussels would likely not agree on the 20th package»»»

Bulgarian News Agency 1h

GERB Leader Borissov Names Three Sources of Influence in Caretaker Government

The caretaker government of Bulgaria, which took office on February 19, is a government of Assen Vassilev and his Continue the Change party, Ahmed Dogan and his Alliance for Rights and Freedoms, and former President Rumen Radev, said GERB leader Boyko Borissov on Monday in Stara Zagora, where he me»»»

bta.bg
BBC 1h

US tariff policy 'hasn't changed', says Trump's trade representative

Donald Trump's tariff policy "hasn't changed", the US president's trade representative has insisted, despite the Supreme Court moving on Friday to strike down a legal justification used by Trump to impose many such tariffs. "The legal tool to implement it - that might change, but the policy hasn't »»»

bbc.com
Al Awsat 1h

Iraq Says Ankara Agrees to Take Back Turkish Citizens Among ISIS Detainees Transferred from Syria 

Iraq's foreign minister said on Monday Türkiye had agreed to take back Turkish citizens from among thousands of ISIS detainees transferred to Iraq from Syria when camps and prisons there were shut in recent weeks. Iraq took in the detainees in an operation arranged with the United States after Kurd»»»

english.aawsat.com
Naharnet 1h

Supreme Court decision against Trump tariffs raises uncertainty, but markets stay calm

The Supreme Court's ruling against U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs has countries like China and South Korea watching for Washington's next steps, while financial markets took the news in stride. The decision announced Friday could potentially disrupt arrangements worked out in trade negotiati»»»

Naharnet 2h

Gulf Arab countries back Kuwait in dispute with Iraq over their maritime border

A dispute between Iraq and Kuwait over their maritime border that reignited over the weekend has prompted Gulf Arab countries to side with Kuwait, putting Baghdad on the defensive on Monday over its demand. The dispute came after Iraq recently submitted a map and geographic coordinates to the Unite»»»

UPI 2h

South Korean farmers sue utility giant KEPCO over climate damage to crops - UPI.com

1 of 6 | Farmer Ma Yong-un, seen here in his apple orchard in November, is one of five plaintiffs in a landmark civil suit against state-owned utility KEPCO for climate-related agricultural damages. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI HAMYANG, South Korea, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- As harvest season approached last»»»

upi.com
Bulgarian News Agency 2h

Former Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Tzitzelkov: I Will Not Quit CEC Public Council

Former caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Stoil Tzitzelkov said on Sunday he will not resign from the Public Council with the Central Election Commission (CEC), speaking on bTV. Tzitzelkov, who stepped down as deputy prime minister on Friday, said there was no legal or moral reason for him not to work»»»

bta.bg
Al Awsat 2h

4 Years into Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine, a Look at the War by the Numbers 

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago launched Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, causing immense suffering for civilians and harrowing ordeals for soldiers while rewriting the post-Cold War security order. The fighting enters its fifth year on Tuesday, and it shows no signs of sto»»»

english.aawsat.com
The Peninsula 2h

Pakistan warn England's flaky batting to expect a trial by spin

Pallekele, Sri Lanka: Pakistan on Monday warned England's inconsistent batting line-up to expect a trial by spin when the teams clash in the T20 World Cup Super Eights. Pakistan batsman Sahibzada Farhan told reporters that England struggled to 146-9 against Sri Lanka's spinners on Sunday. Farhan sa»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Gulf News 2h

EU lawmakers say will freeze US trade deal after Supreme Court ruling

EU lawmakers said on Monday they would put on hold a key trade deal with the United States after a Supreme Court ruling struck down President Donald Trump's tariffs. European Parliament negotiators will meet later on Monday to formally agree to freeze plans to approve the deal agreed last year. The»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 2h

UAE launches largest Ramadan 'food rescue' to combat waste

Abu Dhabi: In a landmark effort to fight food waste, ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, is scaling up its ‘Valuing Our Roots’ campaign for Ramadan 2026, marking the largest nationwide food rescue operation in the UAE to date. The initiative will operate simultaneously across Abu Dh»»»

gulfnews.com