Politics

Strained relations with Washington are driving Canada to deepen its partnership with the European Union, with Brussels eager to capitalise on a rare geopolitical opening.

Fresh data from Germany’s annual education index has deepened concerns over a sustained decline in student performance, with analysts urging a return to core competencies and greater transparency as the country searches for a path back to educational strength.

Preliminary figures from the Swedish Election Authority show the centre-left bloc holding 176 seats against 173 for its rivals, a majority of just three in the 349-member Riksdag.

Exit polls point to a narrow victory for Sweden’s red bloc, potentially returning the Social Democrats to power, as European leaders navigate a busy week of political developments across the continent.

From defence cooperation to securing critical raw materials, Brussels is preparing an ambitious agenda ahead of high-level talks with Ottawa.

Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s announcement signals a sweeping departure from Orbán-era family policy, with reforms expected to expand adoption eligibility in Hungary.

Russia’s overnight barrage of more than 450 drones struck Ukrainian territory as Kyiv hit Russian oil refineries, while President Zelenskyy publicly expressed willingness to meet Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Miami.

Marine Le Pen has returned to the northern stronghold of Hénin-Beaumont in an apparent bid to project stability as National Rally faces a turbulent start to the new political season, even as her personal poll numbers remain resilient.

Paris has moved to ease a diplomatic standoff with Washington that had blocked the accreditation of its nominated ambassador, after a dispute over social media policy unsettled transatlantic relations between the two allies.

British police have banned face coverings at a planned anti-migration protest, invoking public order powers as debate over small-boat Channel crossings continues to dominate the UK political landscape.