Germany targets air defense ramp-up as Berlin corrals allies behind Ukraine – POLITICO

The German defense ministry said that Denmark and the Netherlands are in discussions over financial support for IAAD. “Several other partners have also agreed to intensively examine whether they can also supply systems or provide resources,” the ministry added. While the German government has come under fire for refusing to donate Taurus cruise missiles to … Read more

Israeli strikes on Rafah kill 13, as Gaza death toll surpasses 34,000 – POLITICO

The lastest strikes came within hours after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to provide Israel with $26.3 billion in assistance. The measure, which includes $9 billion in humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip, now goes back to the Senate, which about 10 weeks ago cleared legislation with nearly identical aid to Israel. … Read more

Macron’s explosive home front in the Gaza war

PARIS  — In the days after Hamas struck Israel, French President Emmanuel Macron made a national address vowing his “unreserved solidarity” with Israel.  A month later, he swerved to redress the balance, organizing a conference to support Gaza, joining calls for a cease-fire. In the days and months following Israel’s ground operation and airstrikes, Macron … Read more

French Senate votes to implement strike-free days in transport sector ahead of Olympics – POLITICO

“The struggle French people face (during transport strikes) underlines the responsibility that weighs on companies and unions to avoid ending up in these situations,” Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete said. “I believe that we must first and foremost reinforce dialogue within the transport sector to avoid strikes.” But not all supporters of French President Emmanuel Macron … Read more

Ukrainians may be tiring but won’t compromise with Putin, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff says – POLITICO

And this week another former unpaid adviser to Zelenskyy’s office linked to Tatarov, Artem Shilo, was arrested by detectives with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine on charges of embezzling $2.48 million from Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine’s state railway company. The allegation is that he was the ringleader of a group involved in the acquisition of transformers from … Read more

Turkey’s Erdoğan suffers blow in crucial mayoral elections as secular opposition surges – POLITICO

In his victory speech delivered late Sunday, Imamoğlu said the local election results would have big implications for the country’s political future. “Turkey will blossom into a new era in democracy as of tomorrow. March 31, 2024 is the day when democratic erosion ends and democracy begins to recover,” he told a big crowd in … Read more

Europe’s beautiful city just as pretty as Berlin or Munich but without as many tourists | Travel News | Travel

This European city is said to be just as beautiful as Berlin and Munich but with far less tourists, making the perfect weekend getaway. Sitting on the bank of the Rhine is the old city of Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful cities that has no shortage of attractions for tourists. Home to … Read more

Kurdish protest ends in clash with Brussels police – POLITICO

On Sunday evening, as members of the Syrian Kurdish community were celebrating the festival of Nowruz, which marks the Iranian and Persian New Year, brawls broke out with members of the Turkish community. Police have since said they will increase surveillance in schools and mosques in the region. The European Kurdish Democratic Societies Congress condemned … Read more

Moscow massacre sparks battle of blame – POLITICO

Indeed, the Moscow attack is reminiscent of the Islamic State attack in 2015 at the Bataclan theater in Paris, a killing spree that left 90 dead. Friday’s shooting rampage also bore similarities to the 2002 Nord Ost theater siege, when a group of Chechen gunmen and women occupied a packed theater in eastern Moscow and demanded an … Read more

Massive Russian attack targets Ukraine energy infrastructure – POLITICO

Zelenskyy used the attack to plead for more military aid from Ukraine’s allies. “There are no delays in Russian missiles, as in aid packages to our state,” he said. Shahed drones “do not have indecision, like some politicians. It is important to understand the cost of delays and delayed decisions,” Zelenskyy said. EU leaders at … Read more