Italy's Third Failed Attempt to Process Migrants in Albania: What Went Wrong?
Italy's latest attempt to house migrants in Albania while processing their asylum applications has failed, marking the third unsuccessful try. Here's what you need to know:
Uncovering the Dark Truth of Sniper Tourism
You might have heard of war tourism, but have you ever wondered what sniper tourism is?
It's a phenomenon where individuals pay to shoot civilians in a war zone.
Italians are being investigated for participating in sniper tourism during the Bosnian War.
They allegedly paid up to €100,000 to shoot civilians in Sarajevo.
The investigation is ongoing, and it's unclear how many people were involved.
What drives someone to pay for the thrill of shooting innocent people?
Avalanche Tragedy in Italy: 5 German Mountaineers Killed
An avalanche in northern Italy's Ortles mountains has claimed the lives of 5 German mountaineers.
3 bodies were recovered on Saturday, including 2 men and a woman
2 more bodies, a man and his 17-year-old daughter, were found on Sunday
The cause of the late ascent is unknown. Avalanche risks are high in the Italian Alps.
Unlocking Russian Assets for Ukraine's Defense: A Potential Game-Changer?
You're probably wondering how the EU plans to support Ukraine's defense against Russia's aggression.
The answer lies in Russia's frozen assets**.
The EU proposes using Russia's frozen assets to fund a €140bn loan for Ukraine
The loan would be secured on Russia's Central Bank assets, frozen due to EU sanctions
Ukraine would repay the loan using theoretical compensation from Russia once the war is over
The plan is still being discussed, but EU leaders are expected to back the idea.
However, there are concerns about the legal and technical implications**.
Gaza Truce Plan Sparks Optimism and Criticism
The Gaza truce plan has sparked great optimism among some, but others are criticizing the EU for pausing sanctions against Israel.
The EU has paused efforts to suspend preferential trade with Israel and sanctions against individuals responsible for fuelling the conflict.
Former senior EU officials are speaking out against the decision, saying it's the wrong move.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the road to peace is long and uncertain. Will the truce hold, or will violence erupt again?
Mysterious Balloons Disrupt Air Traffic
Dozens of balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes from Belarus have been entering Lithuania's airspace, forcing the temporary closure of Vilnius airport.
The balloons are used by smugglers to transport cigarettes into the European Union, where tobacco products are more expensive
This is the second incident this month, with a similar event occurring on October 5
The Lithuanian government is calling on Belarus to cooperate in preventing similar incidents
The situation is being closely monitored, and the authorities are working to find a solution to this unusual problem.
EUROPE IN FOCUS: War, Theft, and Diplomacy
EU agrees to end Russian gas imports by 2027. Ukraine's president is ready to meet with Putin and Trump in Hungary. The Louvre remains closed after a theft.
Nord Stream Sabotage: A Web of Intrigue
You might be wondering what's going on with the Nord Stream pipelines. Here's a quick rundown:
A Ukrainian suspect is wanted by Germany for alleged involvement in the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022.
Poland and Italy have both blocked extradition requests from Germany.
The case is politically sensitive, with EU and NATO countries involved.
So, what's next?
Nord Stream Attack: Extradition Drama Unfolds
A Ukrainian suspect is wanted in Germany for the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline attack
Italy and Poland are considering extradition requests
The attack is a sensitive topic in Europe, with many countries investigating
The Nord Stream pipeline attack has sparked a geopolitical debate, with some countries viewing it as a heroic act and others as a terrorist attack
The extradition requests are being reviewed, and the suspects' fate remains uncertain
Italy Farmhouse Explosion Kills Police Officers
Three police officers were killed and many injured in a massive explosion at a rural Italian farmhouse.
An eviction attempt went wrong when the house, filled with gas, was deliberately ignited, causing a huge blast.
A brother and sister in their 60s, and a third sibling, have been detained in connection with the incident.
The explosion has been described as an "incredible tragedy" and an "absolutely crazy gesture".
Italian Journalist Exposed to Spyware After Investigating Far-Right Party
An Italian investigative journalist, Francesco Cancellato, received a notification from WhatsApp that he was targeted with spyware made by Israel-based Paragon Solutions. Cancellato is known for exposing young fascists within prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right party. The spyware, known as Graphite, was delivered to targets through PDFs in group chats without their permission. It is not clear how long Cancellato may have been compromised, but he published a high-profile investigative story last year that exposed fascist chants, Nazi salutes, and antisemitic rants by members of Meloni’s party’s youth wing. Paragon Solutions declined to comment.
Trump's Plan to Detain 30,000 Migrants at Guantanamo: A Surprise Move
TRUMP TO DETAIN MIGRANTS AT GUANTANAMO BAY
In a bold move, President Trump has announced he will sign an executive order to use Guantanamo Bay as a detention facility for 'the worst criminal illegal aliens.' With 30,000 beds reportedly available, the facility will house migrants charged with crimes like burglary, larceny, and shoplifting. Cuba, where Guantanamo Bay is located, has criticized the move, calling it an 'act of brutality.'
Italian PM Meloni Under Investigation Over Release of Libyan War Crimes Suspect
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy is now under investigation for her role in the release of Libyan general Osama Najim, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes. Meloni, who is suspected of aiding and abetting a crime and embezzlement, claims that the investigation is politically motivated.
Baltic Sea Cable Sabotage: A Hybrid War?
What's going on in the Baltic Sea? Underwater cables connecting European NATO members have been damaged, and Latvia suspects external influence. With Russia and China as possible culprits, nations are scrambling to protect their infrastructure. NATO has launched a new monitoring mission in the area, and the EU has expressed full solidarity with the affected countries. But what does this mean for the region's stability?
EU Mulls Easing Syria Sanctions to Boost Aid and Reconstruction
The European Union is considering lifting some sanctions against Syria to support the country's reconstruction and help refugees return. The move aims to encourage a democratic transition and reestablish economic activity while maintaining leverage over the new authorities. The EU also plans to keep some sanctions in place to ensure its expectations are met. The bloc is working on a 'snapback' tool to quickly reimpose sanctions if necessary. The EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the details on Monday.
Belarus' Sham Elections: Lukashenko Declared Winner With 87.6% of Votes
Belarus just had its so-called presidential elections on January 26, with Alexander Lukashenko unsurprisingly winning with over 87% of the votes. But here's the catch - the election is a sham. The Western international community has long declared that the previous elections were rigged, and the current ones are no different. The opposition is either imprisoned or in exile, and independent media has been blocked. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, along with the EU, US, Canada, and the UK, has expressed solidarity in not recognizing the results.
| Source | Link |
|---|---|
| Pravda UA | https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/01/26/7495303/ |
EU Suggests Customs Union Plan to Boost UK-EU Trade Links
The EU has proposed a 'pan-European customs area' that could help the UK rejoin supply chains hit by Brexit barriers. The idea, backed by some business groups, would allow Britain to source parts and ingredients from dozens of countries for tariff-free trade. The EU's trade chief, Maros Sefcovic, said the plan has not been 'precisely formulated' by London yet and the 'ball is in the UK's court'. The UK government has begun consultations with business over the benefits of the PEM plan. However, housing minister Matthew Pennycook ruled out the UK's participation in the arrangement 'at the present time'.
Italian Journalist Cecilia Sala Freed from Iran Prison!
Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been freed from Evin prison in Tehran after being detained in December. Sala was arrested on a journalist visa and held in solitary confinement, sparking concerns about Iran's practice of arbitrarily detaining foreign nationals to gain leverage over other governments. Her release comes after what the Italian government called 'intense' diplomatic work. Sala is expected to return to Rome, and her partner, Daniele Ranieri, said she was 'excited and very happy' following her release. Meanwhile, Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini, who is suspected of supplying drone parts used in an attack in Jordan, remains in a Milan prison.
Homelessness in the US Surges to 18.1%, Affecting Over 770,000 People
Homelessness in the US has reached an 18.1% increase, with over 770,000 people affected. The rise is mostly due to a lack of affordable housing, natural disasters, and a surge of migrants. Family homelessness has seen a nearly 40% rise, with more than 150,000 children experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2024. However, homelessness among veterans continues to trend downwards.
Albania TikTok Ban: A Year-Long Hiatus from Social Media
Albania has decided to ban TikTok for a year, following a fatal stabbing at a school. The ban is part of the government's plan to make schools safer and promote healthier social media use among children. The decision comes after several European countries and Australia imposed restrictions on social media use for minors.
Prime Minister Edi Rama blamed TikTok for fuelling violence among youths in and outside schools. The ban is expected to come into effect early next year and will also include measures to help parents monitor their children's online activities.
