Germany in the headlines: US troops look to pull back; Berlin grapples with espionage links to Russia. German chancellor Merz leads amid temp turmoil.
A global study shows obesity has continued to rise in many countries since 1980, but several high‑income nations have seen a slower increase, plateau, or slight decline by 2024. Trends vary by country, sex, and age, with low‑ and middle‑income countries still reporting rising rates. Experts urge unpacking country‑specific drivers and considering policy responses and medicines.
Electric vehicle sales across Europe have increased sharply in April, driven by rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions. Data shows record EV registrations in several countries, with prices in the UK falling below petrol cars for the first time. The shift is accelerating as consumers seek cheaper, cleaner alternatives amid ongoing conflicts and energy concerns.
Russia has published a list of European companies allegedly producing drones for Ukraine and warned these could become targets for Russian strikes. The warning follows recent European agreements to increase drone supplies to Ukraine. Ukrainian strikes have damaged Russian oil infrastructure, while Ukraine accuses Russia of aiding Iran's attacks on US forces in the Middle East.
French authorities have extradited suspects linked to the 1982 attack in Paris and the 1985 Frankfurt airport bombing. The suspects, detained in Palestinian territories, are believed to be connected to Palestinian groups. The extraditions follow France's recognition of Palestinian statehood and cooperation from Palestinian authorities. The cases highlight ongoing efforts to pursue justice for historic terror attacks.
EU foreign ministers have requested discussion of suspending the 1995 EU‑Israel Association Agreement after Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have formally asked for the issue to be placed on the agenda. Member states remain divided: Germany and Italy are opposing suspension while France, Belgium and others are pushing targeted measures, and public pressure has surged following Israel's policies in Gaza, the West Bank and a new death‑penalty law.
The UK government is preparing to increase the electricity generator levy and overhaul market rules to reduce reliance on gas prices. These measures aim to shield consumers from volatile energy costs driven by global conflicts and rising renewable capacity, with consultations expected soon.
Ukraine has completed over 22,000 unmanned missions in three months, using ground robots and drones to capture enemy positions without infantry or casualties. President Zelensky has announced that Russian troops surrendered to robotic forces in a battlefield first. Ukraine plans to contract 25,000 new ground robots in 2026 to perform frontline logistics and combat roles, boosting its defense capabilities.
Sudan has been in a civil war since April 2023, with ongoing fighting between the military and RSF. The conflict has caused widespread displacement, famine, and infrastructure destruction. International efforts to broker peace and provide aid are ongoing, but the crisis remains unresolved as of April 2026.
Russia is deploying new mobile air defense units in the Leningrad region to counter increased Ukrainian drone assaults targeting oil infrastructure. European countries are expanding military support to Ukraine, while Russia warns of potential strikes on European drone facilities. The situation remains highly tense and escalating.
A Colombia‑ and Netherlands‑hosted summit in Santa Marta has convened more than 50 countries (April 24–29) to open political debate on phasing out oil, gas and coal. Organisers are focusing on renewable energy, energy security and finance while major producers such as Saudi Arabia and some large economies are not attending.
The DRC and M23 have agreed to facilitate humanitarian access, release prisoners within 10 days, and establish a ceasefire monitoring mechanism after five days of Swiss talks mediated by Qatar. Despite progress, disagreements remain over sentences and bank reopenings, with fighting continuing in eastern regions.
Oil shipments from Russia have surged in 2026, making Moscow Syria’s dominant crude supplier after Assad’s fall. The move underscores Damascus’s economic constraints and Moscow’s growing influence in a country with two Russian bases, while Western sanctions continue to complicate global supply chains.
Kazakhstan has redirected up to 100,000 metric tons of crude to the Baltic port of Ust-Luga and another 160,000 metric tons via the CPC in southern Russia, in a shift that follows attacks on the Druzhba pipeline and raises questions over supply to Germany and Berlin’s PCK refinery.
Reza Pahlavi has been splattered with a liquid outside Germany’s federal press conference building during his visit to Berlin. He has called on European nations to increase pressure on Iran’s regime amid ongoing conflict and stalled negotiations. Several German lawmakers have met with him, but the German government has not scheduled official talks. Pahlavi continues to advocate for a transition in Iran, claiming widespread support among Iranians abroad.
The UK government is monitoring ongoing discussions between European countries and the Taliban about deporting Afghan asylum seekers. While the UK does not recognize the Taliban government, officials are not ruling out future returns, despite concerns over Afghanistan's human rights record and the current humanitarian crisis.
A consortium of reports shows stronger European EV sales driven by higher petrol prices, while BYD expands fast-charging and North American fleets push demand. Off-lease EVs could flood the market in coming years, and public fleets are increasingly a new avenue for EV makers.
Global military spending has reached a historic high, topping $2.89 trillion in 2025. The United States, China and Russia lead the spenders, while Europe and Asia show the strongest growth. U.S. expenditure has fallen slightly in 2025 but is expected to rise again in 2026, with European and Asian budgets expanding amid ongoing conflicts and tensions.
The federal prosecutor's office has identified a suspect, Sergej K., who has been in continuous contact with a Russian intelligence handler since at least May 2025. He is accused of sharing details on German defense contractors, drone tech, NATO convoy movements, and potential sabotage targets, while offering to recruit others. Police have arrested him and will bring him before a judge for pre-trial decisions.
Multiple attacks against Elbit Systems in Germany have been reported, including vandalism at an Ulm office and protests at a UK factory. The incidents are linked to ongoing tensions over the Gaza conflict, with activists citing opposition to Israel's military actions. The German court is pursuing charges against five activists involved in the Ulm attack.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz has said the US is being "humiliated" by Iran and has criticised the lack of a US exit strategy in the US‑Israeli war on Iran. President Donald Trump has publicly attacked Merz, and the US is considering scaling back troop numbers in Germany while NATO and Berlin are discussing European defence responsibilities.
Following a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, conspiracy theories have surged online from across the political spectrum, despite real-time reporting by hundreds of journalists. Experts say distrust in institutions and the entertainment value of “breadcrumbs” drive the spread, while live coverage has shut down some false narratives.
The United States and Ukraine are expanding drone defense capacity as demand for interceptor systems rises amid intensified drone attacks. Ukrainian and allied manufacturers say production bottlenecks and supply-chain stress are hindering scaling, while governments push for greater stockpiles and overseas manufacturing to sustain operations.
A 55-year-old German postal worker is back on her nine‑metre barge delivering mail and packages along Lehde’s waterways as the spring season resumes. She has been doing this for 14 years, navigating the Spreewald’s canal network and selling stamps, with letters giving way to more packages as shipments rise.
European finance ministers and lawmakers are pressing for windfall taxes on oil and gas profits spurred by the Iran conflict and Gulf tensions. BP and TotalEnergies have reported strong Q1 earnings, renewing calls to redirect excess profits to consumers and energy transition efforts. The debate echoes past attempts and faces questions about revenue performance and corporate behavior.
Germany’s chancellor has described US-Iran war strain as costly for Europe, while President Trump hints at reducing troops in Germany. Washington says alliance remains essential, with officials noting Berlin’s push to lead Europe’s defense posture. The debate centers on long-term NATO posture and European security commitments amid the Iran conflict.
The EU has provisionally applied the EU-Mercosur trade pact amid domestic opposition, with tariffs set to fall on most bilateral trade. Final ratification remains pending the EU judiciary's ruling; the bloc cites potential GDP gains while critics warn of farming disruption and environmental risks. Leaders are coordinating Friday to mark the milestone as negotiators push for full implementation.
The US has announced a redeployment of 5,000 troops from Germany, a move that has followed public tensions between President Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran conflict. Berlin has dispatched naval vessels toward the Strait of Hormuz and is defending its limited role; US lawmakers and analysts are warning the withdrawal will complicate NATO posture and logistics across Europe.
The USCGC Tampa has been located about 50 miles off Newquay, Cornwall, at more than 300 feet depth. The wreckage has been confirmed by a British dive team after three years of research. The 1918 loss remains the largest single American naval combat death toll of World War I, and this discovery connects the Coast Guard to its legacy of duty and sacrifice.
The UN and aid groups warn that more than 21 million people in Sudan face acute hunger after 1,000 days of conflict, with funding shortfalls risking the suspension of food and nutrition programmes and possibly famine in parts of the country.
The United States is considering reducing forces in Germany and has threatened to withdraw troops from Italy and Spain after criticizing those allies over the Iran war. European partners have pushed back, with Spain and Italy denying basing rights were used for Iran-related strikes.
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney has attended the European Political Community summit in Yerevan as the first non‑European leader invited, argued that the postwar rules‑based order has ruptured and said it "will be rebuilt out of Europe," and has committed Canada to a $270m contribution for NATO‑coordinated U.S. weaponry deliveries to Ukraine.
President Donald Trump has given the EU until 4 July to implement the Turnberry trade deal or the US will raise tariffs on EU cars and trucks from 15% toward 25%. He has said he spoke to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, set the deadline tied to US Independence Day, and warned of "much higher" duties if the bloc does not act.
The United States has announced a review of its troop levels in Germany, with a decision expected within six to twelve months. The move could bring deployments closer to pre-2022 levels and affects a long-range missiles plan previously set to deploy to Germany. German officials say the shift will push Europe to assume more responsibility for security.
The Pentagon has announced a plan to pull about 5,000 US troops from Germany over the next six to twelve months as tensions over the Iran war intensify with European partners. NATO says it is studying the details of the move, while German officials say Europe must bolster its own defence capacity.
With one year to go, France has a crowded presidential field and the far-right National Rally (RN) is polling strongly. Marine Le Pen has met foreign envoys and her party leader Jordan Bardella has held ambassadorial meetings as RN is presenting a more moderate public face; Jean‑Luc Mélenchon has confirmed his fourth presidential bid.
Germany and the United States are navigating a recently escalated rift over Iran while Washington plans to reduce U.S. troops in Germany by about 5,000, a move Berlin says is separate from the Iran dispute. European partners are being urged to bear greater security responsibilities as NATO reassesses force posture.
President Trump has travelled to Beijing for a two-day summit with Xi Jinping (May 14–15, 2026). Talks have focused on the Iran war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, narrow U.S. trade deals for soybeans, Boeing jets and energy, and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan; a large $11bn Taiwan package remains pending Congress approval.
European leaders are responding to the US-Israel war on Iran, with US troop withdrawals from Germany prompting European calls to strengthen NATO. Leaders say Europe is stepping up, while some nations push for a stronger European defence pillar amid economic strain from the conflict.
The United States has announced a drawdown of troops in Germany, drawing criticism from European leaders who say Europe must take more responsibility for its own security. NATO and EU officials are discussing how to fortify Europe’s defense posture as Washington signals a shift away from European basing amid tensions over the Iran war.
Vodafone Group has completed a deal to take full ownership of VodafoneThree in the UK, valuing the unit at around 13.85bn including debt. The move follows a merger with Three UK last year and aims to accelerate synergies, expand 5G coverage, and simplify structure. Regulatory approvals are still required and the deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
A series of personal-experience articles chronicles expatriates who have moved between countries seeking better lives. From Berlin to Sonoma, from Malta to Chiang Mai, and from Tuscany to a Tuscan village, the pieces explore how relocations, retirement plans, and family decisions shape their journeys.
A Romania court of appeal has hosted a tense press conference after a documentary alleged systemic corruption in the country’s justice system. Judge Raluca Moroșanu has publicly spoken of intimidation and a toxic atmosphere, signaling tensions within the judiciary.
U.S. forces are reportedly withdrawing the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment from Vilseck, Germany, potentially reshaping the town’s economy and daily life. German officials and residents warn of dramatic consequences as the base stands as a major local employer.
The Guardian and The Japan Times report that Europe is accelerating planning for independent defense amid questions over US commitment in a potential crisis, with troop withdrawals and new deterrence efforts under discussion. Germany, France and others are expanding defence readiness as EU drills test mutual aid and national strategies.
European leaders are pushing back on Trump’s urging to withdraw from NATO while calling for stronger European defense. Germany faces pressure as France promotes national defense autonomy, and a recent survey shows waning trust in U.S. leadership among European publics. The debate centers on how Europe should defend itself with or without full U.S. backing.
As of 09 May 2026, the US has said it is reviewing a 14-point peace proposal sent by Iran via Pakistani mediators while Tehran has been tempering expectations, calling the US offer a "wish list." President Trump has signalled talks are "very good" and a deal "very possible," but has also warned military action remains on the table.
Putin has said the Ukraine war is coming to an end and is open to European security talks, as Russia hosted a markedly smaller Victory Day parade. He has named Gerhard Schröder as a preferred intermediary and signalled readiness for talks once conditions are met. Zelenskyi has issued a decree allowing the Moscow parade and has stressed Europe's unity with Ukraine.
EU foreign ministers are weighing direct talks with Russia over Ukraine, insisting any broker be credible and independent of Moscow. Putin has floated former German chancellor Schröder as a potential EU envoy, prompting caution from Brussels. Ukraine says it could coordinate with Europe to apply more pressure on Moscow, while EU leaders debate the path to peace.
Curaçao has confirmed the return of Dick Advocaat as manager, three months after his resignation over his daughter’s health issue. He will coach Curaçao at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the tournament’s oldest manager, with Fred Rutten having stepped down and discussions with Advocaat ongoing.
Finalists including Poland, Greece and Australia have progressed to the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final in Vienna. Hosts and the Eurovision “Big Four” are automatically through, while other countries compete in semi-finals. UK entry Look Mum No Computer will perform in the semi-finals, with full broadcast options available.