Europe

Russia should fear a Soviet end

On 24 Feb 2022, Russia launched a second invasion of Ukraine, greatly intensifying the war that the Kremlin has been waging on the country since 2014. Neither Europe nor the world at large has witnessed a similar event since the end of the Second World War. While Ukrainians suffer, Moscow faces

Europe

Jailed Kremlin critic Navalny calls on Russians to take to the streets

Jailed Kremlin critic and opposition figure Alexei Navalny today called on Russians to engage in daily protests against President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. “We cannot wait even a day longer”, he said in a Twitter statement published by his spokesperson. “Wherever you are. In Russia, Belarus or on the other side of the planet. Go out […]

Europe

Germany plans to wean itself off Russian energy

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced plans to wean Germany off its dependence on Russian energy and to reshape its future energy mix, having pledged earlier at an extraordinary session of the lower house of parliament on Sunday that “we will change course to overcome our import dependence“, France24 reports. Germany has relied on Russia to cover most of […]

Europe

Experts respond to Consultation Committee: ‘Hopefully it was the last’

The various organisations of the country decided on Friday to switch to code yellow from the corona barometer. This means that almost all restrictions will be lifted: face masks must only be worn in healthcare institutions and on public transport. Rules around the Passenger Locator Form are being relaxed. Was this the last Consultation Committee? […]

Europe

Relief goods for Ukraine flow into Hall 11 of Brussels Expo

Last week it was very busy at the embassy of Ukraine in Uccle. Every day dozens of people came to bring things to help the people in Ukraine, hit by an invasion of neighbouring Russia. The solidarity is so great that the embassy appeared far too small. That is why the Belgian authorities were asked […]

Sports

Kamila Valieva verdict leaves Winter Olympics under a dark cloud

Kamila Valieva will skate for Olympic gold but her dream story could yet turn into a dystopian nightmare. The 15-year old Russian star is the hot favourite for the women’s figure skating competition and, despite her tender years, is already considered one of the greatest skaters of all time. Her stunning world record winning performance at […]

Business

UK employers expecting to award pay rises of 3% this year, survey shows

British employers are expecting to award pay rises of 3% in 2022, the highest in at least a decade, though well below the rate of inflation, as they try to recruit and retain workers, according to a new survey of businesses. The expected pay rise comes amid persistent signs of a tight labour market, with almost […]

Middle East

Saudi Arabia transfers $80bn in shares to wealth fund for green projects

Saudi Arabia has transferred shares worth $80bn to its sovereign wealth fund as the oil-rich nation hopes to rival Norway and Singapore’s state-managed funds and invest in green projects. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, said 4% of shares in Saudi Aramco, the world’s biggest oil exporter, would be transferred to the […]

Asia

The Taliban forced Afghan TV workers into hiding. Now they’re asking Hollywood for help

For nearly two decades, Afghanistan’s TV industry developed popular hits, from medical shows and family dramas to Afghan Star, a music competition based on American Idol. Now, nearly six months after the Taliban seized control, many Afghan television and film workers are jobless and in hiding. Some feel abandoned by TV and entertainment industry workers in other […]

Latest News

Latest result expected in ‘Wagatha Christie’ case

Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy are due to find out the result of the latest stage of their High Court libel battle. In an October 2019 Twitter post, Mrs Rooney, 35, accused Mrs Vardy, 39, of leaking stories about her private life after a months-long “sting operation”. The wife of former England star Wayne Rooney dubbed “Wagatha Christie”, claimed Mrs Vardy had shared fake