Europe

The Impact of Humiliating Visa Rejection Rates on African and Asian Artists in UK and EU

Artists, authors, producers, and festival managers have raised concerns over the humiliating and costly visa rejection rates faced by African and Asian artists when visiting Britain and European Union countries. The steep fees for visa applications, totaling millions of pounds each year, especially burden individuals from low and middle-income countries …

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French President Macron Warns of Civil War Threat from Far Right and Leftwing Parties in Parliamentary Election

French President Emmanuel Macron recently raised concerns about the far right National Rally RN party and the leftwing New Popular Front coalition, both of which are leading contenders in the upcoming parliamentary election. Macron criticized the RN party for their stigmatizing approach towards crime and immigration, warning that such divisive …

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Homelessness and Cost of Living Crisis Grip the UK Ahead of Parliamentary Election

More than 300,000 people in the UK are without permanent housing on any given night, with reasons ranging from sleeping on the streets to seeking help from family and friends. Rising rents and a shortage of affordable housing have exacerbated the issue, amid the biggest decline in living standards …

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Nigel Farage's Controversial Comments Spark Backlash in the UK

Nigel Farage, the leader of Britain's anti-immigration Reform UK party, sparked strong criticism on Saturday, June 22, following his comments on the West's role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In an interview with the BBC, Farage claimed that NATO and the EU's expansion eastward had provoked Russian President Vladimir Putin …

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Russia Launches Eighth Largescale Attack on Ukraine's Power Infrastructure

Russia has launched another massive attack on Ukraine's power infrastructure, according to national grid operator Ukrenerho. This marks the eighth largescale strike targeting the country's energy grid in the last three months. The latest attack, which occurred overnight on June 22, resulted in power transmission systems in the Zaporizhzhya and …

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Barcelona to Ban Apartment Rentals to Tourists by 2028 in Effort to Combat Soaring Housing Costs

Barcelona, a top Spanish holiday destination, has made the bold decision to prohibit apartment rentals to tourists by 2028. This unexpected move, announced by the city's leftist mayor Jaume Collboni, aims to address the skyrocketing housing costs in the city and prioritize making Barcelona more livable for its residents.

Collboni …

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Recent Developments in Espionage and Russian Air Strikes in Eastern Ukraine

In recent news, the Attorney General Timm Seckel has arrested three men on suspicion of espionage in Frankfurt. The Federal Prosecutors Office believes that these individuals were spying on a Ukrainian national and were working for a foreign intelligence service. It is reported that they were conducting surveillance at a …

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Review: Mother-Daughter Duo Olivia Colman and Gemma Jones Shine in Wicked Little Letters

In the latest film 'Wicked Little Letters,' the talented Olivia Colman and Gemma Jones deliver exceptional performances as a mother-daughter duo, showcasing a range of emotions from horror to love. The film, featured in SF Film, explores a captivating storyline filled with drama, humor, and even elements of horror. As …

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Debate Over Mandatory Insurance Against Natural Disasters Divides German Federal Government and States

The federal government in Germany is at odds with the 16 federal states over the implementation of mandatory insurance against floods and other natural disasters. The proposed mandatory offer by the government has been deemed insufficient by the prime ministers of the states, who believe that voluntariness will not effectively …

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Explosive Attack in Montenegro Leaves Two Dead in Suspected Mafia Retaliation

A tragic incident rocked the town of Cetinje in Montenegro on June 20, resulting in two casualties and three injuries. The Montenegrin police confirmed that Petar Kaluđerovic and Dragan Roganovic, both identified as members of organized criminal groups, lost their lives in an explosive attack. The attackers strategically placed an …

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Legendary Canadian Actor Donald Sutherland Passes Away at 88

Donald Sutherland, the acclaimed Canadian actor known for his captivating performances in iconic films such as MASH, Klute, and The Hunger Games, has passed away at the age of 88. His son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, announced his father's death on social media, marking the end of a prolific career that …

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The Role of Ageing SU24s in the Air Force

The Soviet-built SU24 aircraft, despite their age, continue to play a crucial role in the air force of many countries. These aircraft have been in service for decades, first entering production in the 1970s. While newer, more advanced aircraft have been developed since then, the SU24s remain a vital part …

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USA Adds Japan to Currency Manipulation Watchlist: Other Significant Trading Partners Avoid Designation

In the latest semiannual report by the US Department of the Treasury, Japan has been added to the watchlist for currency manipulation, joining Germany, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore. The criteria for inclusion on the watchlist include a trade surplus with the USA of at least 15 billion dollars …

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Putin Suggests Possible Arms Supply to North Korea in Response to Western Arming of Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin recently hinted at the possibility of Russia supplying weapons to North Korea as a potential response to Western countries arming Ukraine. The statement came after Putin's visit to North Korea where he signed a mutual defence agreement with Kim Jong Un. This move has raised concerns among …

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YouGov Lowers Revenue Forecast as Demand for Data Products Declines

The market research institute YouGov has surprisingly lowered its revenue forecast due to declining demand for its data products, as stated in a recent announcement. The company's stock plummeted by up to 40 percent, marking its most significant drop in 15 years. YouGov now anticipates a revenue of 324 to …

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Mark Rutte Set to Become the Next NATO Secretary General After Months of Blockade

The way for the appointment of Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO is clear after months of blockade. On Thursday, Romania announced as the last alliance state to give up its resistance against the appointment of the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister to the top position. Romania's President …

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Conflict Escalates in Ukraine: Drone Attacks, Military Assaults, and International Diplomacy

On Thursday, June 20, 2024, the conflict in Ukraine intensified as Russian drone attacks targeted energy infrastructure in multiple regions, resulting in injuries and damage to residential buildings in Lviv. Ukraine's military reported increased assaults by Russian forces near Toretsk in the Donetsk region, with multiple operations launched simultaneously. Meanwhile …

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The Impact of Rassemblement National's Potential Rise to Power on German-French Relations

The dissolution of the National Assembly by Emmanuel Macron and the potential ascendancy of Rassemblement National (RN) in France has left the German government on high alert. The possibility of RN gaining a parliamentary majority and having a part in the French government has raised concerns in Berlin. German officials …

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Hezbollah Chief Warns of War with Israel Amid Escalating Tensions

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah has issued a stern warning to Israel, threatening a war with no restraint, no rules, and no ceilings in case of a major Israeli offensive against Lebanon. Nasrallah's remarks come amid soaring tensions at the Lebanon-Israel border after Israeli officials reiterated that the country is ready …

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Rising LGBTQ Fears as Far-Right Sees Victories in European Elections

As the European election results came pouring in on the evening of June 9, it became clear that France's far-right Rassemblement National (National Rally or RN) would come out on top. With 31.5 percent of the vote, the party led by Marine Le Pen outshone President Emmanuel Macron's coalition …

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Controversial Debate Over Deportations of Serious Criminals and Islamist Threats: Interior Ministers Push for Action at Potsdam Conference

The Conference of Interior Ministers, set to begin in Potsdam, has sparked a contentious debate over the deportation of serious criminals and Islamist threats to Afghanistan and Syria. While some ministers advocate for stricter measures, including ending payment of citizens' money to certain refugees and negotiating with ruling regimes in …

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Rising Health Insurance Contributions Expected in Berlin Around 2024-2025

Statutory health insured individuals in Berlin may face increasing contributions around the turn of the year 2024/2025 due to the poor financial situation of health insurance companies. Doris Pfeiffer, the head of the GKV umbrella organization, has stated that health insurances will require more money in 2025 to cover …

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Amazon to Invest Additional Ten Billion Euros in Germany, Majority Allocated to Cloud Internet Services

The US corporation Amazon has announced plans to invest another ten billion euros in Germany, with the majority of the funds designated for its cloud internet services. This investment also includes allocations for the expansion of logistics robotics and the establishment of two new corporate headquarters. The German Amazon headquarters …

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Putin and Kim Sign Mutual Defence Pact, Raising Concerns in the West

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have recently signed a pact that includes a mutual defence clause, obligating the two countries to come to each other's aid in the event of an attack. Describing the comprehensive strategic partnership as an alliance, Kim highlighted the pact as …

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EU Commission Intensifies Surveillance on Seven Member States Over High Budget Deficits

The EU Commission has announced its intention to place seven member states, including France, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Malta, under intensified surveillance due to their high budget deficits. This move comes after the EU debt rules were reinstated following their suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rules stipulate …

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United States Soldier Sentenced in Russia Amid Prisoner Swap Proposals

A Russian court has sentenced US staff sergeant Gordon Black to three years and nine months in a penal colony for stealing $113 from his girlfriend and threatening to kill her. This incident adds to the list of US citizens jailed in Russia, including corporate security executive Paul Whelan, musician …

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Malu Dreyer to Step Down as Minister President of Rhineland-Palatinate

Malu Dreyer, the Minister President of Rhineland-Palatinate from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), is set to resign from her position, as confirmed by government sources. The news of her impending resignation was initially reported by the German Press Agency and later confirmed by several media outlets. It is anticipated that …

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Deadly Fire and Explosions at Military Ammunition Depot in Chad's Capital

An unknown number of people have been killed and injured after a fire triggered a series of blasts at a military ammunition depot in Chad's capital, N'Djamena. The fire began in N'Djamena's Goudji district late on Tuesday, causing huge explosions, as reported by Foreign Affairs Minister Koulamallah Abderaman in a …

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German Politicians Call for Tougher Stance on Migration Policy Ahead of Federal-State Meetings

Berlin: Ahead of two top meetings between the federal government and the states on migration policy, several politicians are calling for a tougher stance on the issue. 'People expect us to find solutions,' said Thuringia's Interior Minister Georg Maier (SPD) to Handelsblatt. He pointed to the European elections where the …

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Russian Kazan YasenM Submarine in the Caribbean: Strategic Implications and Western Concerns

The presence of the Russian nuclear-powered submarine K561 Kazan in the Caribbean has sparked significant interest and concern in Western military circles. The Yasen-class cruise missile underwater vessel, accompanied by other Russian naval assets, has raised strategic questions about Russian maritime operations and intentions, particularly towards countries like Cuba and …

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