Grand Duchy in Western Europe, bordered by Belgium, Germany, and France
Voters in Switzerland have cast ballots on a sustainability-focused migration cap. Preliminary results show a rejection of the proposal, with turnout above 57%. The referendum, driven by the SVP, would have capped the population by 2050 and could have forced limits on asylum and residency if 9.5 million is reached. Government and Parliament oppose the measure; EU ties could be affected. Final tallies are pending canton-by-canton results.
As of March 22, 2026, Iran maintains effective control over the Strait of Hormuz, blocking oil shipments following US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader. President Trump has urged allies including the UK, China, and France to send warships to secure the vital waterway, but key NATO members remain reluctant, emphasizing diplomacy. The blockade has pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel, intensifying global economic pressures.
Following US pressure, several NATO allies including Germany, Japan, and Australia have declined to send naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz amid tensions over Iran's blockade. The US urges collective action, but most countries cite legal, strategic, and political concerns. UK considers support but warns against escalation.
As of April 3, 2026, President Trump has publicly condemned NATO and key allies for refusing to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's blockade during the US-Israeli war. Despite launching the conflict and claiming military success, Trump insists the US no longer needs NATO's help, while European leaders like Macron and Starmer reject involvement, citing the war's risks and complexity.
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.
Kigali has expanded dedicated bus lanes and introduced a pilot airport shuttle to improve reliability and cut travel times. The reforms, delivered by Ecofleet Solutions, include fixed schedules, longer bus corridors, new routes and planned electric buses. Early data show higher ridership and shorter journeys, with ongoing route adjustments and a focus on preventing buses from leaving terminals until full.
Poland has opened proceedings to consider stripping Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle after he has approved the renaming of a Ukrainian special-forces unit 'Heroes of the UPA' and presided over the reburial of World War II nationalist Andriy Melnyk with state honours. Polish leaders have voiced outrage, and an advisory Chapter meeting has been scheduled to review revocation.
Italian financial police have seized assets worth more than $230 million linked to the money-laundering operations of mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro. The investigation spans multiple countries and led to the arrest of three people, highlighting an international network built from decades of drug trafficking profits.
Ukraine and Moldova have had the first cluster opened in EU accession talks, marking a milestone in reforms and alignment with EU laws. Hungary has dropped its veto, paving the way for negotiations to cover rule of law and the single market, though concerns over reform pace persist.