European

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Throughout my travels, I've had the unique privilege of visiting 89 countries and calling various cities home. It might sound clichéd, but it is true: I have yet to encounter a country I didn’t enjoy. However, some places resonate with me more deeply; perhaps you've experienced the same wonder while exploring the globe, wondering what makes a place truly special? What if it isn't just the sightseeing, but the stories we weave as we connect with each destination?…

In a highly anticipated announcement, the European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to lower interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point later today. This decision follows the recent inflation data for eurozone countries, which revealed a price increase of just 2.2% in March—a slight decline of 0.1% from February. As the cost of living inches closer to the ECB's target of 2%, there is a clear opening for the bank to implement a rate cut. If the ECB moves forward with this reduction, the main interest rate will decrease…

Ireland is poised to join a collaborative alliance of European nations focused on sharing intelligence regarding potential threats within EU waters. Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, has granted permission for the Defence Forces to officially participate in the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE). This move aims to enhance the country’s maritime surveillance capabilities. CISE is a voluntary and decentralized network designed for sharing maritime surveillance information among EU and EEA countries…

In a significant development for European defense initiatives, Poland's Finance Minister Andrzej Domański has announced that the European Commission's ReArm Europe defense plan is now a top priority for Poland's presidency of the Council of the European Union. Domański emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the Polish presidency aims to "finalise work on the package urgently." This week, EU finance ministers convened in Warsaw for the second day of discussions, focusing on how member states can effectively…

Today, shares across Asia and Europe saw a notable surge, and the frantic bond sell-off appears to have stabilized following a surprise announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump. The President indicated that he would temporarily lower the hefty tariffs he had recently imposed on numerous countries. However, the overnight rally in U.S. stocks and the dollar lost some of its momentum as tensions escalated between the U.S. and China, leaving investors baffled by the administration's inconsistent approach to tariffs. As…

Trump Declares 20% Tariff on EU Goods In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump announced a plan to implement a hefty 20% tariff on a wide range of goods imported from the European Union. This decision has significant implications for trade relations across the Atlantic and is bound to spark a robust discussion among economists and policymakers alike. Understanding the Impact Trump's tariff proposal aims to address imbalances in trade that he argues disadvantage American producers. "We cannot allow our great…

“You might call it a sad opportunity,” remarked Yasmine Belkaid, the esteemed director of the Pasteur Institute in Paris. Photograph by Romuald Meigneux/Sipa/Rex/Shutterstock. The ad was unlike any other, draped in language like "censorship" and "political interference". Originating from Belgium, it seemed designed to reach across the ocean to researchers in the United States, perhaps hinting at a desire to leave behind funding freezes, budget cuts, and new ideological hurdles reportedly initiated by the Trump…

Europe's Bold Defence Initiative: A Response to New Threats Europe is setting forth on a significant spending initiative, reminiscent of the nearly trillion-euro response crafted during the Covid pandemic. As we navigate this new phase, the rhetoric surrounding this endeavor evokes the existential threat the pandemic once posed. This time, however, the looming threat comes from Russia. "There is an intelligence assessment that Russia will test EU defences within three to five years," remarked a senior EU…

According to a French Member of the European Parliament, France should reclaim the Statue of Liberty, asserting that the United States has drifted away from the very values that inspired France to gift the statue in the first place. 'Give us back the Statue of Liberty,' proclaimed Raphael Glucksmann, a centre-left politician, during a recent convention for his Place Publique movement. He passionately addressed a supportive audience, stating, 'We're going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to…

Today, a significant meeting of European defense ministers is set to take place, aiming to discuss the establishment of a peacekeeping force. This initiative could be a crucial component of the security guarantees that Ukraine has stated are essential to deter any future Russian aggression following a potential ceasefire. As President Emmanuel Macron remarked, "In unity, we find strength," emphasizing the collaborative effort required for peace. Defense ministers from Europe's five primary military powers—France, Britain,…