Governments, elections, EU geopolitics
As Moscow hosts the third Russia-Africa summit, trade remains modest and concentrated in Egypt and Algeria, while military deployments and diplomatic outreach aim to secure support and resources.
British officials have begun discussions with the EU about a long-term relationship, including a possible return to free movement, business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said, while stressing that the British people are ‘the boss’ on any final decision.
Recent protests in France have reignited debate over police tactics, with rights groups citing severe injuries from rubber bullets and stun grenades, and researchers calling French police the most brutal in the EU.
Bulgaria’s presidential election heads to a run-off on November 1 after record low turnout, with incumbent Iliana Yotova facing pro-Western challenger Andrey Gyurov amid divisions over the Ukraine war and recent Black Sea drone attacks.
Belgian intelligence sources questioned an EUobserver report alleging a cover-up favouring ex-EU commissioner Didier Reynders, while international commentary focused on his possible Russia ties.
Russia’s attacks on Kyiv are intensifying, turning the capital into a front-line city where residents shelter in subway stations and face deadly strikes on homes and schools.
French riot police fired teargas at a peaceful orchestra performing in central Paris, forcing hundreds of musicians to stop as canisters landed among their instruments.
Raphael Glucksmann won the Socialist primary with 66%, but must overcome deep divisions on the left to have a chance in 2027.
Putin ordered the release of American Stephen Hubbard after a direct request from Trump, as envoy Steve Witkoff praised the Russian leader as a humanitarian during talks in St Petersburg.
Barcelona’s former mayor Ada Colau says the U.S. denied her a visa to attend a summit in Puerto Rico because of her Gaza flotilla activism, calling it ‘shameful’.